Bateman Competition Gives PR Students Real World Experience

Most Public Relations students find themselves sitting in classrooms learning skills that they will apply in their future careers. However, few students get to experience using these skills in a real world environment. Fortunately, there is one student organization that is aiming to change that.

The Doug Newsom chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America PRSSA is beginning to prepare a team to compete in the 2011 Bateman Competition.

Established in 1973 by PRSSA, the Bateman Competition is the most prestigious national case study competition for public relations students, according to tcuprssa. The competition allows Strategic Communications students the chance to gain real world experience by working on a PR campaign, while also competing with schools across the nation.

“Bateman is the premier national competition for public relations students,” said PRSSA advisor Dr. Amiso George. “It gives students the opportunity to use their analytical and creative skills in skills and researching, planning, executing and evaluating a public relations campaign.”

This year’s client is Ally Financial Services. The TCU team, comprised of select PRSSA members, will develop a ten-page report detailing strategies to promote the client. The team will also host an event on campus to raise awareness for the client.

TCU placed third in the 2008 Bateman Competition with a report over the case study Safe Kids Buckle Up, sponsored by GM. The team received honorable mention in last year’s competition promoting the United States 2010 Census.

If you are interested in being involved with the 2011 Bateman Competition or TCU PRSSA, contact Dr. George at a.george@tcu.edu.

-Megan Malone