As we enter into our PRISM recruiting season, all members can’t help but look back and reminisce about their time in the organization. While some are newer members who remember their time applying last year, others are seniors who joined their freshman year. These seniors Anna Sherrod, Abby Stewart, Mary O’Kane, Cate Casparius, and Emily Stewart want to share their experiences during these past 4 years in PRISM and offer advice to any incoming members joining this year. We asked them some questions about their time and PRISM and this is what they told us.
What are 5 things you wish you would have known before joining?
“You can move around in PRISM; You are never stuck.” Being in PRISM we have multiple jobs from account managers, analytics, graphic designers, and much more. If you want to explore and try something new PRISM is always open to change.
“PRISM loves to see ambition rather than experience.” Applying to PRISM can be nerve-racking. Feeling like you need to have a certain amount of experience before joining can hinder applicants. PRISM doesn’t need the most decorated members when first joining, just people who want to grow and are eager to learn as much as they can during their time in PRISM. Eagerness and ambition will always attract the attention of current members.
“Networking is key.” PRISM is a strong network of current and past members. Every single member, whether they graduated five years ago or just joined a year ago, wants to see you succeed and be your best self. Reaching out to members you want to be like or whose role interests you is a great way to make connections in the organization and grow personally and professionally.
“Effort and creativity are extremely important.” Showing genuine interest in your projects will make you a stand-out member, reliable, and enjoyable to work with. PRISM loves members who express their ideas and put in the effort to make those ideas come to life.
“Make an impression.” Saying hello at events like the Pamplin Picnic or reaching out to members to ask about their roles or their experiences will show ambition and genuine interest in the organization. PRISM members love speaking about their time and hearing about others' journeys and experiences, and it is a great way to make an impression on the organization.
What are 5 things you have learned since joining?
“Take every opportunity” PRISM is constantly throwing member events, and opportunities for members to get involved in other projects. Signing up to attend a video shoot for another team's project or attending culture events is a great way to not only meet more members but also find out what other accounts or roles you may be interested in for the future.
“It is so important to network and make those connections through PRISM” As mentioned before, PRISM’s student and alumni network is large and always growing. It is very easy to find current and past members who share similar interests and can help you find current and future opportunities to build your career or gain mentors. Being an active communicator and looking for connections is a great way to make the most out of your prism experience.
“Get curious - curiosity is key.” Keeping up with the latest trends and the world around you is a great way to be successful in PRISM. Seeing what is trending on social platforms, what social platforms are creating the most engagement in the real world, and being able to relate it to your own accounts in PRISM is a great way to expand what PRISM is doing and keep us up to date as an organization.
“Everyone has to start somewhere.” Every member started somewhere. The senior you may look up to now was once just like you, a new member looking for opportunities and experience in PRISM. Taking any opportunity you get and embracing your current position not only in PRISM but in life as well will help you become more successful at each step to get you towards your end goal.
“Ask questions always” You will always learn more by asking questions, no question is silly or too small. The best way to learn and accomplish tasks quickly is by asking questions, every member in PRISM no matter how senior is always welcome to answer questions and help.
Looking back, our PRISM seniors say to be ambitious, curious, and genuinely show interest in what you are doing and in PRISM as an organization. Senior Emily Stewart said, “Showing your interest in PRISM is important. Throughout the recruitment process, I made sure to attend every recruitment event and continually express my excitement over the organization.” PRISM as an organization loves dedication and hard work, “PRISM doesn’t just look for experience. Confidence in yourself no matter how much experience you have is key,” Senior Anna Sherrod says. PRISM is looking forward to gaining its new crop of future leaders and we can wait to see what the rest of this recruitment process will bring.
PRISM is so grateful for the hard work and accomplishment all of these seniors have achieved over their time in the organization. They have truly highlighted and amplified the true meaning of what being a member of PRISM is. We are extremely proud of them and can’t wait to see what they accomplish this year and in the future.
