The End (for now)

I've finished my 20 days at the WAEC and it's definitely been a journey. Our last week was still filled with some interesting experiences and conversations.. as well as very sad goodbye to our supervisor Sotear (who is also leaving the WAEC).

This week consisted mainly on filming for our social media content. On Tuesday we went to Curtin University for a few hours and attempted to record some vox pops with students about voting and our new mascot/character (currently named: Vincent the Voting Screen). While we were only able to interview 5 people (due to our shyness and some of the locations we attempted not being very busy), we got some great footage and content that we can definitely use in the final product!

Thursday's filming was less successful as there wasn't many young people in the city area (and TAFE wasn't the best location to film in because of the way the campus is set up). It wasnt the best feeling to come back empty handed but to make up for it we will be trying to film at a couple of universities next Tuesday instead. After viewing Tuesday's footage we worked out what we can improve on to help our success rate and will implement this on our next filming trip.

We were also asked to view the final version of the training videos that Ed and Winnie had been involved in earlier in our internship experience. It was great to see the finished product and we all had a laugh when Ed or Winnie appeared on the screen. Again, our feedback was wanted and appreciated.. an aspect of the internship I really enjoyed.

Our last day with Sotear was a somewhat emotional one. We had a debrief meeting over coffee where she thanked us for all the work we've done over the past 20 days and gave us praise for completing some major projects that would've taken much longer to complete without our help. We were also asked about our feedback of the internship in terms of what we enjoyed and didnt enjoy and there was definitely more pros than cons. It really was a great experience.

While the 20 days are done, we have all said we're willing to come back and help at any time with further involvement in our projects. The 20 days has also helped me to see a side of PR I could definitely be interested. Social media management and creation wasn't something I ever saw myself doing and yet here I am after 20 days wanting to do more!

This is goodbye, for now. For people who are still completing their internships, enjoy it and work hard as it'll be finished before you even realise.

Isabella Olivera (17742580)

Group photo with our supervisor Sotear (next to Ed) and Jodie who is currently in HR

Receptionist Pina says goodbye to her children! We will miss you too

A surprise thank you gift on our desk from Sotear. Yummy!!

I Survived!

I did it! I completed 20 full days at my internship!

During my last few days many of my colleagues were asking me questions in regards to my time in the office. One reoccurring question I got asked is, “Has this experience been everything you imagined?”

To be very honest before starting my 20 days I assumed everything I had learnt would come rushing back to me and I would be completely fine. Considering I had sat through 3 years of theory and practical PR classes. Put in countless hours for assignments and exams and interacted with multiple students across the course. How different could PR in an office environment be to a classroom environment?

Probably a naïve thought right? Never did I imagine I would be writing articles, pitching to newspapers, speaking with journalists, or be involved in confidential projects. All of this and more I can say I have achieved in just 4 short weeks.

I have been very fortunate to experience my time as an intern with another intern Jess from Curtin. Having someone beside you defiantly make things a little easier when you are asked to do tasks such as monitor the media room of a large Oil and Gas conference! A crazy job for 2 inexperienced PR girls, but what better way to gain experience then to be thrown straight into the deep end.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt coming out of my internship is to believe in myself and trust things will work out. I have never been one to enjoy change, so when day one of the 4 weeks began, everything that I was used to was completely different. Instead of driving, I was catching the bus, instead of lazing around in the afternoons, I was working on client pitches. All in all, my days were completely different to what I was used to. However, the knowledge and experience I gained doesn’t compare to anything else I’ve done before and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

If there’s any advice I could give to someone thinking about doing an internship or work experience for a company, I would 100% say go for it. Take every opportunity you get, (even if it seems scary)because the only way you’ll learn is if you give it your best shot!

Completing my internship has made me excited about the future and where my degree will take me. I have more experience, I have more confidence, Now I just have to secure a job....Wish me luck!

Yummy Morning Tea from PPR to thank Jess and I for our time in the Office.