NYPCMA Logo
eNewsletter 1st Quarter 2010


NYPCMA Student Members Learn About Industry
and Hone Skills 2010 at PCMA Annual Meeting


By Caitlin Mariano
NY PCMA Student Chapter President
University of New Haven
My name is Caitlin Mariano and I am a junior at the University of New Haven. This past January I attended the Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas along with four other classmates. This was my third Annual Meeting, and I continue to be blown away by PCMA's ability to put on a good conference as well as a good party. The sessions were different than all the other years, and the nightlife was very entertaining and enjoyed by all age groups -- especially the closing reception performance by Rick Springfield.

As President of the UNH Student Chapter I attended the Chapter Leadership Workshop and learned so much about the different problems and concerns business professionals in the industry encounter. Also, I learned about the other chapters and problems they face as a whole. It was very interesting to hear that some of the problems we experienced as a student chapter were also faced by "the mother" chapters. The UNH Student Chapter attended "Let Your Listening Skills do the Talking". We all found it interesting to find out things about people and what type of listeners different people are. As young adults in college, getting ready and learning about the industry, it's helpful to learn little things like that. It is something we can start practicing now for "the real world". Another session we attended was "No More Excuses It's Time to be Accountable" by Sam Silverstein. This was also useful for our everyday lives. College students such as me have a lot of tasks to complete, but for some reason cannot avoid procrastination. I personally have six classes this semester as well as being President of the PCMA Student Chapter. I start to get work done, but somehow find myself on facebook - putting off the tasks that need to be completed.  After attending this session I have been able to manage my time much better -- as well as get things done!

Overall, my experience in Dallas was excellent! I learned so much and got to experience Dallas for the first time, and with great company. I have made multiple connections through networking at all of the different sessions as well as receptions, which I am also thankful to PCMA for. I am already looking forward to next year and am excited to see what PCMA is going to come up with for Las Vegas!