Closing the gap…at least a little bit!
I have always looked upon PRSSA as a role model for our Hungarian PR student organization, PRIME Hungary. We share the enthusiasm and the drive for the public relations profession, but our organization obviously lacks the experience and the funds PRSSA has on it’s disposal.
On a Hungarian public relations blog – PRGuruk – several Hungarian professionals addressed a major problem: Hungarian PR students are not practical enough. They (well, we) might cite the definition of public relations many different ways, might know the proper steps to organize a press conference or might describe the characteristics of a press release… but couldn’t draft a pitch letter, couldn’t write a press release or wouldn’t know how to call an editor when speaking on the phone.
I personally think – along with my PRIME Chapter – that this is a shame. Nowadays, when globalization and ever fiercer competition for job openings are gaining momentum, we cannot allow ourselves to be “left behind”.
See, I consider public relations to be sort of a lifestyle: you always stay focused, you always strive for perfection, you always are ready to learn. So what my Chapter decided to do is to approach to problem and deal with it on a proactive way!
So this Tuesday evening our first “Meet a PRofessional” event took place. Organized in a American-style café, 14 PR students were listening to a well-known Hungarian public relations expert, Zsuzsa Gyarmati. This workshop-style meeting really made an impact on us: Zsuzsa gave us practical advices on how to start working at an agency; how to deal with press; how to draft a press release and how to pitch it successfully; she explained why is PR a great profession to work in; finally she gave us insights on the situation on the Hungarian media (I will sum the event up in detail soon).
I guess when you have the courage and ambition to step up for yourself and make things happen – then you are thinking in the proactive way! 
So the gap between Europe and the US in this aspect is closing…at least a little bit. 
March 16, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Hello,
I couldn’t help but notice your blog entry and comparison of PRSSA and PRIME Hungary. I’d like to continue this discussion.
PRSSA is currently undertaking an international coalition under which we can share best practices, similarities and differences between U.S. and foreign public relations programs. We started a task force of international students to compile research about the PR landscape in other countries with the hope of compiling a complete list of public relations student societies in the world eventually.
I would love to learn more about your organization and start a relationship as this international coalition develops. Please feel free to contact me at kevinsaghy@gmail.com if you’d like to follow up.
Thanks for your interest in PRSSA,
Kevin Saghy
National President
Public Relations Student Society of America
March 18, 2007 at 8:42 am
Hi Kevin!
First comment in my blog and what a prominent guest!
We definitely will contact PRSSA as soon as possible and send more info on our Hungarian organization. We can’t wait to work more closely with our American brethren!
Until then please feel free to visit the international PRIME at http://www.prime-students.eu!
Csaba
March 26, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Fantastic!
I will look into your organization and I hope to be in touch soon. PRSSA just completed its National Assembly and I spoke plenty about our international efforts. I hope to have the same conversation with you.
Thanks for the reply and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
Kevin