The Power of the Four P's in PR and Mentorship

One of the greatest benefits of a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) national membership is its mentorship programs. Through Grand Valley’s parent chapter, the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America (WMPRSA),  students are paired with working professionals who offer guidance as we begin building our careers. Since January, I’ve had the chance to connect with three incredible women in the public relations field, each of whom has shaped my professional growth in unique ways.

Something that’s really helped me make the most of these mentorship experiences is a simple idea called the Four P’s: Purpose, Preparation, Participation, and Plan. Keeping these four words in mind has helped me show up with intention, stay engaged, and build stronger, more meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.

Purpose

Before every meeting with my mentor, I think about the purpose of our conversation and what I hope to accomplish. Going in with clear goals and expectations helps me guide the discussion in a way that supports my professional growth. It’s helpful to ask yourself: Why am I meeting with this person? Maybe your objective is to receive advice on interviewing, to talk through career goals, or even to do a mock interview. Having a defined purpose not only shows respect for your mentor’s time but also ensures you walk away knowing the meeting truly moved you and your career path forward.

Preparation

Preparation is all about what you do before the meeting to ensure your time spent is productive and meaningful. Take time to think through the topics you’d like to discuss and come ready with thoughtful questions. The questions you prepare can help guide the conversation, show your curiosity, and make the most of your mentor’s expertise. Doing a bit of research or reflection ahead of time not only helps you feel more confident but also shows your mentor that you truly value their time and guidance. Being intentional with your preparation sets the tone for a successful meeting, and ultimately helps you get more out of the mentorship experience as a whole. The main goal of preparation is gathering the questions you intend to ask your mentor.

Participation

Over the past year, I’ve learned that networking is a huge part of participation. Initiating conversations, being engaged, and showing genuine interest through active listening are all elements of networking to build a strong mentor-mentee relationship. It’s great to come prepared with questions, but don’t be afraid to let the conversation flow naturally, too. If something your mentor says sparks your curiosity, ask about it! There’s no need to stick to a strict script; your mentors want to know what excites you and what you’re passionate about.

Also, remember to offer your mentor a space to share more about themselves and their professional journey. Learning more about their career path and experiences not only gives you valuable insight but also helps them feel appreciated and connected to you. Participation is centered around staying present, curious, and engaged during your conversations.

Plan

After your meeting concludes, creating a plan for how you’ll act on what you’ve discussed with your mentor is one of the most important steps in the process. It’s easy to leave a meeting feeling inspired, but real growth comes from turning that inspiration into action. After each conversation, I like to jot down a few key takeaways or goals, along with topics I want to research, practice, or improve before our next meeting. Establishing a clear action plan helps you stay accountable and shows your mentor that you’re serious about applying what you’ve learned. Remember, the main reason for having a mentor is to help you grow professionally, so taking intentional steps to make that growth happen is essential. Whether it’s updating your résumé, reaching out to a new connection, or practicing a skill they suggested, following through on your plan turns your mentorship into meaningful progress.

How the Four P’s Guide Me

Implementing these four words into my professional relationships has completely transformed the way I approach mentorship. By keeping Purpose, Preparation, Participation, and Plan in mind, I’ve become more intentional and confident in how I connect with others. These lessons haven’t just helped me grow as a mentee; they’ve also shaped how I show up in my personal life. The Four P’s remind me that growth doesn’t happen by accident, but rather when you put in the purposeful effort to flourish.

About Sophie

Sophie is a junior majoring in Advertising & Public Relations with a minor in Psychology. She is a student in the Frederik Meijer Honors College. Sophie currently serves as the GVPRSSA President and Programming Director, and works as an Account Associate for her second semester at GrandPR. After graduation, Sophie hopes to pursue a career in sports media or work at an agency.