Thursday, June 4, 2015

Well-played internship, you were a real spectacle

Hola Amigos,

And that’s a wrap… last week marked 22 days and 11 weeks interning in the energetic team, that is HBF. All I can say is, what an experience!


Whilst it was an extremely busy time mastering how to study full time, continue working and also give me absolute all to my internship, I am truly sad to be leaving a team that I have learned so much from.

So let’s recap… I honestly could not have imagined having a better internship experience. From day 1, the team were so welcoming, helpful and willing to teach me whatever they could to fulfil my time with them. I got to be part of three truly rewarding events (the surprise video, T-shirt Day and the HBF Run for a Reason) that were filled with energy, positive messages and giving back to the community. Playing an active role in the lead up and throughout each of these events, made me realise how being proud to work for a company and resonating with its values, will make your so much more willing to work to the best of your ability for them. 

The most valuable lessons I've learnt throughout my experience:
- How to tweak your writing style for certain audiences (from social media, crisis communication prep statements, to feature stories in The West)
- You won’t always have the answers, so don’t be afraid to ask questions
- Know the relationship PR has with other departments and collaborate
- Build and nurture relationships – the industry really is so small
- Be yourself – let this reflect in your work and your communication with others

Spending my last day with the team was lovely, but had moments of sadness. They shouted me to lunch (Japanese, yum!) and all signed a card leaving lovely and encouraging messages (I won’t lie, they drew a tear or two). It truly made me feel like whilst it was a fantastic experience for me, my contributions to the team were also valued.
Well it was entertaining feeling like a little executive wearing my badge, but it’s time I hang her up and reflect on my time with HBF and how I can best prepare for what’s next. While I still have a semester to complete before graduation, but I am eager to gain as much industry experience as I can to continue learning and become a valuable contender for a career in PR.

Fellow interns, it’s been an absolute pleasure. I have gained so much insight this whole experience; from the intern itself, critically thinking for myself and reading about your experiences which have all helped me to evaluate what path I would like to take in the future. I hope it has also been invaluable for you.

Good luck and god bless,
Ashleigh

1 comment:

sloanpr said...

Hi Ashleigh,

Great to hear you are having a very enjoyable time at HBF. I did a three month contract there at the start of 2014 and it was very enjoyable. It certainly is amazing when you see how much effort goes into an event. The event I got to help out on was the Rottnest Swim as HBF was a sponsor. I also volunteered on the day and handed out icey-poles, sun-screen and water. It was the three things everyone wanted on the day, so a great branding opportunity for HBF. Hope you enjoyed the buzz and excitement that surrounds Run for a Reason.

Cheers
Rhiannon