All good things come to an end

This week was my last week as an intern at Evolve Events and what an experience it has been!

There is an endless of things that I am taking away with me from these 20 days, things that I have learnt about myself, learnt about the industries and learnt about my future. 

Here’s a list of some of those that I think a lot of interns can relate to and agree with:

o   Working in the industries of public relations and event management is no predictable journey. In fact, judging by my experience with Evolve Events I can guarantee that every day in my future in these industries will be entirely different and that is where the fun is!

o   I am not made for a desk job – I need to be out in the field! I have been fortunate enough to learn this during my internship and not after getting a proper job, so thank you Networking WA for teaching me this!

o   University cannot teach you everything you need to know but an internship can certainly lead the way. I am grateful for having the opportunity to complete an internship at a company of dual nature – public relations and events management – providing me with hands on experience in both industries.

o   Public relations and event management are complements to each other. These two industries can be independent, or combined to produce some amazing results. Chances are if you’re working in one industry you will cross over to the other somewhere along you journeys. Pretty happy to say I have a future in both of the industries!

o   Communication and being proactive is key! If anyone thinks that from a public relations degree they will be able to sit around and be spoon fed, that is absolutely not the case. If you want to be good and what you do and successful in the industry you need to go and there and get yourself known; the more people that know you, the higher the chance of them liking you (how can they like you if they don’t know you?!)

o   Be willing to go the extra mile. Again, you need to step out of your comfort zone. I certainly did that working at the Greens WA event where everyone knew everyone and I was the outsider, ‘the student’, but I learnt a lot, I made new friends and by the end of the weekend I felt pretty much a part of everyone!

o   Don’t settle if you feel like you can do better or improve. My first company was not my best choice – not because it didn’t teach me anything because it definitely did, but because I felt like there would be another place that could teach me more about the work I was more passionate about, and there absolutely was.

So there you have guys, the shortened version of what I have learnt. I sure everyone will walk away from their internships with a list a lot longer than that one and I am positive that this internship experience has given us the once in a lifetime opportunities to work with people in great positions, giving us life long memories and invaluable wisdom for our future as Public Relation officers and Event Managers.

Reyhan Oz

16167111 – Bentley Campus

Challenges of an Event Planner

Doing my internship at Networking WA gives me the opportunity to experience a PR and Events Management background – which is perfect for my own PR and Event Management degree.

Today was an event management kind of day – Networking WA is currently working on the planning of the Advanced Dental Artistry Charity Ball: Supporting Parkerville Children & Youth Care (more information through here or on the flyer below).

One of the challenges that came up was the event – being barely a month away – hasn't sold nearly enough tickets as it should have (have a read about Parkerville Children & Youth Care to learn more about their work). As my supervisor explained that every element of their job has been fulfilled in terms of planning and coordinating however the company benefiting from the event has not done very much to sell tickets - this made me think there is only so much you can do as an event planner to get the event out there, but that shouldn't really be your responsibility unless you have been employed to do so... then as an event planner:

- How do you ensure maximum ticket sales when you shouldn't really be worrying about maximum ticket sales? 

- And if you don't reach a good number of ticket sales, well this clearly affects the event and its success... but who would be to blame?

Thankfully, as I have mentioned, Networking WA is a company of both events and PR background, and they have been able to incorporate their PR skills into increasing awareness of the event and hopefully in turn increasing ticket sales!

For those reading that may be interested in attending the event click on the links below for more information and remember it is for a great, great cause – 100% of proceeds go directly to Parkerville Children & Youth Care AND you get a 3 course meal and complimentary drinks along with all night entertainment!

For background information on Parkerville Children & Youth Care  

For event information on the Charity Ball or check out their Facebook Page

Reyhan Oz
16167111

"It's Who You Know" or Who You'll Meet?

Hey Everyone, I will shortly be starting my internship with Networking WA (also known as Via Appia Networking WA – which I will go into later!) 

Here is a little background on the company for those that do not know:

Networking WA is a Western Australian dedicated event management company. Whilst being dedicated to producing creative and memorable events and experiences, Networking WA is also renowned for their unique membership program and broad database.

As the name suggests Networking WA is known for the networking sources they provide through their events allowing businesses, entrepreneurs and striving business people the opportunity to network with one another in opportunities unique to Networking WA’s events. The affix Via Appia is an expression of their networking abilities as Via Appia is the name of a critical road built by the Ancient Romans that essentially networked and connected the empire – Networking WA essentially connects business and business people with others in both different and similar industries with one another.

With the company slogan "It's Who You Know", which makes a lot of sense for a networking company, I am pretty excited to get a taste of the networks this company has to offer only then will be 'Who I've Met's become 'Who I Know'. 

As I was searching for a company to do my internship, this company sure seemed like it had a lot to offer!

Although I have completed some work experiences, I did not know what to expect because this internship felt somewhat different because it was one step closer to the real deal. I am keen to expand my skills, knowledge and networks during my time at Networking WA – and what better company to do just that – and I am ready to take on whatever challenges they throw at me!

Internship Day ONE - BRING IT ON!

Reyhan Oz
16167111