Meeting 11/8 - PRCA Alum Panel

This meeting featured a panel of PRCA alum, including three former PRCA presidents, who shared advice and their experiences in the world of PR post-grad. McClelland Schilling graduated from UA in 2019 and currently works as a Marketing Specialist for Experience Columbia SC. She said PRCA helped her be self-motivated and a go-getter. Ellora Lalla graduated from UA in the winter of 2019 and is currently a Senior Account Executive and Content Strategist for Methods + Mastery. She stressed that the importance of networking stuck with her from PRCA. Mary Catherine Maxwell graduated from UA in 2017 and is currently a Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist for Oakworth Capital Bank. She said PRCA taught her the importance of getting to know your professors and helped her build connections. Emily Gantt, who graduated from UA in 2022, is currently a Corporate Brand Marketing Analyst for LP Building Solutions. She said the biggest thing she learned from PRCA was to not be afraid to take on roles regardless of experience. It is important to be willing to grow and be teachable. A member of the audience asked during the Q&A portion what advice the panel had for maintaining a good work-life balance. Mary Catherine said it is important to take care of yourself first and foremost and that lists can help you prioritize and manage your time. McClelland’s response was to try your best to keep your work in between 9-5. Ellora added that it is important to not put on a work version of yourself and let your personality shine.