I'm a bit lost in my placement...
I have no confidence to move forward or to take any direction because I have no leadership. The existing Marketing and Communications Manager doesn’t seem to know much about PR. Everyone in the organisation perceives PR as media liaison and with that they’re hoping that I can raise the profile of the organisation… and that’s it. No specific stakeholder groups, no vision for the perception of organisation amongst these groups and no real leadership or guidance from anyone, especially my direct senior. The organisation in terms of PR is a complete mess- there are different approaches in the different departments but no cohesion, no communication and worst of all for me, no real idea about what PR is and what it could do for the organisation.
There was a whisper that if I go well in this role there could be a contract at the end of my internship but with what I have to work with, how can I truly perform as a PR professional? How do I approach the subject without offending the existing Marketing and Communication Manager or even the Manager and Director of the organisation, not to mention the other departments? How can I achieve leverage so that they 1) take me seriously and not perceive me as a fresh-out-of-university, bright eyed, dreamer and 2) take PR in their company seriously? With no clear direction in the company at all, do I just do what they ask of me, write my report at the end of the internship and leave for a more organised, structured and direction-driven organisation or should I claim the role as my own and start shaping it now (without treading on any toes)?...
Any thoughts?..
2 comments:
Hi Martine,
I understand how you feel at your placement and how you dont feel comfortable going and speaking with your boss about the issue.
I sometimes feel the same because I get a little intimidated when I need to speak with my boss especially because you feel like your just the work experience person so your opinion is not valued as much. However I think you will find that your boss will welcome the input that you give.
If they are going to offer you a job at the end of the work experience then it is more reason to do something about it. It seems like a good opportunity for you but you want to go somewhere where you will be happy.
Goodluck with everything
Hey Martine,
I would definatley persist. You are so lucky to be given the opportunity of a job after your placement ceases even if it is hard to see the light. But i do agree with Nicole, you need to be happy and enjoy what you are doing.
I think instead of trying to tell your supervisor that there is more to PR than media liasing that you could start structuring a system, maybe start a strategy proposal and tell your supervisor that you have some great ideas that would enhance and further the organisations reputation. Who could say no to that? (Hopefully not your supervisor).
I hope everything works out for you and don't give up.
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