The Future of Our Profession
Posted By:
Minnesota PRSA Admin
Posted On: 2026-01-30T23:50:00Z
Minnesota PRSA Immediate Past President Betsy Anderson, PhD, APR (far left), with Bethel University students at PR North 2025. Bethel University recently announced the launch of its PRSSA Chapter.
From the President
February is often about hearts and chocolates, but for many Minnesota PRSA leaders, it’s about something that matters even more to the future of our profession: students. Specifically, the passionate, curious, slightly overwhelmed and incredibly talented PRSSA members who are finding their footing and imagining what’s possible in communications.
PRSSA students are the future colleagues who will sit next to us in meetings, challenge our thinking, bring fresh ideas to our teams and one day lead this organization. They’re already learning how to navigate emerging tools like AI, build authentic storytelling through UGC and understand how PR, advertising, agency life, corporate teams and nonprofit work intersect.
What they need most from us isn’t all the answers—it’s access. A willingness to mentor, to say yes to a coffee chat, to share real-world advice and to open doors when we can. Those small moments of connection can shape a student’s confidence and their career more than we may ever realize.
So my February ask is simple: prioritize PRSSA. When students reach out, lean in. Your time, perspective and encouragement can shape careers—and strengthen Minnesota PRSA for years to come.
Warmly,
Grete Lavrenz, MA, APR
President
Get involved with the Student Relations Committee, explore other ways to support PRSSA students and consider joining our formal mentor program.