From the CEO — GVSU PRSSA – Grand Valley State University Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America

Before I joined GrandPR last year, I thought my good grades were all I needed to get a job after graduation. But I found myself not doing much in the Ad/PR program and I knew nothing about the PR world in general. I really felt like I was lost but I didn’t know how to change it.

I decided to apply for GrandPR for the Winter 2015 staff. After joining, things really changed for me. So far, I have gained five things that I never knew would have such an affect on my life.

1. PR Skills - You learn something new everyday. As a student you have the opportunity to learn in the class and perfect these skills outside of class. Until joining, I didn’t understand how much you could learn outside of the classroom by being a part of GrandPR.
2. Network - You never know who you will meet and who will have a lasting impression on your life. I have met people who have similar interests and who understand what it is like to be passionate about PR.
3. Leadership - I thought I knew what it took to be a leader, until I had 25 people counting on me. No one is the same and neither is the need that they have. I have learned that leadership is a skill but there are other skills that also come with it, like delegation and empathy.
4. Confidence - Being a part of GrandPR has increased my confidence because it has allowed me to learn from my mistakes. It also presents opportunities to grow as a professional through client work, blogs and events. If you put yourself out there, it will be the best thing for your confidence.
5. Happiness - GrandPR has introduced me to amazing people and I have had the opportunity to collaborate with them. It is easier to be passionate about something when you love what you do and whom you do it with. I have found my home in the profession of Public Relations.

Now, I will always advocate for student organizations, whether you are a PR major or not, because they have tremendous benefits. Before GrandPR, I didn’t know where the PR world was going to take me, but now I do. So, put yourself out there and take a chance, you’ll never know where it is going to pay off.

Eleanor O’Hara is a senior at GV and is looking forward to her final two semesters. She hopes to learn as much as she can before heading out into the real world. She hopes to end up at a PR firm in Chicago as an Account Executive. In her spare time, she likes to bake goodies, hangout with her friends and binge watch One Tree Hill on Netflix.