The Newbie in the
Blocks of Phileo Damansara 1
Fellow PR interns, you would share my sentiments here. Welcome to my zone!
Starting a new job is not the easiest
thing, particularly when you realize that years of acquiring theoretical
knowledge won’t necessarily transfer exactly and/or entirely into the
fast-paced world of Public Relations. So I figured I could use a little
advice and catch up on my career perspective before starting my tenure at
Essence Communications located in the middle of the city. With
a little help from my lecturer and some advice from a senior university buddy
with past intern exposure, I received some tips on how to make the most out of
my work experience.
While
initial pangs of nervousness competed with my keenness to learn, within the one
and a half hour travel period from home to work, the latter outdid my fear. I
was very happy to find myself working for Essence Communications as I have now
started to really appreciate the unbelievable opportunities sitting right on my
doorstep. In addition to providing me with endless new information and
knowledge in media monitoring and brand recognition, Essence Communications has
also set an excellent foundation for my future.
My
first day started exceptionally well. I traveled to work in the
sunshine, my iPod blaring my favorite mix, wearing a freshly pressed shirt, and
basically beaming from ear to ear for the entire 1.5 hours drive. Excitement
filled my nerves as I swerve through the hustling and bustling vehicles heading
into the heart of Phileo Damansara where Essence Communications is located.
When
I arrived at the office my desk was ready for me. Normally, a first-time intern
would walk in not knowing anyone but hoping to impress everyone, running around
frantically trying to fill out paperwork, and scrambling to get to their next
meeting or training session, praying they would not be late. But considering the
circumstances, with the stakes continuing to rise, I knew I had to focus and
efficiently complete tasks, distress free. I had to focus because I had to
maintain Curtin Sarawak’s reputation while trying to shine within the duration
of my internship.
The
HR officer, Mangales accompanied me for breakfast and set a few ground rules as
an intern to abide by- including the adhering towards the company’s policies
and its regulations. That very conversation defined the significance of
professionalism and manner of conduct within an organisation. I instantaneously
knew that I had to buck up and adapt immediately. Then it boiled down to my own
efforts as to how to make the most out of my first day in Essence.
I conversed with multiple people from HR and
administration to learn about the business of the firm. I spent the latter half
of the day in computer training, learning new things like our billing systems,
firm directory (as it would be useful to familiarize it now rather than
panicking when a task is given) and our email server. As the day dwindled
to an end, it was exactly the action-packed, training-focused first day I
originally envisioned. I took off that evening and headed home from what
I know will be one of the best experiences of my life.
A little overview of my office
Fellow Interns from different universities
That's it for now!
Yours Truly,
Anusha Shanmugaveloo
