PRSA Buffalo Niagara presents: 'Charting Career Advancement: Public Relations Certifications or Continuing Education'

The Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America will present "Charting Career Advancement: Public Relations Certifications or Continuing Education" Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 8-9 a.m. at the Hospice Education Center, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga. Register online at www.prsabuffaloniagara.org or call 716-508-0277.

Before Sept. 18, early-bird registration rates are $15 for members, $30 for non-members, free for PRSSA students, and $5 for non-PRSSA college students. Registration rates after Sept. 18 are $25 for members, $40 for non-members, free for PRSSA college students, and $15 for non-PRSSA college students. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. A light continental breakfast will be provided.

There are many accreditations and continuing education opportunities available to public relations practitioners, and this program will explore the variety of options. A panel of experts will come together to present the different accreditations and degrees they pursued to advance their public relations expertise and how these decisions shaped their careers.

Discussion topics will include:

• An overview of key certifications in the public relations field;
• The merits of a higher education degree to honing your PR management skills;
• The demands and commitments one can expect from these programs;
• How to supplement one's experience with eye-catching credentials; and
• How to approach an employer for support when pursuing a certification or continuing education program.

Panelists include:

•Michael Barone, MBA, director of marketing and communications, State University of New York at Fredonia

•Jacqueline Molik Ghosen, MBA, APR, assistant dean and director of communications, University at Buffalo School of Management

•Liam O'Mahony, MBA, APR, communications manager, Rich Products

•Joseph Stabb, MS, investor relations manager, Buffalo Niagara Partnership

About PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter

Founded in 1963, the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter has nearly 200 members representing all areas of business and industry, including corporate, nonprofit, government, counseling firms, educational institutions and professional service firms. Sponsors of the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter include Eric Mower + Associates, PR Newswire and Univera Healthcare.

Follow the Buffalo Niagara Chapter on Twitter @PRSABuffNiag and on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PRSABuffNiag.