Social Livin’ - Dreams do come true

Internship should be ending the end of month and with the accumulated fatigue, at some point I did look forward to it. But there little things that kept me going and gave me the energy to keep driving forward. 

The head of our entire PR Department, Andrew, once said during a Floor meeting, to write down the reason why we're here and what we want to learn from this place on a piece of Post-it and put it somewhere as a constant reminder. As everything gets mundane or crazy or overwhelming, that piece of paper will serve as encouragement and reminder about why we should and can keep pushing forward. 

Andrew leading the Floor Meeting, every Tuesday.

I'm fortunate to be in my department and I've learnt a fountain of knowledge and experienced so much. Just last week, I was able to go to the Youtube FanFest to further understand the power of social media and how influencers (social media's equivalent of media) gain their reach and how they work. Most of them, are more often than not, inspirations and example as to how dreams can come true too. 

Being able to attend seminars / webinars have also increased my exposure to how other counterparts of the Ogilvy Network works. These sessions often open up our mind to how strategies, ideas and tactics can differ and work in different regions, countries and industries, in a practical way, when successful cases are referred to and some of them, you can even go to the people involved to find out more information. 

Webinars/Seminars.

I've got great mentors and colleagues, as well as working environment, along with great company (other interns). Which makes this an even greater internship experience.

Working environment with fellow interns.

Our agency's Markies over the years.

My view from my desk.

The social team celebrating our win for the "Markies"

My key learning points of this internship is:

1. PR is always evolving, Traditional PR will still be around and Social Media is up and coming with the sprout ups of agencies specialising in the world. 

<Did I mention that social@Ogilvy won Bronze Award for Social Media Agency of the Year at the Markies? :)>

2. Persistence is important and we should always strive to be better and be creative, because these days, its what makes a brand unique and stand out from the vast availability of information. What is tough now will grind one to become tougher. Learn to never give in or give up! 

A reminder whenever we walk pass... "Never give in. Never give in. Never Never Never."

3. Time management is VERY important, especially in an agency, where 10 things could happen at the same time. Classroom hardly teach you that.

4. PR lessons you learn in class, especially for social media or technology, are hardly relevant in the industry anymore. Maybe because they move and evolve so fast, you'd realise that the industry is so far ahead of the textbooks...

5.  Independence and Initiative are two very important keys to open that door the the fountain of knowledge. Especially in a fast paced environment, expecting to be spoon-fed is an absolutely no-no. Do not behave like an intern if you do not want to be treated like an intern.  

6. Keep an open mind. Be open to criticism and never be afraid to question. If you assume you know everything or close up to recommendations and feedback, the work will never improve. 

One of the meeting room's door

It has been a fantastic experience. And for the reason why do I say, dreams do come true?

I will be absorbed by social@Ogilvy as a Digital & Listening Analyst and will be seconded to one of the world's most favourite brand in weeks to come! :)

Wish me luck! 

Follow AleTheIntern on Facebook & Instagram through my journey! 

Alexa Lim Yuanfen

15806675

Proud intern of social@Ogilvy, Ogilvy Public Relations Singapore.