Summing up doing corporate communications in a charitable organisation

Hi all, counting down just three more days before the internship ends.

I just want to share a few important points to note when working in the corporate communications department in a charitable organization.

First: One really has to learn to work under tight budgets, this is important as every amount of money especially in a charitable organization has to be documented. Thus regardless of how important that backdrop or exhibition panel is, either one has to think of ideas to do something cheaper or have good relations with vendors who will help to perhaps sponsor or give big discounts.

Second: Many levels of approvals. This means that to approve for example, content in the programme booklets, we do not just have to go through the head of corporate communications but also the secretary general and both deputy secretary generals. Truthfully, I understand the need to have the senior management to look through as it is a reputable charitable organization. However with the number of people that have to approve it, this means more time is involved and the initial direction that the booklet should have may be lost in the process.

 

For example, the logo on the Left that was specially created to represent the ceremony was changed numerous times.

Third: Showcasing the Real side. As we seek stories that can be used for pitching to the media or even just to highlight to the public, we never try to stage things. We believe that it is through the stories of real persons told that can perhaps inspire or encourage others to take a wider look at the people around and not judge them from just their physical appearances.

Probably the most interesting thing that we can take away is seeing a side of society that one will not normally see. Sometimes SRC aims to show the real needs in Singapore and that means visiting the beneficiaries. Through a conversation with them, you will understand that some beneficiaries really need a lot of subsidiaries to just help them get through life. For some, they tend to be optimistic believing that since life has given them a form of obstacle, they will find ways to overcome them. In fact when I was making calls to champion blood donors to find out what got them into blood donation; one of them mentioned that it really takes time and courage to donate blood. Why donate material items like food and cash when you can donate blood or platelets that can give someone another shot at life.

 

 

As I end my stay at SRC, I will always have a soft spot for it. My Impression of SRC was a organization that promotes blood donation or donations for humanitarian relief overseas, now I realize that they do a lot for the community especially for the elderly and needy.

 

Regardless of any happy or tired moments, it has been a fun and enjoyable internship. It may or may not kick-start my career in public relations, but it has definitely shown me the side of public relations which I know I will always enjoy.

 Lastly, introducing SRCs’ mascot, Tiggi, who appeared suddenly three years ago and now calls the SRC his home.

 

That’s all for now as I bid farewell to an internship and the end of two fruitful years in Curtin Singapore but we will meet again someday.

 

Thank you.
Jacquelyn Woo
Curtin Singapore
15658504