Sink or swim

First days in the office generally involve setting up accounts, checking emails, meeting fellow colleagues and getting a feel for the organisation. I, like I'm sure the rest of you, certainly experienced these on my first day. But I was thrown into the deep in with one of my first tasks being to attend a meeting alongside the Senior Communications Advisor with the two of the top executives for the company - the Chairman/Managing Director and President of Alcoa Mining. We discussed an internal video about changing corporate culture that was being filmed later in the week. The two execs were thanking and encouraging positive corporate change which will be used an introduction into a focus group session that will provide better insight into the Alcoan culture. My first day also involved proofreading an internal newsletter, formulating content for a media release, gaining background knowledge on key programs and partnerships, and discussing content for the new website.

My level of flexibility, initiative and time management were really tested straight away as I was in three different offices/locations for the first three days! This is because of the widespread offices and refineries across the region extending from Wagerup (near Waroona) to Booragoon in Perth. I have been given a company laptop which I use at each location and I am found a suitable work area. I think my professionalism and attitude when dealing with this flexible work arrangement was really positive and showed my potential to my supervisor. I am looking forward to see what other tasks require me to ‘step-up’ and provide me with a challenge for the remainder of the internship.

I am back in the original office tomorrow (Booragoon) ready for the filming of that corporate culture video. Wish me luck!

PR on the Go: Where flexibility and responsiveness come into play

When I was working at LEWIS PR Malaysia, I was involved in a couple of events, notably a press conference organised for Alere Health and a product launch for Samsung's Galaxy S5. To being with, before each event, a meeting will be held in order to have the staffs run through the running sheet and agendas for the respective events. Do you remember the running sheets that you were asked to construct in class and for your assignments? This is no different from it. In the meeting, the flow of the event was discussed and participants were asked to familiarise themselves with the agendas for the event.

For Alere Health's press conference, I was tasked to register the media upon arrival, present the media kit to the guests, and direct them to the conference room. Despite having my responsibilities clearly outlined, unforeseen circumstances did appear. Before the initiation of the press conference, the name cards for the spokespeople were inaccurately printed. Upon witnessing this issue, my manager instructed me to get it fixed right away. 

In relation to my first blog post, I mentioned that LEWIS PR Malaysia was made up of four employees, including me as an intern. We were lacking of human resources back then; therefore, I had to run all the way to the printing service provider to get it amended. While I was away from my duties, my Accounts Director had to fill in for my responsibilities in registering the media. It took everybody's effort in controlling the issue. Having said that, personally, I find it confusing to deviate from my responsibilities. I then thought about it, if I did not get the name cards fixed, would it affect the company's reputation in the eyes of the client (Alere Health) and the guests (media and spokespeople)? 

I then came to a conclusion that as the client pays you for your PR services, it is critical for you to deliver qualitative service with regards to the amount that is paid to you. The corporate reputation is not only at stake, but the relationships shared with the client and the guests are also being questioned. After that experience, I start to see PR practitioners in a different way, for the better of course. From that day onwards, I start to recognise PR people as "Super Workers" who have the competence level in dealing with unforeseen circumstances and are always on the go. I mean, I personally do not think it is easy to "think on one's feet" and to deviate from one's duties when faced with a crisis unless you have the relevant experience in handling such cases.   

Apart from that, everything went well and the press conference was a success. Effort was well paid off from the media calling, registration, and fixing of the issue. On top of that, I received several contact cards from the media. It was a great experience as I got to network with the media and witness how PR is represented in the Malaysian landscape. 

Thank you so much for taking your time in reading through this and I look forward to keep you updated.

Till then, have a pleasant day ahead.

Adrian.