COM Week’s PR Day a Big Hit
PR Day Offers Students Networking Opportunities and Guidance
from Local PR Professionals
By Katie Baleno
“Communication is everywhere,” Sarah Nilson, digital communication specialist at Quintiles IMS, reminded students at the highly anticipated PR Day on March 30. This annual tradition took place in NC State’s Talley Student Union, and was organized by NC State’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter.
PR Day is an informational networking event where local public relations professionals from various industries join students to provide guidance on pursuing a career in public relations. This event gives students a unique chance to meet and learn directly from respected professionals in the Raleigh area.
The morning started off with the alumni panel, where attendees heard from Chuck Norman, Sarah Nilson, Caleb Fernandez, and Sara Mogilski. This panel provided an interesting perspective from former Wolfpack students.
Norman, owner and principal at S&A Communications, advised students that writing is perhaps the most necessary skill for PR. He urged students to always be willing to adapt to situations because “the only thing you can guarantee is change” in the industry. Other key takeaways were Fernandez’s reminder to be a team player and Mogilski’s inspiring message to “be genuine and be yourself” in every interview.
Mogilski is the chief communication officer at North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Fernandez is a senior account executive at Fleishman Hillard, an internationally-known agency.
Representatives from PR Day’s sponsor, NC Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), spoke to attendees next. NC PRSA President Darcy Dye Bowers and PRSSA Chair Caitlin Farhat advised students to stand out in interviews and acknowledged “there isn’t just one path to follow” to a successful career in public relations. Their presentations were followed by a networking opportunity where students could sit alongside professionals to discuss questions and experiences. This was a great way for many students to learn what it is like to work as a practitioner across industries on a personal level while making connections.
Finally, PR Day attendees were joined by keynote speaker Cris Charbonneau, vice president of communications marketing at KnowledgeWorks Foundation. Her uplifting, lighthearted presentation focused on encouraging students to make as many connections as possible, saying that every experience truly matters. This motivating message closed the event and left students more confident about their futures in communications and public relations.