So what's the point of it all?

Hi everyone,

So as I'm now at the end of my placement and getting stuck in to my final report it's got me wondering what exactly the impact of Public Relations has been on Cancer Support WA.

After these years of study I was already of the opinion that Public Relations is an important component of any successful organisation. However, it was only after working at CSWA that I came to realise the integral role it plays in the success of not-for-profit organisations in particular.

With a limited budget and a number of other departments taking financial priority the promotion of the organisation and the services it offers is expected to be done through the acquisition of media coverage and stakeholder communication free of charge through Public Relations techniques.
This strategy being adopted out of necessity means that the organisation is dependent upon the PR department to perform.
 
As Grunig and Hunt put it "Public Relations is the management of communication between an organisation and its publics", and it is clear to me now that if PR was overlooked at CSWA there would be no effective communication between the organisation and its stakeholders which would inevitably lead to a huge decline in the number of new clients as well as donations and volunteers. Since CSWA is a charity and not profit driven this wouldn't just jeopardise their earnings, it would ultimately mean less people in need would receive assistance. 
The hard work of all of the other departments is backed up by effective public relations to make the most of the organisations potential to do good.

Well, that's about it. 20 days didn't sound like long going in, but I have learned SO much during my time with Cancer Support WA. I couldn't be happier with my internship experience and am thankful to have spent my time within such a fantastic organisation. 

Kelsey

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

My journey at Therapy Focus has made me think about how much I have actually learned from my Public Relations degree.

It has also taught me about what to expect in the world of PR when working for not-for-profit organisations.



After completing my journey, I have come to the conclusion that I would like a bit more work experience in the PR field. Perhaps, trying a consultancy practice in Perth, whether boutique or medium-sized. I say this because I am still unsure whether I want to purse a career in Public Relations. I am still interested in pursuing a career in Advertising. However, this experience has helped me in so many ways, and I have learned more about my work ethics, both good and bad.

I would definitely say that my writing ability has improved immensely. I now have the confidence to communicate on a professional level that is effective, engaging and targeting the intended audience.

One thing I can take away from this experience is that marketing and public relations are very intertwined fields. Although, I already was aware of this from studying a Marketing unit in my first year at Curtin. Working at Therapy Foucs, I could physically see how the two are connected. Basically, everything is done to what is most essential to the not-for-profit organisation and not what it wants to do.


It was amazing what the communications department at Therapy Focus is able to accomplish in short periods of time and working under tight deadlines. This is something I admired the most. What kept them going was passion to help see the lives of children with a disability better.

To me PR is a valuable asset to the any organisation that cannot be seen in monetary value. Its' value may take time to be seen but will be worthwhile in the end.

My placement was a great learning curve for me, and I am thankful I was given the opportunity to intern at Therapy Focus.


Goodbye for now.


Maria
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