The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) recently accepted Mercyhurst College into its membership.

The goal of PRSSA is to create relationships between students and professionals in the field of business, communications, marketing and public relations.

According to its official Web site, the PRSSA “began with nine alpha chapters on November 11, 1968. We have since grown to include 284 Chapters and more than 9,600 members across the nation.” Members of PRSSA have access to many benefits such as competitions, national and regional conferences, job boards and scholarships. Members of the Mercyhurst College PRSSA will also have opportunities to network with professionals from the Erie and Pittsburgh Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) chapters. The goal of these activities is to support students in their efforts to network and develop professional skills.

Faculty adviser Meghan Corbin said, “”We started the Public Relations Student Society of America because networking in today’s job market is essential; 80 percent of job seekers say networking has enhanced their search or got them their job.

“The PRSSA offers students this advantage by connecting them with industry professionals and providing the students access to the latest industry information,” she said.

Freshman communication major Danielle Battaglia said, “I did not see the point in joining when I’m a freshman since it doesn’t really benefit me yet.”

Battaglia also mentioned her reluctance to pay the fees, which amount to $75 to become a national member and receive full benefits.

“I think it might be worth it to a senior or upperclassmen when they start searching for a job, but I don’t see a freshman getting much out of going to these meetings besides free food,” she said.

Another freshman, Chelsee Callahan, disagreed.

“I actually (think joining is) a good idea. It’s an opportunity to meet people in your field and toss around new ideas,” Callahan said.

Students interested in the PRSSA should contact Brittani Devore, who serves as the student president, or check out prssa.org for more information.