Overall, I feel I have learnt so much about
Public Relations and its importance in the government. I have also developed a
great understanding as to where my best ‘fit’ is. I have developed such a
strong passion towards ‘external communications’ and am hoping to one-day work
in a position similar to the one at Main Roads as a Public Affairs Coordinator.
After this internship and experience in the PR world I can positively say I am
so happy with the skills and knowledge I’m leaving with, not only from this internship but also from University.
I do feel however that the next step, or a
future step for me would be to apply for work experience at a PR agency as I
havn’t yet experienced this. Reading books and doing assignments are completely
different when you apply it to the real world and I am so thankful for this
internship unit as I feel like I am leaving with a greater advantage. I do feel
however, that working for one organisaiton has allowed me to learn a greater in-depth
knowledge but working at a PR consultancy would allow me to enhance a variety
of skills due to working for a variety of organisations!
My chapter at University is now coming to
an end, but fortunately I am still staying at Main Roads as an intern. I am
working towards opening a new chapter as a Main Roads employee and believe continuing
as an intern will help me reach my goal.
But for now, here are some ideas of what
our future graduates next steps could be:
- Stay in touch! Maintain communication between your internship supervisors and ask them how they’re going to make sure they’re aware of your passion towards the organisation. You never know when they may be looking for a future employee and you may be the perfect fit!
- Keep looking for other work experience opportunities- the more the merrier! Like me, if you’ve tried in-house give out-of-house a go.
- Update your LinkedIn and add mutual ‘friends.’ We all have updated Facebook pages but recruitment agencies look towards your LinkedIn so keeping it updated, professional and attractive will be a great advantage.
- Don’t give up! We’re all still so young and have the opportunity to see the world. If a job doesn’t come up don’t let it steer away your passion. Instead look at it in a positive light, the next chapter will start soon but for the mean time, embrace the ‘now.’
I have enjoyed reading everyone’s blogs and
hope that we can all cross paths during our careers. The public relations
industry is receiving some great new PR practitioners as we graduate with great
experience, great skills and great professional networks!
Goodluck for your future endeavors,
Caris Dinardo
2 comments:
Hi Caris,
I completely agree with your point about this internship unit giving us a greater advantage - it really gives us a taste of the real world and made me want to get out there and start working!
Love your tips for future graduates - staying in touch and networking is so important! The only thing I would add from my experience is to not be afraid of making mistakes. Everyone makes them at some point, and as long as you're proactive at fixing it and learning from your errors no one will mind!
Good luck with your future at Main Roads.
Siobhan
Hi Caris,
By the sounds of it you really enjoyed your time at Main Roads getting involved with the work and creating good professional relationships with your colleagues.
You mentioned that what you learn at university is so different when you go into the workplace and actually put it into practice. I feel as if putting it into practice you learn far more as you are receiving that hands on experience in the real work.
I wish you the best of luck with your future career and I hope something permanent comes out of your internship at Main Roads.
Joanna
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