One key element in our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan centers on diversifying our professional network and being intentional in our actions to increase our D&I efforts. To achieve this, we need to think and act differently, exploring new channels to meet students of public relations and communications where they are, and provide more opportunities to build community.

To that end, I am pleased to announce Minnesota PRSA’s participation in a career exploration pilot program in partnership with Metro State University and five leading local organizations. Boasting a diverse student body, Metro State’s Communications Studies department is ranked the No. 5 program nationally in 2020 by Grad Reports. Former Minnesota PRSA presidents and adjunct professors, Rose McKinney, APR, Fellow PRSA, and Greg Zimprich, APR, Fellow PRSA, developed this program to expose their students to real-life experiences, meaningful contact with leaders, and visibility to careers in the PR and communications field.

Starting this month, Minnesota PRSA will provide a semester-long career exploration opportunity to 12 Metro State students via participation in a monthly, rotational, two- to four-hour immersive experience with local companies and organizations, including:

Medtronic
American Academy of Neurology
Mall of America
Brandpoint
Greater Twin Cities United Way

Many thanks to these partner organizations! Keep an eye on this blog throughout the semester for guest posts from participating students. We will also plan to report on this pilot at our annual meeting in December.

For questions about this program, please contact Leah Kondes, chair, Minnesota PRSA D&I Committee.

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