Student Experiences

Professionals rely on organizations to enhance their careers, and student chapters of national organizations seek to provide the same support through workshops and programming.

The School of Journalism is home to several active chapters of these groups, including:

Society of Professional Journalists

The Society of Professional Journalists is a national organization originally founded in Greencastle, Ind., at DePauw University in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi. Now headquartered in Indianapolis, SPJ aims to maintain a free press, protect First Amendment rights, and promote ethical behavior and excellence in journalism. The IU chapter encourages the same values among the next generation of journalists. The group offers programs about freedom of information, diversity, and finding internships and jobs.

• IU Society of Professional Journalists

Public Relations Student Society of America

Photo by Ben Weller

PRSSA events bring alumni such as Julie Herrick Williams, (B.A. ‘80) right, to campus to mentor students.

The Public Relations Student Society of America works to increase knowledge about the field and provide opportunities for members to network and develop their professional skills. The Public Relations Society of America founded the Student Society in 1968 and today, there are over 8,000 student members at 248 American campuses.

At IU, PRSSA hosts speakers, field trips, informational sessions, student panels, portfolio workshops, etiquette dinners and other events along with its regular meetings. Members may participate in the Campus1Housing, Fundraising, Panhellenic/IFC Media Training, or Promotions and Publicity committees.