Members of Penn State’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) left Happy Valley for the day and joined the hustle and bustle of New York City. The trip was designed to give students a closer look at life in the fast-paced world of public relations while networking and working on professional development.
Over the course of the visit, members toured companies like A+E Global Media and M Booth. They gained valuable insights from industry professionals. The trip also featured an alumni networking dinner where students connected with Penn State graduates who are now thriving in the field.
First Stop: A+E Global Media
The first stop brought members to A+E Global Media. It is home to networks like A&E, Lifetime and The History Channel. A+E Global Media reaches audiences across the world with its wide range of programming, including hits like “Live PD” and “The Gypsy Rose Blanchard Story,” to name a couple.
During the visit, students met with individuals who work in internal communications, human resources and social media. One major takeaway from the visit? In communications and media production, every detail matters. Whether it’s crafting a message or producing a show, creativity and teamwork are key. Students left with a deeper understanding of how internal teams come together to maintain A+E Global Media’s strong brand identity.
Second Stop: M Booth
Next, PRSSA members visited M Booth, a creative public relations agency. The visit featured a panel presentation and Q&A session led by Penn State alumni who now work at the agency. They gave students a firsthand look at what it is like to build a career in the industry.
Alumni shared practical advice and encouragement for those hoping to get their start in a digital PR agency. President of PRSSA Grace Mathews said she especially appreciated hearing from the amazing alumni.
“They [alumni] know exactly what to say to help us visualize future careers,” said Mathews.
A strong piece of advice from alumni was to network. M Booth’s team emphasized the power of building and maintaining relationships, especially through utilizing Penn State’s large alumni association.
Alumni Dinner
To end the day, PRSSA members attended an alumni networking dinner at the Scholastic office. The dinner offered a more personal and relaxed setting where students could connect directly with Penn State alumni who are currently working in public relations, media relations and communications in the city.
Vice President Sydney Waldner shared that the goal of this trip was to expose members to opportunities in the field of PR, but it was also a good bonding experience for the club.
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