I had a fun phone conversation with Deirdre Breakenridge and Valerie Simon not long ago which formed the basis of my April PRSA Tactics article “Building an online community with PRStudChat.” PRStudChat, created by Breakenridge and Simon, in their own words is “a monthly Twitter chat bringing together PR students, professionals and educators for conversation about the Public Relations Industry and to provide opportunities for learning, networking and mentoring.”

I pop in the chat and read ongoing #prstudchat hashtag comments when I’m able and find the community to be all its creators claim and more. I think one of the most impressive indicators of an online community’s success is how it expands beyond its original boundaries – not in an out of control fashion of course, but rather in ways that further benefit its members. There’s plenty of value tucked right inside the monthly PRStudChat sessions themselves, and still I’ve also noticed instances where the community has opened doors to provide its members new opportunities. That’s what it ought to do right? I’m sure there are many more examples than the following.

University professors and students are threading the PRStudChat community into their curriculum. Breakenridge for example was interviewed via Skype by University of Maryland’s Rowena Briones. Portions were used in a PR class and also featured on Mikinzie Stuart’s PRepguide blog.

Real life mentoring opportunities are being created. Speaking of Mikinzie, she’s a PR student at Ferris State University who visited Breakenridge and Simon in New Jersey over her spring break to shadow each on the job. A brilliant and responsible use of one’s extra curricular time.

Career-supportive connections are being made. I sense this myself when connecting on Twitter with PRStudChat members and professional communicators across the board, as well as while observing others publicly communicate online. These are professional connections that can benefit us all, and our employers and clients, as time progresses. Helping others connect and do business always brings the goodness back to you one way or another.

Which brings me to tomorrow’s April 21st Noon Eastern PRStudChat that offers another concrete example of this community’s growth and networking value. The April chat features guests from five organizations who are responsible for PR recruiting. Firms represented are Fleishman Hilliard, Marina Maher Communications, Ogilvy, Paradigm Staffing, Qorvis Communications and RKPR. No doubt some ideal pairings will be made.

Good going PRStudChat and, for that matter, other online and Twitter communities like #pr20chat and #journchat for bringing talented people together and focusing them on solving problems, aiding each other’s career paths, and for generally having a good time doing it.

There are many vibrant communities and chats out there for PR practitioners and marketers. Any favorites you recommend?