Closing One Door, Opening Another - The End of my Placement, The Beginning of the Real World

After 20 full days of interning at The Wilderness Society, my placement has come to an end. I can't even begin to explain how thankful I am to the WA team for welcoming me into their office and making me feel like part of their little family. Over the course of the past month I have learnt more than I ever expected to learn and I'm glad to say that I will continue to learn with TWS. I know that I am always welcome to lend a helping hand whenever it is needed.

For my last week, I spent a lot of time tying up some loose ends for our event planning and finishing off the last details for a couple of flyers (finally!!). Also, I was very happy to have finally had the chance to draft up a media release that I used to send to a few Perth events websites to let the public know that there would be free access to our event after 8pm. On my last day with the team, we had a 'social lunch' with the researchers and other volunteers. The team were so lovely and gave me a gift - a book filled with gorgeous nature photography, and a pair of earrings. We also shared a delicious cookies and cream cheesecake. It was the best way to finish my time with them.

Now that I have completed my placement, I have come to learn which areas of PR I am best suited to and which areas I am the most passionate about. Writing media releases, articles and general copy for websites has become a small passion of mine and I've realised that this is the area I would like to extend my future career into. I am also making plans to extend my knowledge in print and website design.

To begin the next stage of my life, I have started searching for potential job opportunities but I'm afraid that I am already daunted by the prospects of finding a job straight out of my degree. There aren't many entry level jobs for PR and majority of the other jobs require at least 2 years experience. I've realised that it is going to take a lot more commitment and hard work in order to start my dream career. I am more than willing to do whatever it takes to gain the experience I'll need.

Finally, although it seems that I can now close the door on my university career, I am able to open other doors thanks to the experience and the confidence I've gained from my placement. I have learnt so much and have made so many wonderful friends whom I am sure I well keep in contact with. PR393 has been the absolute highlight of my studies.

I wish all the best to everyone completing their reports and hope that you have all had an amazing experience!

Best wishes,
Brooke Castelli