GrandPR: Grand Valley State University’s Student-Run Integrated Communications Firm
by Clare Quirin
WMPRSA DEI Committee, CEO of GrandPR
Since 2009, Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) nationally-affiliated, student-run communications firm, GrandPR, has been hiring young communications professionals involved in the GVSU Advertising and Public Relations program. These students have the opportunity to put their communications skills to the test, and participate in international marketing and case study competitions, along with producing their best work for a variety of clients.
The GrandPR website works as an informational hub for students to apply for positions, and for clients to apply for communications services offered “a la carte.” Students are able to assist clients with internal communications, community relations, public affairs, social media, research, event coordination, and much more. Firm members are divided into teams of about three to six students, usually with one account executive, multiple account associates, and a design associate if it deems necessary. GrandPR services take place during the GVSU academic calendar, which is from September to April. There typically is a fee for clients who apply, but it depends on the client and the type of work they are looking for. Because of the passion that the firm has for producing quality work for clients, the most qualified and experienced individuals who are looking to delve deeper into the field of communications, are hired.
Over the course of the academic year, GrandPR staff not only work diligently on client work and campaigns, but they experience team bonding activities, external and networking events, and blogging opportunities. Because GrandPR is nationally affiliated with PRSSA, students attend bi-weekly Grand Valley PRSSA chapter meetings and GrandPR meetings on the opposite weeks. These meetings usually involve local communications professionals speaking about their careers, or provide a learning experience for students to acquire information about different aspects of communications and marketing, whether that be Google Analytics, press releases, or digital marketing workshops. Once a semester, students are also tasked with writing professional blog content on a communications-related topic of their choosing, which can range from a recap of the previous week’s meeting or a topic about a specific branch of communications. Moreover, firm members can attend volunteering opportunities, external professional development events, and monthly agency tours. On top of growing their professional skills and network, students get a chance to bond with each other and create long-lasting relationships in the midst of their college careers and beyond. Bonding events such as local hikes, visits to the campus rock climbing wall, and study sessions are also organized through GrandPR, and students are able to participate in fun activities alongside their professional life.
Over the past eight years, GrandPR students have participated in a multitude of marketing and case study competitions including the Digital Marketing Competition (DMC), Bateman Case Study Competition, and Page Case Study Competition. Students participating in DMC have elevated their digital marketing skills by planning a digital marketing campaign for the assigned client. The Bateman Case Study Competition is run through PRSA, and it tasks students with planning, implementing, and evaluating a campaign for an assigned client. Lastly, the Page Case Study Competition, run through the Arthur W. Page Society, gives students the opportunity to create an original case study for a client of their choosing, as long as it relates to the current society. GrandPR teams have participated in these competitions on and off for several years, and have received various awards for their work.
Over the past eight years, GrandPR has been recognized for its hard work, dedication, and passion for its communications careers. The firm has received various awards such as the Best Campaign of the 2020-2021 School Year Award and the 2021 WMPRSA PRoof Gold Research/Evaluation Award for MEDC/Pure Michigan, along with many more since 2015. The firm and Grand Valley PRSSA chapter continue to be recognized in the 2022 year, the most recent accomplishment being the third-place win and "Data-Driven" award given to the students who produced the best data-driven work through the Digital Marketing Competition.
If you have any questions about GrandPR, visit the website or send the CEO an email at gv.grandpr@gmail.com. You can also visit their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.