Joining a Mass Communications organization provides many benefits

By Bryan Juarez

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Student Organization Fair showcased Monday the student media and organizations the School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers to students.

Representatives from each organization set up on the first floor of Old Main from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. to speak with students about the benefits of joining an organization.

Being a member of student media or organization helps students gain and shape professional skills in their career interest.

Kimberly Hazelwood, treasurer for the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at Texas State, joined PRSSA for the fun people and overall good environment of the organization.

“Whenever I joined PRSSA I grew out of my shell more,” Hazelwood said. “It helped me gain more networking skills.”

Organizations such as the Social Media Club promote media literacy and how to maintain a professional brand while keeping students true to themselves.

As the Speaker Coordinator for the SMC, Dalton Williams said being part of a small organization allows the students to connect with speakers from the industry on a personal level.

In 2016, the Pew Research Center reported 54 percent of adults in the labor force say it is essential to get training and develop skills to keep up with changes in the workplace.

KTSW, the campus radio station, has 16 departments ranging from promotions to sports reporters in which students can gain hands-on experience that will put their skills to practice.

Andrea Torres, promotions director of KTSW, began behind the table talking to people on The Quad and worked her way up to her current position. After being an assistant, she now oversees the planning of all the events and bookings for KTSW.

“There is a lot of potential for growth,” Torres said.

Joining an organization is a great opportunity for students to meet new people and network with professionals to learn more about their field of interest.
Some professional associations such as PRSSA hold national conferences that may lead students to find future internships.

To find more information about these organizations visit the Texas State Student Media and Organizations website.