After four years as an SGI-recognized organization, SJU’s chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) made its way to the organization’s annual national conference on Oct. 6-10.

Held in Boston this year, the top 4 students in the organization’s e-board represented the University.

“We decided to go because we saw it as an amazing opportunity and SJU had never attended before,” PRSSA Vice President Julia Kotaev said. “As a new e-board member, I was especially looking forward to meeting other members and seeing what opportunities and knowledge the conference could open up for me.”

Kotaev attended the conference along with the organization’s co-presidents, Deyvn Downs and Adriana Ball, and their social media chair, Makayla Longdon.

The e-board members had the opportunity to attend events led by professionals in the PR world. Executives from IBM, Ogilvy Public Relations, The Celebrity Source and Weber Shandwick among others were present.

“It’s essential for those pursuing public relations to take action when opportunities to network arise,” Ball said. “It was great meeting the other universities around the country who were also in attendance.”

Kotaev and Ball say they got to interact with students from a wide array of schools including California State University Fullerton, Ohio State University and University of Alabama. They also got to interact with some universities closer to home, including City College of New York.

“My favorite part was being able to meet so many like-minded students and industry professionals who were able to provide me with tips on how to grow our chapter here at St. John’s,” Ball said.

The organization says it’s growing and always looking for new members. Students interested in joining the organization should attend their meetings

“SJU being a part of this conference means strengthening our role as a chapter nationally,” Koatev said.

The University’s PR program, which was ranked #5 by College Magazine in 2016, the organization is proud PR program.