Some highlights for me were writing a news article for our client McDonald's (which can be read here!), sitting in on media training, being present at interviews for various news outlets around Perth, and working on an event in Fremantle that I got to attend and experience what I'd been putting so much effort into. I also got to do many tasks around the office like making calls, communicating with journalists, writing a transcript, creating a survey, finding event locations around Perth, and conducting research for clients. These tasks were not as unique as the event I attended or the article I wrote, but it was so important for me to get experience and improve my PR skills through these tasks. Coming out of this internship having given my communication skills a good work out, I can certainly say I feel more confident about working in PR than I ever have before.
Through my internship, I have learnt many important lessons that I can carry onto the business world. These lessons I learnt at PPR were things I already somewhat knew before starting... but working as an intern solidified the three main tips I would pass on to anyone doing work experience in their field:
- Always ask questions. I learnt very early on that the best way to get work from colleagues or be invited to events was to show my interest. I found out that if I simply asked a colleague about a client they're working with, or if I enquired about an upcoming event, they would realise my interest and ask me to help them. This happened to me in my first week, as two colleagues were setting up filming equipment in a boardroom. After asking a couple of questions they invited me to sit in on the filming of an interview with a client. It was a really cool experience to see how a promotional video can be made and to see something different.
- It's okay to be confused or to have queries. When a colleague gave me work, they assured me that I could ask questions along the way. It was comforting to know that they didn't leave me with a mound of work that I had no idea about. PPR emphasised that I was there to learn, and they always encouraged me to ask for help at any time.
- Always say 'yes'. This was definitely something I knew before starting, but saying 'yes' at PPR opened up so many doors for me and solidified how important it is to always be open to opportunities. It allowed me to attend various events, including a PRIA event, sit in on meetings (which were probably boring for staff but very exciting for me), and venture into the city to carry out tasks for colleagues (again, something that probably wasn't that exciting for anyone else but me). I can't believe some of the awesome opportunities I was asked to be a part of- which were made possible by my saying 'yes'. My PR skills in many different areas of communication, writing and event planning, and also my ability to network, were definitely strengthened through this lesson.
I was quite sad to leave PPR on my last day as I handed over to the new intern. However, I was mostly proud of myself for completing something that was so far out of my comfort zone. Each day I was challenged, and each day I learnt so much about the professional world of PR. I feel better off in the PR world after working at PPR for a month, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I was given.
2 comments:
Hey Megan!
First of all, congratulations on completing your placement at PPR and for having an article published through them - you should be extremely proud of yourself! :)
Second, I have really enjoyed reading your 'three main tips' for students completing work experience in their given field as I have been able to relate them to my own personal experiences at my placement.
1) Always ask questions. I absolutely, 100%, wholeheartedly agree with this tip! Not only is this one of the most effective ways to be invited to events or be given additional work, but it's also one of the most effective ways to avoid (and minimise) mistakes being made.
2) It's okay to be confused or to have queries. I couldn't agree more - PUBR3002 is an opportunity for us as students to grow as professionals and most of all, learn. And although it may be hard to believe at the time, but often our most terrible mistakes or silliest of questions presents us with the most beneficial of learning curves.
3) Always say 'yes'. Saying yes not only means that we are opening ourselves up to future opportunities, but it instills confidence in our colleagues as they are assured that we are dedicated, motivated and willing to work/learn. I would therefore highly recommend that all future interns present themselves as yes men and women.
Again, congratulations on completing your placement and good luck for writing your report!
Emily :)
Hey Megan! Awesome job on completing the internship with PPR - sounds like you learnt a lot about the industry and yourself! Being more at the beginning of my internship, I've definitely made an effort to take your tips on board and apply them to myself when doing work at my internship.
I'm very fortunate to be sharing an office with our amazing Account Executive, so am able to literally turn around and ask her questions if I get stuck or need help, and she's always willing to help when I need so that's been really good.
I laughed a little at the second tip, as I feel confused everyday when working in the office. It's difficult at times being the new intern and not knowing a lot about past clients and what worked and what didn't, so I've learnt to embrace the confusion, take it in my stride and do my best when performing tasks.
The third point is probably the best, as you can never be too keen as an intern, and should always say yes to things, otherwise you could be missing out on valuable learning and experience. Today I got asked to work an event in a couple weeks on a Monday night after office hours - I didn't even hesitate in enthusiastically saying "Yes, I'll be there!" Even though the girls in the office have told me that the event will be full of old boring men and won't be overly exciting, I will be there with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, despite the lack of excitement!
Good job on finishing the internship, and happy report writing!
Tayla
Post a Comment