Hi everyone.
Well I've just completed my first week of my placement. I am working for Leeuwin Estate in the Fremantle office.
Over my days so far I haven't really done a terrific amount of work. I've come to see how ever that I am really there in an events assistant capacity as opposed to a general Public Relations role. And from what I've learnt so far, events aren't fun! There's a lot of behind the scenes tasks that need to be done that you wouldn't even think of from the outside. Processing ticket sales, sending tickets, updating master lists for who has been given bus services and hampers. I've also had the frustrating task of drawing a seating chart in an Excel document which took a lot longer than I anticipated!
I've found it a little bit odd adjusting to the enviroment of the office. I normally work in a supermarket where it is quite loud and have constant hustle around me, here it is the complete opposite. It is a smallish office space with just a handful of employees. The phone is constantly ringing yet the atmosphere is very relaxed and people go about their jobs with what seems like little stress. Its very different to what I'm used to but I'm definately begin to enjoy it!
With being approximetly a month out from our concerts I hope my tasks become more varied and I have the chance to dislay what I've learnt in other Public Relations areas.
-tegan
Curtin University, Bently
4 comments:
Hey Tegan,
In Malaysia, we have an unflattering term for event management people - "kuli", which means "slave"! Like it or loathe it, PR and events are almost inseparable entities. In order to make an impact or generate buzz about your company, an event usually has to take place so stories and photo opportunities can appear in the media.
As PR practitioners, if we're not managing the events ourselves then we're probably running around to make sure that the media will attend and press releases and kits are prepared, etc.
My point is this: there is a tremendous amount of joy, pride and accomplishment that can be felt when it all comes together. That's my take on it anyway.
I hope you'll continue to adapt to the office environment and find enjoyment in what you do. It just takes a little time.
Cheers,
John.
Hey guys!
I'd have to agree with John on his take of the event management line. I'm from Malaysia and I've worked on several events. While organizing a youth event in 2008, there were times when I was in office till around 4 in the morning! Yes, 4AM. It started to become very depressing because there were days where we'd shower in office and continue working the next morning.
But, when the day of the event finally arrived, I'd have to admit it was the best feeling to see the event finally happen and it was such a success!
Tegan, I hope you're starting to enjoy being in the events line cause it is really quite an interesting career path to take up! It's what I like to call "stressfully satisfying".
Take care!
Ashwini Sivanantham
14008069
Curtin Bentley
"Stressfully satisfying" - what a great way to describe event management!
A big thank you to all of you for your honest insights into event management. As you have all stated, a lot of work goes into any event - far more than most people would suspect when they attend on the night. However, it will all be worth it on the day.
Then again, the placement might help you to realise event management isn't for you - which is fine. At least you have given it a try - and picked up a lot of transferable skills on the way, which will come in handy in any job you will end up in post graduation.
hey there,i really agree with you, public relations is one hectic field, take an exaple of running a campaign or any other event, mostly you do not even enjoy the beauty of that occasion but you are always busy trying to check guest list, neccessary information,seating arrangement and still communicating with the team as you are on field. as an intern it even gets worse as you could be sent to collect something that has been forgotten in the office if the event is an outdoor kind. talk about doing everything at ones and trying to meet the requirements of your supervisor as he keeps screaming. basically, i have seen it all, there are point where you feel like quitting but after the hardwork then compliments, you definately feel like you belong with the team and reardy for the working field.
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