Take-home messages from an internship

Name - Sandy Myo Myint Aung

Campus - Curtin Bentley

Placement - Map and Page

Commenced - March 7, 2012

Catch up on what happened in the previous blog posts:

PR is Alive and Well - So are my dreams (Thursday, 17 May 2012)

A moment of insight, worth a life experience (Sunday, 22 April 2012)

The road to hell is paved with adverbs (Wednesday, 25 April 2012)

Hey everyone, 

What’s your story of the week?

It’s my last week of internship with Map, I’m looking forward to graduating at the end of this semester but sad that it’s my last week at the firm. Nonetheless, I shall reflect on an amazing 20-day work experience in this post and share with you what I’ve learned about the dos and don’ts of work ethics, communication and professionalism. I’ll also share with you the things I truly love and some things that are hard to digest when it comes to PR, both academic and work.

As a public relations intern, daily tasks at the firm typically revolve around writing press releases, fact sheets, biographies, analysing trends, monitoring media alerts, handling the EAVs (Equivalent Advertising Value) and mainly tackling with data (not to forget fuelling myself with substantial amount of coffee before the above tasks). Every once in a while, I’d be called in to partake in the brain storm sessions, usually over a telephone conference call between the PR ladies from Map offices at Perth, Sydney and Melbourne. The brain storm sessions are always deeply inspirational to me; hearing different thoughts and opinions of the PR pros and how we come up with ideas to tackle problems facing our clients. Like many of other counterparts, our job at Map is about tackling with bad press or putting forth a good reputation for many clients in the most ethical form possible. 

 Thanks to the wonderful people I met (and virtually communicated) at Map, I’ve seen what real-life press release, press kit, PR plan, research report and client brief are like and actually was given the opportunity to develop them. Best of all, I’ve learnt that proper grammar and spelling will stay my best friends for as long as my career is concerned. My manager who read the first ever press release I’ve written (out of university) complemented me that writing is perhaps my strength after all. I’m flattered and at the same time inspired to even try harder. Two years ago, I was a girl with no particular passion for anything. But here I am, I’m writing to influence opinions and shape perceptions. Having been exposed mostly to corporate PR, I think I can leverage on my best strengths and work hard on the weaknesses to achieve my dream career in this field. 

I've always loved the view of Kings Park right in front of my desk. I'll miss that work desk and the pile of newspapers on the side to greet me every morning.

To begin my career from here, I did up a list of reasons why I think public relations is for me:

• I love writing and I’ve created a personal blog just to practice at least once a day whenever I get a chance to sit and reflect.
• I’m always up to beat with trends, news and all the new info. I love informing my friends at it too.
• I’m borderline obsessed with social media.
• I enjoy being busy and multi-tasking. I’m currently watching a show, texting, writing this blog, writing a report, drinking coffee and eating.
• Communicating with people all day is enjoyable. I do enjoy meeting new people and sharing conversations.
• Rejection happens, but I don’t take no for an answer.
• I’ve worked on weekends and it never really bothered me.
• I work well under pressure and stay organised.
• Planning and attending events has always been a dream.
• Being on the computer and my smart phone on standby all day do not bother me a bit.

Some take home messages from the experience is that it's important to come to work with a sense of purpose, set goals and sufficient positive outlook that you can meet them.

I hope all of you had (are having) a fun and fruitful experience at your placements and all the best in your future endeavors!!!

Best wishes,

 
Sandy Aung