All good things must come to an end

As I am writing this post I have just finished my second last week at the WAEC (it really went flying by didn't it?!). While it is sad that my internship is almost over, it definitely hasn't been all doom and gloom.

Some exciting things have happened and are happening at the WAEC! Firstly, I worked at my first proper event, helping out with the WAEC's enrolment drive at the Royal Show last week. I was given the task of helping to confirm enrolments of those who were interested in our booth, the freebies and our competition (involving an IGA gift card & and iPad Air 2!). All interns were given a WAEC polo top to wear on the day (and to keep) and it definitely helped me to feel even more a part of the team. A great experience I'll remember!

Secondly, the fellow interns and myself have been given the fun task of creating some social media content to link into the new advertising campaign and the other social media posts that have been created. We will be at Curtin University next Tuesday to do some Vox Pops with students, asking them to name the new election mascot/character and a few questions about elections and voting. We'll be in our WAEC polo tops so if you see us around, definitely say hi and get involved (we may have some freebies to give away too)..

After almost 20 days at the WAEC, I feel very proud of myself and what I've accomplished. I began the 20 days with the big task of improving our social media channels and have successfully created some images that will hopefully be used during the election timeline from enrolment to polling day. I definitely wouldn't have been able to do this alone and would like to thank my fellow interns for their great ideas and constructive criticism.

Now to make the final week count! See you in my final blog post!

Until next time,
Isabella Olivera (17742580)

WAEC @ the Perth Royal show 2016 - Photo Credit: WAElections Facebook

Just one of the social media posts I've made for our election timeline! This one is a reminder for early voting

Well-played internship, you were a real spectacle

Hola Amigos,

And that’s a wrap… last week marked 22 days and 11 weeks interning in the energetic team, that is HBF. All I can say is, what an experience!

Whilst it was an extremely busy time mastering how to study full time, continue working and also give me absolute all to my internship, I am truly sad to be leaving a team that I have learned so much from.

So let’s recap… I honestly could not have imagined having a better internship experience. From day 1, the team were so welcoming, helpful and willing to teach me whatever they could to fulfil my time with them. I got to be part of three truly rewarding events (the surprise video, T-shirt Day and the HBF Run for a Reason) that were filled with energy, positive messages and giving back to the community. Playing an active role in the lead up and throughout each of these events, made me realise how being proud to work for a company and resonating with its values, will make your so much more willing to work to the best of your ability for them. 

The most valuable lessons I've learnt throughout my experience:
- How to tweak your writing style for certain audiences (from social media, crisis communication prep statements, to feature stories in The West)
- You won’t always have the answers, so don’t be afraid to ask questions
- Know the relationship PR has with other departments and collaborate
- Build and nurture relationships – the industry really is so small
- Be yourself – let this reflect in your work and your communication with others

Spending my last day with the team was lovely, but had moments of sadness. They shouted me to lunch (Japanese, yum!) and all signed a card leaving lovely and encouraging messages (I won’t lie, they drew a tear or two). It truly made me feel like whilst it was a fantastic experience for me, my contributions to the team were also valued.

Well it was entertaining feeling like a little executive wearing my badge, but it’s time I hang her up and reflect on my time with HBF and how I can best prepare for what’s next. While I still have a semester to complete before graduation, but I am eager to gain as much industry experience as I can to continue learning and become a valuable contender for a career in PR.

Fellow interns, it’s been an absolute pleasure. I have gained so much insight this whole experience; from the intern itself, critically thinking for myself and reading about your experiences which have all helped me to evaluate what path I would like to take in the future. I hope it has also been invaluable for you.

Good luck and god bless,
Ashleigh

31,000 participants, 31,000 different reasons – 1 unforgettable experience

I've go to pinch myself that I was part of the ‘HBF Run for a Reason’ that took place on Sunday 24 May. Over 31,000 Western Australians participated, each with their own reason. On the day I was managing HBF’s Instagram and Twitter accounts to ensure there was real-time posts of the event. It sounds easy enough, (Instagram for work, hell yeah!) but a lot of thinking went into each post to ensure different groups were targeted, that the picture or tweet captured the essence of HBF and its objectives of the day, not to mention  being careful not to ‘overkill’ the newsfeeds.

7:30AM marked the start of the first race – the first ever half marathon for HBF. My preparation time started much earlier. After a restless sleep (anxious I would not wake up or would make a critical error on the day), I got out of bed in the pitch black and made the commute into the city on my push bike, battling against the blistering cold wind. I arrived to see thousands of participants already preparing for the 21.1km run. Okay, it was crunch time. Time to start capturing ‘in the moment’ photos of the various sights and runners. I was so nervous to post my first picture and tweet without any guidance, however I got a great shot of the first race at the start line and shared this to social media. 

Sunrise saw more participants and spectators merge from far and wide covering the town in blue. The atmosphere was simply electric. While it was fantastic fun, it was also important to maintain focused about what had to be done while also helping people, answering questions, giving directions and making sure everybody was enjoying the day.

I had the privilege of being in the lead car heading the 4km run. We mapped the way to the finish line where I was exposed to even more hype amongst thousands of people at the finish line. There were fantastic stalls set up and it was important that I captured these to show the measures that HBF had gone to facilitate such a fantastic event for the community.

The event was an absolute thrill that taught me many valuable lessons:
- The importance of being organised prior to an event
- Have a plan in mind, but be open to change if necessary
- Ensure phone is fully charged when running social media channels!!!
- Know the area you are working and important points on the map
- Not everybody works well under stress, but it’s important note to retaliate
- Smile and enjoy the experience

Seeing thousands of people smiling and having fun made the early starts, the commitment and the moments of stress truly worth it. I could not account for such a rewarding experience; to be part of something that means so much to so many people. It is something that will stay with me for a very long time and I feel very proud to have been part of the magic.


Follow the magic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gewYvLdvXpQ