Recruitment Materials

The first step to successful recruitment is helping students understand the value of public relations and the opportunities available through PRSSA. Use these resources to introduce students to the profession, showcase your Chapter’s impact and communicate why students should get involved.

What is Public Relations?

Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. PR professionals tell stories, build relationships, create campaigns, work with media, support organizations during crises and connect organizations with all their publics.

Public relations touches every industry, including healthcare, entertainment, sports, nonprofits, government, technology and business.

Why Join PRSSA?

PRSSA is a pre-professional organization for students interested in public relations, marketing and communications. Whether you're just beginning to explore the industry or preparing for your first internship, PRSSA helps you build the skills, experience and connections needed to succeed in your career.

As a PRSSA member, you'll gain access to opportunities and resources that go beyond your local Chapter, helping you grow both professionally and personally.

What You'll Gain

• Professional development through free PRSSA and PRSA webinars, resources and industry insights
• Networking opportunities with students, alumni and communications professionals across the United States and Internationally
• Opportunities to gain leadership experience to strengthen your resume
• Access to the Champions for PRSSA mentoring program
• Eligibility to apply for PRSSA scholarships, grants and awards
• The possibility to gain hands-on experience by working for real clients in a Student-Run Firm
• Access to the PRSSA Jobcenter featuring internships and full-time opportunities
• Opportunities to attend International conferences, networking events and career-building programs
• Exposure to a variety of career paths in public relations, marketing and communications
• A supportive community where you can build friendships, find mentors and connect with other students who share your interests

Whether your goal is to land your first internship, expand your network or prepare for a career in communications, PRSSA provides the resources and support to help you get there.

Marketing Your Chapter

Recruitment starts with telling your Chapter’s story. Use your social media, website, campus involvement fairs and personal connections to show students what makes your Chapter unique and why they should get involved.

Focus on showcasing:

• Member experiences
• Professional opportunities
• Chapter culture
• Upcoming events
• Career benefits

Social Media Best Practices

Use social media to create awareness before recruitment begins. Share engaging content that shows students what PRSSA offers and why current members enjoy being involved.

Tips:

• Highlight member experiences and testimonials
• Use clear calls-to-action
• Post consistently before and during recruitment
• Make graphics easy to read and visually engaging

Downloadable Resources

• General PRSSA recruitment flyer
• Customizable PRSSA recruitment flyer
• Elevator pitch examples
• PRSSA logo files

At involvement fairs, campus events or other high-traffic areas, recruitment tables are usually the first chance a student gets to interact with your Chapter. A welcoming setup and engaging conversations are key to turning interested students into Chapter members. Use these resources to create an effective recruitment table and make students feel excited about PRSSA.

How to Set Up an Effective Recruitment Table

A successful table should be visually appealing, easy to approach and provide clear information about your Chapter.

Be sure to include:

• PRSSA branding and signage
• Flyers or informational materials
• A way to collect student contact information, whether through a QR code, signup sheet or digital registration form
• Member photos or Chapter highlights (networking trips, events)
• Business cards or contact information
• A giveaway or interactive activity

Conversation Starters

Starting conversations can be the hardest part of tabling. Use simple questions to make students feel comfortable and keep the conversation flowing smoothly:

• "Are you interested in PR, marketing or communications?"
• "Have you heard of PRSSA before?"
• "What career field are you hoping to go into?"
• “What skills or tools are you hoping to learn or improve while in college?”
• “Are you looking for opportunities to build your resume or gain experience?”
• “Would you want to learn more about internships or career opportunities in PR?”

Tips for Engaging Students

Focus on creating a conversation, not just handing someone a flyer.

Remember to:

• Smile and make eye contact
• Ask questions about them before explaining PRSSA
  • Year in school and major
  • College experience
  • Other clubs and involvement
  • Hobbies and interests
• Invite students to your first meeting or event
• Collect Contact Information

Make it easy for interested students to stay connected. Use a simple sign-up form to collect:

• Name
• Email address
• Major/year
• Interests
• Preferred communication method

Following Up After a Student Visits Your Table

Following up quickly helps students remember your Chapter and encourages them to attend future events.

You could send:

• A welcome email
• Upcoming meeting information/reminder about your first event
• Social media links

Downloadable Resources

• Table setup inspiration
• Recruitment table checklist
• Sign-up sheet

Classroom presentations are one of the most effective ways to reach students who are already interested in communications and professional development, but might not know PRSSA exists. These resources will help your Chapter confidently introduce PRSSA to students interested in the field.

Requesting Classroom Visits

Reach out to professors early and explain how PRSSA can benefit their students. Keep your message professional, concise and focused on student benefits.

Professor Outreach Email

Your email should include:

• Introduction to PRSSA and your Chapter (if the faculty doesn’t know)
• Purpose of the classroom visit
• Time needed
• Benefits for students
• Flexible scheduling options

Presentation Best Practices

A successful classroom presentation should:

• Be engaging, personable and concise
• Focus on student benefits
• Include member experiences (internships acquired, friendships made, etc.)
• End with a clear call-to-action
  • Come to our next meeting
  • Pay your dues to gain access to these materials

Public Speaking Tips

• Practice beforehand
• Speak confidently and clearly
• Avoid reading directly from slides
• Share personal stories
• Encourage questions

Classroom Visit Script

Include:

• Introduction to PRSSA
• What public relations is
• Benefits of membership
• Upcoming opportunities
• How students can get involved

Prepare answers to common questions:

• Who can join PRSSA? Can I join if I’m not a PR major?
• Do I need PR experience to join?
• How much does membership cost, and what do I get for my dues?
• How much time does PRSSA require?
• How can PRSSA help me with internships and my career?
• What events, programs or opportunities does PRSSA offer?

Downloadable Resources

• Example professor outreach email
• Customizable presentation

Recruitment events allow students to experience your Chapter’s culture while learning about PRSSA opportunities. Whether social or professional, thoughtful events can help students connect with members, gain experience and see the value of joining PRSSA.

Planning a Successful Recruitment Event

A successful event should:

• Have a clear purpose
• Be welcoming to new students
• Encourage interaction
• Provide opportunities to learn about PRSSA

Professional Event Ideas

• Agency tours
• Alumni panels
• Networking nights
• Resume workshops
• Industry speaker
• Career preparation sessions

Social Event Ideas

• Game nights
• Coffee chats
• Movie nights
• Trivia events
• Member socials

Budget-Friendly Activities

• Campus scavenger hunts
• Bring-your-own-coffee chats
• Study sessions
• Icebreaker activities
• Student panels

Icebreakers

• Two truths and a lie
• Career goal discussions
• PR-related trivia
• Would you rather
• Networking bingo
• Find someone who…

Event Promotion Tips

• Social media
• Campus calendars
• Email newsletters
• Classroom announcements
• Personal invitations

Downloadable Resources

• Recruitment event planning guide
• Event timeline
• Event promotion graphic templates

Recruiting new members is the first step, but retaining them is what builds a strong Chapter. A successful retention strategy focuses on creating consistent engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for members to grow professionally and personally.

Creating a Great First Impression

A student’s first experience with your Chapter can determine whether they stay involved.

Create a welcoming environment by:

• Introducing new members to each other
• Encouraging connections
• Clearly promoting opportunities
• Making meetings interactive

Welcome Email Best Practices

A welcome email should include:

• A message from Chapter leadership
• Benefits of membership and other important membership information
• Upcoming events
• Ways to get involved
• Social media links

Explaining Membership Dues

Help students understand the long-term value of their membership, from networking and professional development opportunities to career-building experiences. If your Chapter charges local dues, make sure to explain the reason for the additional cost beyond International dues. Be sure to share scholarship opportunities or financial resources available to make membership accessible.

First Meeting Ideas

• Member introductions
• PRSSA overview
• Networking activities
• Professional development sessions
• Fun icebreakers

Keeping Members Engaged Throughout the Semester

Maintain engagement by offering:

• Consistent communication
• Career opportunities
• Leadership roles
• Social events
• Member recognition

Building Future Leaders

Members remain encouraged and engaged when they are given involvement opportunities/responsibilities. Consider offering:

• Subcommittee involvement
• Event planning
• Leadership positions
• Mentorship opportunities

Downloadable Resources

• Welcome email template
• First meeting agenda
• New member checklist
• Semester engagement checklist