Jessica Noonan takes professionalism to a whole new level. A senior in the School of Communication and Kogod School of Business, she is the Vice President of Professional Development on the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) National Committee.
“As one of 10 on the National Committee, I oversee the 10,000 member society,” Noonan said. “My role is specifically to oversee PRSSA student-run firms and advise Chapters on interacting with PRSA [Public Relations Society of America].”
Noonan first became involved at the national level by serving as co-director of the PRSSA 2010 National Conference in Washington, DC. A member of AU PRSSA since her freshman year, she has held executive board positions as vice president of events and vice president of publicity and recruitment.
“The AU Chapter is a great foundation to build a career in public relations,” she said. “Being a member has opened doors for me and enhanced my résumé.”
In addition to PRSSA, she is involved with Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity. “I have gained so many lifelong connections through the fraternity,” said Noonan, who served as vice president of marketing last spring. She also helps fellow AU students with career exploration and reviews cover letters and résumés as a peer consultant for the Kogod Center for Career Development (KCCD).
Noonan plans to graduate next semester with a dual degree. “I knew I wanted to go into public relations, so I decided to pursue a degree in Public Communication, but I wanted a business background to better serve my clients, so I’m also getting a BSBA in Marketing,” she said. “The degree has been an excellent combination, and I’ve learned a lot.”
What’s next for this emerging professional? “I was born in New York and raised in New Jersey, so I have always wanted a career that return me to full New Yorker status,” Noonan said. “My goal would be to move to New York after graduation and work at an agency.”