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Exploring Career Paths and Networking in Chicago: A PRCrawl Experience
FIU School of Communication’s PRCrawl Shapes Future of Students in Communications Field
As graduation approaches for many students, the pressure to establish career goals and improve networking skills can be overwhelming. For one public relations, advertising, and communications major at Florida International University (FIU), the opportunity to gain real-world experience and clarity on future career paths came in the form of the FIU School of Communication’s PRCrawl.
The PRCrawl program takes a select group of students to major cities to visit communications agencies and meet with industry executives. For this particular student, who is also an account executive with FIU’s student-led strategic communications agency BOLD, the trip to Chicago proved to be a transformative experience.
Throughout the trip, the student and their peers had the opportunity to visit agencies such as Team Lewis, Motion, Digitas, NBC TV affiliate, Chicago Transit Authority, Oglivy, and Zapwater Communications. Each visit provided valuable insights into the inner workings of the communications industry, from creative campaigns to media relations strategies.
One of the highlights of the trip was the chance to interact with professionals in the field, such as the marketing and engagement manager at Team Lewis and the creative directors at Motion. These interactions not only offered practical advice on pitching story ideas and mastering organizational skills but also reaffirmed the student’s passion for pursuing a career in communications.
The trip also reinforced the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the industry, as emphasized by the human resources recruiter at Digitas. For the student, who identifies as queer, hearing about the agency’s commitment to building a diverse team was both motivating and reassuring.
By the end of the trip, the student had gained clarity on their career goals and aspirations. They now have a clear vision of working as an account executive in an agency setting that promotes a positive company culture. Additionally, they plan to pursue a master’s degree in strategic communications to further enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.
The PRCrawl program, made possible by the student and faculty leadership at FIU’s BOLD agency, continues to provide valuable industry experiences for aspiring communications professionals. Through hands-on agency visits and interactions with industry professionals, students like this public relations major are able to shape their future careers and make meaningful connections in the field.
