SRU organizations team up to host professional development event, April 21
Slippery Rock University students will be able to receive headshots, business cards and professional clothing at an event hosted by Rock PRSSA and the Student Nonprofit Alliance, April 21.
April 7, 2022
(This article was updated April 13 to indicate a rescheduled date (April 21) and location (Watson Hall) for the event.)
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — As college students begin searching for their first internship or entry-level job, they might need help setting themselves apart in the job market. That is why two student organizations at Slippery Rock University are joining forces to host a professional development event, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., April 21, in Watson Hall, Room 233. Rock PRSSA, the student-run public relations firm at SRU, and the Student Nonprofit Alliance, a pre-professional association for SRU students planning to work in the nonprofit sector, will each have stations to provide professional development materials.
Rock PRSSA members will take headshots and create custom business cards for attending students. Cost is $5 for each service, and all proceeds will go toward Rock PRSSA's future professional development events. Students are not required to register for this event.
SNA has partnered with Dress for Success Pittsburgh, a nonprofit organization that provides professional attire for low-income women. The "Dress for Success" event at SRU will provide women with free professional clothing. Students can register online.
According to organizers, these services are being offered concurrently because they complement one another. This is the first time the two SRU organizations have partnered to host such an event.
"We really want to see students who participate (in the event) walk away feeling confident," said Keirstin Rotharmel, a senior communication major from McKeesport, and public relations chair of SNA. "Dress for Success makes it extremely easy, and students can get name-brand clothing for free."
In addition to students finding their interview-ready attire from Dress for Success, they could also wear it in their professional headshots taken by Rock PRSSA members.
"Our aim is to equip participants with professional materials that will set them apart," said Jocelyn Buhite, a senior communication major from Kittanning, and president of Rock PRSSA. "Our members will be getting hands-on experience creating deliverables for students while raising money for future opportunities, such as conferences, guest speakers and workshops."
For more information regarding these professional development events, contact Buhite at Jcb1024@sru.edu and Rotharmel at knr1007@sru.edu. More information about Dress for Success Pittsburgh is available on its website.
MEDIA CONTACT: Alex Conn | 724.738.4854 | adc1012@sru.edu