My Experience as Social Media Director
Two and a half years ago, I attended my first Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) meeting. As an intimidated underclassman, I sat in the back of the room, kept quiet, and minded my business. As I now wrap up my third year with Grand Valley’s amazing PRSSA chapter, I cannot recognize that shy sophomore, and I can’t help but feel sentimental while stepping aside from my role as the Social Media Director.
Taking on this position at the beginning of this year was an exciting opportunity to be more involved with our chapter. With a previous background in design and social media content creation, I was eager to dive in when I received the offer. Now that my time at Grand Valley is coming to an end, I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be where I am today—both professionally and personally—without this PRSSA chapter and the incredible people who have shaped my journey. As Social Media Director, I had the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. Beyond the obvious skills of social media management, content creation, and copywriting, I also strengthened essential soft skills like collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, and time management.
Lessons Learned
The Social Media Director’s responsibilities are exactly what you’d expect: actively posting across our social media platforms while managing direct messages and ensuring timely, professional communication.
In this position, I have had the privilege of leading our chapter’s Promotions Committee and collaborating alongside an amazing team, but I also contributed to several impactful projects with my fellow GVPRSSA E-board members. Some of my favorite designs were developing the Instagram takeovers and E-board highlights, which were my excuses to showcase the talented members of our E-board. You might have seen it if you follow @GV_PRSSA on Instagram!
A skill I am especially grateful to have gained is exposure to Meta Business Suite, a program allowing cross-platform posting and scheduling for Instagram and Facebook. While Meta Business Suite is daunting and extremely overwhelming at first, it's a quick-to-learn platform that becomes easily navigable. As I near the end of my time as Social Media Director, I am thankful to have this skill, along with the many others, on my resume.
What It Takes
To be good at social media management, you must be good with organization. In this position, PRSSA blogs, agency tours, bonding events, reminders, and holidays are constantly approaching, and the need for graphics pops up quickly. These moments require strategic planning and execution. However, will inevitably be some things you simply cannot plan for—that’s when your problem-solving skills have to kick in.
How PRSSA Shaped My Future
Social Media Director is a position I am extremely passionate about. This experience has allowed me to develop real social media skills outside the imaginative campaigns that we craft in our classes. I was able to gain more confidence in my design abilities and connect more with our chapter, but also externally, in our WMPRSA chapter and beyond, and create stronger relationships through this role. I feel more secure in my advertising and public relations abilities because of it. To pass the same lessons I learned along, I will always encourage you to take on roles that challenge you and not pass on leadership opportunities, especially while in school. As I prepare to move on from this chapter, I thank everyone who has been a part of my journey. I am forever grateful.
Dominic is a senior pursuing a degree in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Digital Studies. He is currently an Account Associate with an Emphasis in Design and the 2024-2025 GVPRSSA Social Media Director. Outside the classroom, Dominic enjoys writing, going on walks, photography, and spending time with friends.