Steven Smith stood by a poster at a recent university recruiting event held at George Mason University’s Fairfax campus.
A confident smile and firm handshake awaited any students or faculty whose path ran near Smith’s table.
Smith, the co-founder of the George Mason University’s nationally recognized chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), has worked these kinds of recruiting events many times since 2006, when he began working with the group.
The PRSSA is a pre-professional society and allows students to use classroom skills in real life settings.
Helping to spread the word about this group has been Smith’s goal.
Recently, Smith spearheaded an effort that helped Mason’s PRSSA chapter receive national recognition, taking a group that’s been active on campus for seven years into a new realm.
Having a nationally recognized chapter on campus shows that Mason’s “faculty has the capability of adequately preparing students in the classroom and helps students prepare for their professional careers in public relations,’ said Smith. “Students from other PRSSA chapters at schools across the country are exposed to what George Mason University students are doing and Mason students have the opportunity to get national recognition while still in school.”
Smith, a communication major who took advantage of many of the school’s programs, held many internships while at Mason. He worked as a public relations liaison with Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. and as an audience coordinator assistant with CNBC in Washington, D.C. These challenges and opportunities helped Smith find success with PRSSA.
Smith also spearheaded the public relations for Mason’s Peer Empowerment Program.
Recently, Smith and Mason’s PRSSA helped organize some of the logistics and outreach for the AIDS Quilt display on campus.
“Mason is by far the best decision I have ever made,” said Smith. “Coming to Mason really helped shape the young professional I am today. I really enjoy the diversity that Mason offers. The faculty at Mason has been extraordinarily beneficial. It was immediately evident that the faculty really cares about their students and helps prepare them for their professional careers.”
Smith, who graduated in December, has plans to make a long career in the public relations field.
“After gaining a few years of experience in the public relations field, I would eventually like to open my own public relations firm,” said Smith. “I do not expect anything to be handed to me and I plan on staying proactive to achieve this goal. I will utilize my networks and experience to make it happen. The faculty at Mason has given me the confidence, skills and knowledge to make this possible.”
January 07, 2010
