Assumptions: How They Ruin Everything

And increase your chances of being wrong by about 100%

If you think you have asked enough questions, ask some more. Here is the story of my PR plan: After a heavy brainstorming session, I established that we could achieve the business objective by targeting five key demographic groups. It didn't take long for me to realise that this was far too ambitious. 

I had experienced a serious information overload, which admittedly over-complicated my thoughts and slowed me down a lot. I then decided to slim it down to three target stakeholder groups by asking my supervisor to clarify which three of the five groups, should take priority. Once I had my answer, I had to establish which ONE sub-group to target within each main demographic group. I started visiting the Australian Bureau of Statistics and a handful of Government websites to determine which group demanded the most social assistance. After spending several days researching, I presented my plan to my Supervisor. To my disappointment, I had made the mistake of assuming that strong research automatically means "I am right about whatever I decide."

Although I had based my decisions on credible sources - my research was made redundant by the fact that we already had existing relationships with two of the three key demographic groups and organisations which I had researched and selected to be targeted. #DANGIT. The hard lesson for me, was that despite how much it has been drilled into me, research is not always everything. In the end, I could only blame myself for not asking more questions, before endeavouring to immerse myself in time-consuming research. As a consequence, I have to redo the best part of a 2500 hard-earnt word count.

The Moral of the Story, is ask questions even when you think you are on the right track. Ask questions especially when you are certain that you know what you are doing, because if you don't - there is a solid chance that you are already doing something wrong.


Hope you don't make the same mistake.

- Mivalaa

Au revoir to my first internship experience!

My first stint as an intern came to an end two weeks ago. Looking back, time absolutely flew by and I could not be happier with my experience at Magenta, in particular, all of the positive feedback I was given.

As two major client projects that were happening over east wrapped up at the end of my 10 weeks I was involved in media clippings for the creation of tear sheets in the final PR reports! I also did a few social media plans for one of the clients that I really enjoyed as social media is a crucial aspect of marketing and public relations as we all know!

I was talking to a friend of mine who had listened to me rave about how much I loved being at my placement and he asked me to give him some tips on how to succeed as he is currently seeking out a placement for his engineering degree.

My top five tips to being the standout intern:

1. Work extremely hard. There is another university student who would do anything to have your spot so don't do anything in half measures, make the most of the amazing opportunity that you've been given. Working hard will also guarantee that you learn the most you can.
   
2. Take initiative. One of the pieces of feedback I received was that I took initiative instead of bombarding someone with a million questions that I could of answered myself. Just because you are a student with no industry experience and are unpaid doesn't mean you aren't capable. Think really hard and take initiative, you will certainly impress your supervisor.
   
3. Don't wait to be given a job - ask! It will portray that you are the real deal and want to learn. Observe and absorb as much as you can. You can learn so much just by listening to what people say!
   
4. Your attitude is either going to see you succeed of just have a mediocre experience. Employers are always interested in a persons personality and attitude more than there qualifications, so be a positive and interested intern that doesn't complain.
   
5. You've got to start at the bottom. Period. 

I love a good quote and this one resonates with my internship at Magenta. Good luck to everyone who is still at their placement, I hope your having a great time and putting your PR skills into practice. Dream big!