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

This is the story of my endless search for an internship!

Hello people,

Okay, I have to say that ever since I knew I would start a Curtin degree at the Charles Telfair Institute, I was overly excited for the internship I would have to take while finishing my studies. Following the orientation session with our lecturer, we were told to send applications as soon as possible. After updating my CV and application letter, I shortlisted nine Public Relations, Media and Communication organisations and companies where I sent my letters. I had to wait for weeks until I finally got a response from one company where they wanted to hire a full time intern and as bad luck would have it, classes were resuming the following week and therefore, I had to let go of their offer. At this point, I was devastated that I had to refuse an offer from such a prestigious company. People started replying my emails giving me the “Thank you for trusting our company, but right now we are not hiring interns, we are keeping your CV…” speech and that was when the stress reached its peak. I started calling other companies and organisations but in vain. Some people were confusing Public Relations with Human Resource or Guest Relations! I was very disappointed with the PR professionals in Mauritius and I felt like they did not honour the PR profession at all. 

One day, I stumbled across an advertising/communication agency and a phone call later, they told me to send the director a mail. The reply of the director was instant and I got an interview the very next day! I then attended the interview and the director was totally fine about having a part time intern! This is the story of my endless search for an internship and I have to say that my first couple of days at Mamba Advertising have gone on smoothly. The team is great and they are very friendly and we are all on first name basis! The agency mostly deals with advertising and this is one of my fears about having my internship there. But at this point, I really am happy and grateful to have gotten this internship!

Until next time!

Kritina Sungkur

15886486

Charles Telfair Institute