Panelists at the PRSSA Internship Event gather around after sharing their
insights.
MAGGIE SHEDIAC / COURTESY
By Laili Shahrestani, Staff Writer
On Nov. 21, the Manhattan University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted an internship panel discussing the importance of applying for internships during college and providing students with guidance on how to secure a position.
The event featured several panelists who shared their personal experiences and insights in regard to navigating through the internship process.
PRSSA is a nationally recognized organization that tailors its efforts toward promoting professional development among students and encourages them to partake in opportunities that may lead to future success. The internship panel revolved around the idea that college students should engage in new experiences and explore intern roles to better prepare themselves for the workforce.
Mia Porritt, a junior and the president of PRSSA, expressed how internships are a direct way for students to take their first steps into finding a career post-graduation. She spoke about how working as an intern is a solid starting point and opens the door for future job opportunities.
“Internships are so important for students, because if you join one you really like and you excel in it, then they could possibly hire you,” Porritt said. “You can build your career off of that. Also, internships can be for people that don’t have any experience. I think that’s definitely a really good place to get your foot in, even if it’s just a startup for you.”
Panelists at the event gave advice to student attendees about how to stand out when applying to internships and how to ace an interview. Several of the speakers emphasized how showcasing your personality is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates.
Anna Schmidt, a junior and a communication and sound studies student, added onto the idea that including personalized details during an interview is one distinct way to set yourself apart from others.
“For one of my interviews, I had like a million bingo things in the background, but I played into it,” Schmidt said. “I told them I am hosting sorority bingo this weekend, and was just trying to make it really personable. I wanted to really try to be myself.”
In addition to revealing your personality in an interview, panelists also encouraged students to work on having a strong portfolio or resume. Speakers at the event encouraged students to take part in extracurricular activities around campus, as well as form a strong network on job platforms like LinkedIn.
Colin Ratner, a senior and the executive vice president of student government, spoke about how his involvement in several different extracurriculars around campus set him apart from other candidates. Ratner currently works as an intern for Red Bull, where he is a student marketeer team lead.
“What set me apart from everyone else was the amount of things I had on my resume that were long-term,” Ratner said. “Long-term shows loyalty. Also, just being involved with everything in all different facets. For example, I was involved with Scatterbomb, student government and even leading my own club. Be a big fish in a small pond.”
Speakers at the event highlighted how PRSSA is a way for students within all different majors to learn about new opportunities and gain professional experience.
Maggie Shediac, a junior and the publicity and recruitment coordinator for PRSSA, spoke about how the organization opens the door for an abundance of rewarding experiences, allowing for students to be one step closer to success.
“PRSSA provides so many networking opportunities,” Shediac said. “We hold events with alumni or professionals that work in an industry, and students can chat with panelists, get to know them a little bit, connect with them on LinkedIn and communicate with them further. It’s been really helpful for me, especially to get to know others and connect.”