The last train has left the station...

After four amazing weeks, I am sad to say that my time at the Public Transport Authority has come to an end. I have had the opportunity to experience so many different aspects of public relations, and been able to have a go at almost everything! Here is what I have gained and learnt from my time with the PTA:

1. Firstly, don't be afraid to ask one hundred and one questions straight off the bat. If someone has taken the time to show you how to do a task, they will be more than happy to take the time to answer your questions, especially if it means you are more prepared for the job at hand. I spent hours asking questions about what aspects of public relations are used on an everyday basis, and everyone was always more than happy to fill me in.
2. Don't worry about making mistakes - your work will never be perfect the first time you complete it. Have a go, and have your supervisor go over it afterwards. More often than not their feedback is really valuable, and allows you to become better at the task you are completing. Don't forget that everything you are doing at this placement is beneficial for your future working life, and any skills you can hone and grow whilst at your placement are only going to help you score a job when you graduate!
3. Be friendly and willing to go along to anything they deem important to your placement. I attended many meetings during my month with the PTA, and while not all of them seemed to be important to public relations, it is only afterwards when you see how important it is to be fully informed of all major projects that are happening within an organisation, especially as a part of the communications team. It also allows you to learn how to ask questions and be a considerate audience member - not everyone likes public speaking, and just a smile and a nod of the head can work wonders on the person that is presenting the information.

While I am very sad to be leaving the PTA, I know that my time there has been such a great experience. I have had the pleasure of working with some friendly and inspirational people, that have really helped me to discover exactly what parts of public relations I love, and where my strengths and weaknesses lie. 

On one final note, I was lucky enough to accompany the projects team on a tour of the new bus port currently under construction in Perth City. Here is a photo of me after baking in the heat in my high vis gear!