PRSA President, Aaron Norris, of The Norris Group offered students stimulating career expertise during his campus visit, Feb. 26. Norris provided oppurtunities for students to engage in his lecture and encourage them to ask questions. Grace Allen | Banner
Local Public Relations Society of America chapter president Aaron Norris gave California Baptist University student real-life career advice on
Feb. 26.
Norris is the marketing director for a Riverside real estate investment resource company and is president of the Inland Empire chapter of Public Relations Society of America.
Students at CBU met in the Copenbarger Presidential Dining Room to gain insight on what an active career path in public relations and marketing resembles.
The setting was casual and Norris asked each of the 20 students in the room for their name and dream job for the future.
One piece of advice he gave was that no one should settle for a career that they will not love in a few years. If the passion and love for the job is not there, it will not be enjoyable.
“Get hungry for what you want to do, and get creative about how you’re going to achieve it,” Norris said.
Norris stressed the importance of using social media to students. He said having a presence on social media allows university students to create a unique brand for themselves, giving them an edge when seeking internships and jobs.
“Build a network of people,” Norris said. “Do your best to establish connections with people in the business you want to be a part of someday.”
Bryce Suyenaga, sophomore undeclared major, said everything Norris said gave him insight into the world of public relations and marketing.
“I came (to the meeting) to get a better understanding of what PR is all about,” Suyenaga said. “One thing I did learn is the importance of social media. I don’t have any social media accounts, and I now know I should get them.”
Kelsey Lamb, sophomore psychology and communications studies double major, was also at the meeting and she said public relations appeals to her because of the practicality and usefulness of the field.
“I was looking for a practical way of applying psychology to people, personally and professionally, and it seems like public relations is a good way to get that practicality,” Lamb said.
Norris concluded the meeting by sharing a few final thoughts.
“Be strategic, do something you enjoy so you don’t waste any of your time,” Norris said. “Do something you’re still going to love in five or 10 years, and dream big.”
