Exploring Atlanta During PRSSA National Conference

 

In case you haven’t heard, the 2015 PRSSA National Conference will be in Atlanta this November. For us in the Philadelphia region, it is more than just a Mega Bus ride away, but still a doable distance. I highly suggest trying to fit National Conference into your fall semester budget, especially for seniors. Not only will it be extremely beneficial to your professional life, but Atlanta is an awesome city. Below are some pretty neat things to check out in the ATL while you’re not handing out business cards and networking with professionals.

1. Piedmont Park – Even though winter coats will be in full effect in Philadelphia in November, the weather in Atlanta will still be nice. This is a perfect spot to relax, hang out during down time, and capture a great Instagram picture.

2. BBQ- Being the foodie I am, a bunch of different sites have said to not miss out on some BBQ while in the South. Some of the top recommended restaurants are Heirloom BBQ, Fox Bros. BBQ, and Community Q BBQ. Apparently, it would be a sin to not get a side of mac and cheese too.

3. Inside CNN Tour- This is not only on all lists to do while visiting Atlanta, but we all know media is a huge part of our field. This would have to be something most likely planned out in advance because of how often it sells out. I think crossing this off the list is definitely doable over the five days there.

4. The Varsity – This is the world’s oldest drive in restaurant. Eating meals during Conference will not always be the top priority, so why not treat yourself with something fun and easy. Reviews say it is some of the best grease out there and are known the most for a Frosted Orange.

5. Centennial Olympic Park – Created for the 1996 Olympic games, this park is still in business. Conference will have us constantly on the move in between sessions, so why not grab a meal to go and hang out here. This is also another sweet spot for a skyline photo.

The list of attractions and restaurants in Atlanta goes on and on, but these are five things I think can definitely be accomplished during the span we are visiting for Conference. Let the countdown begin!

Why Traveling Is Important For Both Our Personal And Professional Lives

I’m sure many of us have heard the phrase, “travel while you’re young”, and we often think that it’s not that easy. While being in college, it sometimes seems that traveling would be impossible.  A lot of us are busy putting ourselves through school, working multiple jobs and trying to keep our grades up.  While the financial aspect of traveling can be daunting, it doesn’t compare to the amazing experiences you will take away from visiting unfamiliar places.  Whatever kind of trip, whether it’s big or small, can bring you countless benefits. Traveling enables you to learn more about yourself, different types of people, cultures and the world that surrounds you.  The lessons you’ll take away from traveling will help you grow in both your personal and professional lives and here’s how.

It Gets You Out of Your Comfort Zone. We’re so used to the routines that we follow from day to day. We know the situations we will find ourselves in, and the people we will come in contact with. But when you travel, you are forced to deal with unfamiliar situations. You have to navigate yourself through foreign places and communicate with people that live a completely different life than you do. By doing this, you open your mind to new experiences. You become a more well-rounded individual and you become more understanding to different cultures. These actions allow you to grow not only personally but also professionally. Our world is one big business, and—knowing that—you can adapt to any situation and conquer just about anything.

It Teaches You Life-Long Lessons. We could spend our entire lives sitting through classes but there are just some lessons that can’t be taught in the classroom. We need to do put ourselves out there in the world to test our independence, confidence and sense of self. Traveling teaches you who are, how to interact with different types of people and allows you to appreciate your life in the present moment. These experiences are not only humbling but they can also give you a leg up in the professional world. Employers like to hire people that they know can adapt and can interact with anyone.

It Enables Further Networking. There are opportunities across the globe for whatever industry you hope to find yourself in, and the sooner you get out there and meet new people, the better. It’s inevitable that you’re going to meet new people wherever you go and you never know what they can offer you. The more connections you make and keep up with, the more opportunities you are opening up for yourself.  

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Breanna Fars. 

Summer Traveling on a Budget: How to Gain Experience Without Going Abroad

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Summertime isn’t just for relaxation and catching up on sleep.

Many students use the time off to travel abroad through programs offered by their colleges, which often gives them the opportunity to study or intern in a foreign country. These programs are wonderful, and many students talk about their experiences for years after their trip.

However, these programs are very expensive, and they also require a student to give up a lot of time, which may not be possible if he or she is trying to graduate within a set number of years.

If you are a student who cannot afford to travel abroad for whatever reason, don’t worry! There are many different travel experiences that you can have that will enrich you and give you many stories to tell your friends when school resumes in the fall:

1. Museum hopping in your closest city: If you want to learn something new while experiencing a new environment, a great way to do so is through exploring museums in a city. Many museums have days in which students can be admitted at a discounted cost, and different museums have different themes that will satisfy different interests. After a day of hopping through multiple displays, take some time to experience the nightlife of the city you are visiting. You will come away from your experience with knowledge of a new topic, and you will have had fun experiencing a new type of urban culture.

2. Sitting on the beach: This idea may sound like all fun and no work, but it doesn’t have to be that way! While soaking up the sun, you can pick up a book you have been dying to read about the PR industry or professionalism, which may help you during your upcoming semester. If you aren’t located near a beach, explore other options. Some lakes are just as popular as beaches, and have sandy areas waiting for beach towels and umbrellas!

3. Visiting a historical site: Regardless of where you are located, there are historical sites around you. Visiting these sites will give you an opportunity to experience our country’s history first hand rather than through a history Gen Ed! Find sites near you by searching online-you never know what you will find!

What are some of your summer plans? Let us know in the comments!

Travelling Tips for PR Students

Whether you are studying abroad or travelling to a different city to shadow a successful PR executive, it is important for students to master the art of travel and packing techniques that will save you time and stress!
1. Pack Basics: Regardless of your destination, you will need to be wary of how much you pack. If you are taking a flight, you may only be allowed one “free” bag check, and even if you aren’t flying, you don’t want to be lugging around multiple suitcases! When packing clothing items, it is important to pack essential pieces for the dress code you are hoping to fit into. If you are going for business casual, packing key pieces (khakis, blouses, etc.) will help you stay away from over-packing. Also, packing certain items over others will increase your ability to travel light. If you pack chunky suit coats or things that need to be carried, your baggage could weigh you down. Instead, pack items that may still be considered professional, but don’t need as much care! (sweaters, dresses, tights, etc.)

2. Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your hotel details and to pack! Travelling itself is full of stress, so adding last minute troubles will only make your experience less enjoyable! Be sure to book your hotel room in advance not only for convenience, but because it may be cheaper to book earlier rather than later. Also, packing is a burden regardless of when you do it, but the sooner the better! Leave your toiletries and electronics out until the night before, but be sure to pack your clothing and professional materials (such as portfolios or resumes) at least a few days in advance.

3. Remember the Small Things: Your last packing step should be making sure you remembered small details that will make your travelling experience more pleasant. If you are taking a plane, remember to pack gum so that you can keep your ears from popping. If you will need a passport or some sort of ticket, make sure you have those items in an easily-accessible compartment of your bag!

Do you have any travel tips to share? Let us know!