Junior, Florida Gulf Coast University
As president of the FGCU FPRA Student Chapter, I found the
76th Annual Conference extremely beneficial not only for me, but for
my board members and my club in general. From the numerous guest speakers to
the delicious “Think FPRA” themed desert, I simply had a blast at the Annual
Conference this past August. The conference made me appreciate the PR industry
even more than I already do. Additionally, this experience made me grateful
that I was able to so easily pick the perfect profession for my future career.
I can’t thank the professional chapter enough for the scholarship and opportunity
to attend the conference. Below are my top three favorite parts of this year’s
Annual Conference.
No. 3: Swag. “Think FPRA” themed portfolio, bag and
stylus pen that lights up
As a college student, it felt great to receive such a
useful gift that I can use in the future for all my meetings, my future
internships, and for my first job. Most college students don’t think to invest
in a portfolio, much less receive one for free at a conference.
No. 2: Amazing
guest speakers and topics
Unfortunately, because PR is only a concentration and
not a major at my university, I only get to learn PR through six different
classes. Because of this, I try my very best as president of our student
chapter to get as many useful topics as possible at our meetings that we
normally don’t get to cover in class (such as graphic design, social media, and
crisis communication). I was extremely grateful that there were so many topics
and great guest speakers at the conference. My only complaint was that I wish I
could’ve sat in on multiple topics that were being presented at the same
time.
No. 1:
Networking
I spent the majority of my summer in my hometown in
Sarasota, Florida. Sadly, this meant that I couldn’t
really network with the professional chapter over the summer. Thanks to the
FPRA Annual
Conference, I was able to meet and network with almost all of the professional
chapter members
that were at the conference. (I even got lucky and sat next to one friendly
member during
the first general session on Monday when I didn’t know anyone.) I had members
of the professional
chapter seek me out, which felt incredible. I often tell my executive board
members and
members of our club about this experience because it goes to show that great
opportunities await
you through involvement with FPRA.
Because of this wonderful
experience, I am trying my best as president to get funding to help pay for
hotel expenses, food, and gas so that more students from FGCU can attend the
Annual Conference next summer.
Amanda
Brown, Professional Liaison FGCU FPRA
Student Chapter
Senior,
Florida Gulf Coast University
Going to 2014
FPRA conference was a life changing experience. I am so grateful; this
experience is something I will not forget for the rest of my life.
Listed below
are the top five things I learned from the guest speakers. The knowledge I
learned is something I will keep for the rest of my life.
1. Every
interaction is an opportunity.
- Renee Wilson
2. You don't have to have a title to
be a leader
- Sarah
Robinson
3. The key to good writing is
brevity
- Dan Farkas
4. Life is about reaction, capture
the moments
- Dan Farkas
5. Branding is the single most
valuable asset
- Steve McKee
My top
experience was having breakfast with the current state president and two
previous state presidents. It was an amazing experience to learn about their
expertise, careers and why they love FPRA. Every person I met was so welcoming
and willing to help my career.
By the end if
this experience I met individuals willing to help me with finding a job after
graduation, editing my resume and mentoring me throughout my public relations
career. I would not have had these opportunities without the scholarship I
received. The Southwest Florida chapter is amazing and I really appreciate this
association for offering me the opportunity to better my future.
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