By: Ally Roden

On Monday, February 18, the Belmont Public Relations Student Society of America held a convocation for Non Profit Public Relations. The convocation consisted of a professional panel, which included Matthew Maxey, Megan Snell, Amy Heard, and Hope Buckner. The panelists not only discussed their positions and experience within their organizations, they also gave extremely useful advice for students who are interested in becoming successful in their fields.

Matthew Maxey is the Public Relations Manager at Visit Franklin. Their mission is to promote various activities happening in the Franklin, Tennessee area to bring tourists that will help the local economy. Maxey explained how important networking and supporting local companies is for the success of his organization. When asked what advice he would give students, he stressed the importance of finding your passion when deciding if non profit is the right path for you. According to Maxey, nonprofit does not make much money, but it makes a difference.

Megan Snell is a Belmont graduate who works as the Community Relations Manager at Hope Clinic for Women. While speaking about the Hope Clinic for Women, she emphasized how 96 percent of their one-million budget is fundraised, therefore leaving very little money left over for public relations. As a result of this, Snell highlighted the necessity for current students to take more business classes and to focus on internships to gain experience so they will perform well in those situations. She believes that when working with nonprofits people need to “try to marry PR and fundraising with business.”

Amy Hurd is the Director of Communications at the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church. She advises students that one thing that many people overlook when in the working world is common courtesy. After an interview, you should always send a letter or email of thanks. It is important to be an effective team player, carry your weight, and let others carry their own weight. Extracurriculars and volunteering do count, and above all students should focus on their writing, no matter what their major is.

Hope Buckner is also a graduate of Belmont, and works as the Assistant Director of Communications at Belmont University. In her role in the Office of Communications, she partners regularly with the Office of Development. A project that she is currently working on requires her to work closely with University Marketing to create a campaign that will make Belmont more donor-centric and deliverable. A few pieces of advice that she wanted students to hear are that there are very few things that professionals can not teach you. All you need to know is how to write and how to be a good person. She also noted the importance of leveraging your student status while you can. Talk to professionals, learn from them, and ask questions often.

For more information about Belmont’s chapter of the PRSSA, go here.