Backpack Essentials for PR Students — GVSU PRSSA – Grand Valley State University Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America

As APR students, we all have pretty packed schedules. With meetings, classes, work, and internships we are constantly on the go! Here are some essentials we keep in our backpack to get us through the hectic weeks as a PR student.

1. Phone charger

Because you don’t want your battery to die when you are in the middle of a Twitter chat or keeping up with #PRWednesday!

2. Laptop

Does this even need an explanation?

3. Planners

Planners are life. Let’s be real, without these we would all be lost!

4. Healthy Snacks

“Healthy Snacks” and by that we mean chocolate.

5. Coffee

Keep the coffee coming (preferably in IV form)! This is the only way we get through our long days!

6. Highlighters

Preferably in every color of the rainbow to creatively keep your busy schedule and notes organized.

7. AP Stylebook

Because you’ll never know when you might need to write up a press release on the fly. Here is one textbook that you’ll actually put to good use.

8. Headphones

Block out the students that come to the library for social hour… Keep the Beyoncé coming!

9. Notepad

For when that big idea hits you—or for when its doodling time during that long, but oh-so-important lecture.

10. Tissues

For when you are stress crying in the library or if you just have a cold.

In reality, all of these backpack essentials are important, but it is a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn that will ensure your success as a student and a future PR pro.So keep the coffee coming, the Beyoncé playing, and your mind open to new opportunities, because before you know it you will be the next generation of PR Pros taking the PR industry by storm!

Mari Behovitz is a senior at GVSU majoring in advertising and public relations and minoring in business. She has served as the Events Coordinator for the GVSU Advertising Club and is currently serving as the clubs Vice President. Mari has been a PRSSA member for two years and this will be her first year as a Grand PR account associate. Mari’s professional experiences include interning with the Insurance Institute of Michigan, Outer Graphics of Lansing, Tri-county TRIAD, and most recently the American Advertising Federation (AAF).

Lauren Staff is a senior at GVSU studying Advertising and Public Relations. She looks forward to expanding her PR knowledge through her current position as an account ssociate at GrandPR and her membership with PRSSA. Lauren’s professional experiences include positions with Third Coast Development as a social media and marketing intern, and with COM 616 as a PR intern. In Lauren’s free time you can find her hanging out with friends, exploring Grand Haven, reading a book, or watching reruns of Gilmore Girls.