PRSA, the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community, announced the launch of its new In Between Jobs program, which offers a discounted PRSA membership and access to a number of career-stimulating resources for communications professionals who have been adversely affected by the past year’s challenging economic climate.
Representative of the economic struggles experienced throughout the public relations community, a PR Week poll conducted in May 2020 found that almost 64% of clients reduced PR budgets while 11% laid off and furloughed staff, and one in five agencies laid off and furloughed staff and 77% of agency clients reduced retainers.
“People everywhere have experienced furloughs, layoffs and budget downturns during the past year, and the communications community is unfortunately no exception,” said Linda Thomas Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, PRSA. “Through this new program we hope to partner with, and make it easier for, those seeking their next opportunity to take advantage of the professional development, networking and skills building resources available through a PRSA membership.”
Those currently unemployed are eligible, through “In Between Jobs,” to receive a year-long PRSA membership at a 50% discount off the regular $260 rate, a waived reinstatement fee for returning members, and a complimentary year-long membership in PRSA’s Independent Practitioner’s Alliance (IPA), for those who may be considering starting or continuing an independent practice, or looking for freelance work.
Membership also provides access to PRSA’s Jobcenter and MyPRSA, which connects members to the entire PRSA community, as well as local Chapters, Districts and topic specific online communities.
For additional information about the new program, click here.