I'm in a Video!

Day 6 of my internship at WAEC, Me and the other intern, Ed went on an excursion to the retirement home complex in Woodlands. We were there to help with filming a video (actually being part of the video, the ones being filmed), demonstrating how  the voting process works and also taking shots for updating the previous video. The use of the video is basically for employees and staffs as it shows how the whole process of setting up the venue, equipment and how the day will run, also the basic knowledge on how the day will be, for example the video includes on how the ballot paper would be given and how you should explain and give instructions on how the ballot paper should be filled plus after filled where should they put it. This video would help understand the steps that would happen when someone comes to vote at a polling place.

To make the video more realistic, we invited the residents of the home to participate in our video, also in the video it can't only be one age group (seniors), so me and Ed and few other staffs were also recorded casting our votes but it was not only for one time but for numerous occasions. Each time we were given a different identity to vote.  

After this excursion I found that WAEC would not only focus on one age group although our project is mainly targeting towards Youth groups, but WAEC would also consider the elder, for example they have used the elder group to help with our video.

This process of the video gave me a chance to look at the other side of the election which is the behind the scenes. I can clearly see that the staffs need to put in a lot of effort into setting up the polling place and making it go smoothly as there should be no mistakes and everything needs to follow the instructions given which is the video that we are involved in.

I found that PR is very wide and when events are involved, it is just the matter of planning, consideration and professional execution. I enjoyed being part of WAEC and a part of the video. It was a great experience. The video is not only to teach staffs on how things operate on an election day, but it gave me a great experience on the things I have never thought of, and it also made me understand all the behind the scenes which includes the planning and running the event and how it actually works.

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!