Vice President of Career Services

Carol Hand

Carol Hand is the 2026-2027 International Vice President of Career Services for PRSSA. A senior at the University of Utah from Saratoga Springs, Utah, she is majoring in strategic communications with a minor in management.

Carol has been involved with PRSSA since the spring of her sophomore year. In her previous role as the PRSSA University of Utah Chapter President, she worked to increase attendance, participation, and career development for all members. She successfully took her entire board to ICON in October of 2025, a first in the Chapter's history, along with successfully producing a PR campaign for the national nonprofit, the Lauren McCluskey Foundation.

Beyond PRSSA, Carol is committed to creating space for underrepresented voices in student leadership. As the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Associated Students of the University of Utah, she became the first executive cabinet member to pass legislation in both the student assembly and senate in the fall semester. This past spring, she ran for student body president, driven by her belief that the students in those seats should reflect the full diversity of the campus they serve. As a first-generation college student herself, Carol is passionate about helping students who lack a built-in network find real pathways to career success, a mission that shapes everything she does inside and outside of the classroom.

Throughout college, Carol has pursued professional experiences rooted in storytelling and impact. Her passion for public relations was first sparked at Serenity Mental Health Centers in Lehi, Utah, where she contributed to national media placements and gained hands-on experience in strategic communications. She later interned at the English Skills Learning Center, a nonprofit focused on serving immigrant and refugee populations, where she worked closely with community members to highlight their unique stories and experiences. She also serves as a Ritz-Carlton Hospitality Ambassador through the J.W. Marriott School of Hospitality, combining her passions for communications, community impact, and hospitality.

As a first-generation college student, Carol understands the challenges of navigating internships and career opportunities without a built-in roadmap. In her role as International Vice President of Career Services, she is committed to helping PRSSA members find success in their careers nationally and globally. She believes PR is an enriching industry, and she is dedicated to providing members with the tools and confidence to thrive in this evolving job market.

Contact

vpcareerservices@prsa.org