Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have almost 30 unique student groups that they can choose to join. In each installment of this series, an executive member of one of these student groups will share their first-hand experience choosing, participating in and eventually leading their group.
Rachel Ornstein, Class of 2022 communication major with journalism and advertising minors, is the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at the University of Delaware. Ornstein shared why she joined the PRSSA, what makes this group unique and more!
Lerner: When and why did you choose to join this student group?
Ornstein: I joined PRSSA during my spring semester of freshman year since I saw the benefits of being involved with an organization that prioritizes professional development and also aligned with my interests.
Lerner: What is the mission/goal of your student group?
Ornstein: To provide students with opportunities to invest in their professional development as undergraduate students to prepare them to enter the working world.
Lerner: When and where does your student group meet and approximately how many members do you have?
Ornstein: PRSSA has biweekly meetings on Mondays via Zoom links that students can find on our Student Central Events page. We have about sixty paying members.
Lerner: What is your best memory from this student group?
Ornstein: Generally, I love establishing connections with like-minded students who prioritize their professional development. PRSSA has semesterly field trips and one of my favorite memories was our trip to Lincoln Financial Field which is where the Eagles play!
Lerner: What is unique about your student group?
Ornstein: All majors can benefit from attending our meetings and getting involved with our organization, as communication is used in every single industry, and networking and creating connections with professionals is essential to anyone entering the workforce.
Lerner: What has been your proudest moment leading your student group?
Ornstein: I have the pleasure of working alongside my fellow executive board members who are persistent and determined even during these recent trying times, and have helped me in creating unique and interesting programming for our members to engage with and enjoy.
Lerner: What are your goals for the future of your student group?
Ornstein: I would love to collaborate with other RSOs that are interested in prioritizing professional development and having professionals come into general meetings to give advice and tips to enter the working world to our audience of eager undergraduate students.
Lerner: How has your student group helped you grow?
Ornstein: PRSSA has given me the opportunity to make a mass amount of connections to grow my network, as well as gain knowledge in my areas of interest, and improve on my industry-sought skills. It’s allowed me to bridge what I have learned in my classes at UD to the working world so that I am prepared to enter it.