Week One Complete in a Heartbeat

Hi everyone,

This is my first blog post for the PR internship unit. I was going to post something half way through my first week but I thought I would experience the journey of it first and gain some well-rounded insights about my workplace first so I could have something more interesting to share with you all. So, I have officially completed one week at Professional Public Relations (PPR) and I am loving every minute of it (aside from the 6.30am wake-ups and the  car-train-bus-walk commuting pattern every morning!). The first week has absolutely flown by, and I can’t believe I only have three weeks left.

For those of you who don’t know, PPR is Australia’s largest PR consultancy and has offices in most states of Australia. Its WA office where I am being based is in West Perth. This internship has been a long time in the waiting for me as a secured it last July so I could be sure to get a spot in the uni break.

My internship experience is a little more different from those who have interned at PPR in the past as I am not only getting involved in PR work from my own desk, but I am also filling in for the receptionist while she is on holiday. I think this has only enhanced my experience so far as I am not only writing media releases, compiling media clippings, conducting client backgrounders and plenty more but I am also experiencing how a consultancy runs and the nuts and bolts of it from the front desk. I am also learning how to interact with client’s and business partners face to face as I am the first person they come into contact with when they step out of the elevator into the office. Here is a little snapshot of my two desks (I know, doesn’t look too exciting but I promise it is!).

Picture 1: My Intern Desk

 

 Picture 2: The reception desk

I have worked on bits and pieces for a range of clients so far including Breast Cancer Care WA, McDonald's and Coles. A lot of my tasks have included heaps of writing, and I have already experienced how to interview clients and turn their words and experiences into a  industry-standard story. I will be pitching my stories to local media outlets tomorrow which feels so amazing! It is so surreal to think that the media release writing skills I learnt in PR techniques and practised through the in-class crisis simulations have actually paid off and have given me the confidence to draft up and pitch my own stories from start to finish.

One memorable moment for me from the past week was receiving a phone call from an older lady I had interviewed for a story a few days prior for Purple Bra Day. She had called up to tell me what a wonderful job I had done with the story and what a 'wonderful young women' I was. She also sent me some humorous photos from her Purple Bra Day, and said it was just for me to have a look at personally and not for the papers to publish. I knew PR was about building relationships with clients and the community, but I never knew how rewarding it could feel until now. This lady really did make my day-and week for that mater- and it is something I will always remember from my internship.

I hope everyone completing their internship is having an amazing experience and is making the most of the precious time they have. I am so excited to see what the next few weeks hold for me at PPR.

For those of you yet to start your internship, my words of wisdom for you is to relax, ask for as much help as you need and be yourself. I admit, I did feel a little intimated going into a business environment for the first time, but I soon learnt that business professionals are humans just like everyone else. They love chatting about the latest celebrity scandal in the lunch room or complaining about the discomfort of their high heels and yet, they still remain so poised and hard working. I definitely aspire to be like the people I am working with!

Thank you for reading and all the best with your internships!

-Helen