This blog post was done on October 5, 2012.
Havas Worldwide Siren, formerly known as Euro RSCG Siren, holds a special place in my heart. For the past two and a half months, I was surrounded by talented and passionate people who inspire me, encourage me and reaffirm that I am in the right industry and doing what I should be doing with my life. Of course, it was not always smooth sailing (believe me, there were many times when I got reprimanded especially for not meeting deadlines) but what’s an internship without the bumps?
Siren has not only provided me with insights into the working world of PR but I have also taken away many valuable lessons that I will carry with me as I take the next step as a PR Executive. Below is a list of some of the many things I have learned:
A PR practitioner can never do too much research. The cornerstone of any solid PR effort, research helps you to understand your client and the industry it is operating in. This in turn helps the consultancy to develop effective strategies and tactics to meet your clients’ needs.
In my time at Siren, I have done research on various topics from logistics providers to international business schools. (I can tell you the difference between a 3rd Party Logistics Provider and a 4th Party Logistics Provider but trust me, you would not want to hear me expound on that). I have sourced potential and relevant speakers for a programming competition prize presentation ceremony as well as potential fashion and lifestyle bloggers for various fashion-related events.
Another benefit of working at a consultancy with a diverse range of clients is that you get to work with and gain insights into many different industries. The learning never ends.
I also learned that as an intern, you should always do everything that is thrown at you without grumbling – be it to re-write an article for the umpteenth time or to buy lunch for your colleagues. This learning attitude will help you build the basic nerve for the hard knocks to come at work – and in life.
Another lesson is that persistence pays. Try and try and try until you succeed – whether it is trying to get hold of an elusive journalist or honing an article until it is perfect. Never say die.
Finally, I learned that PR is simply about building and maintaining relationships. And in walking the talk, I have to learn to build constructive and rewarding relationships with my colleagues and my clients. At Siren, I am fortunate to have warm and wonderful colleagues who welcomed me with open arms from day one. They have guided me, taught me, encouraged me and many of them have become my friends. These are people with whom I hope to keep in contact for the rest of my life.
I am thankful to Curtin University and the Public Relations (Professional Practice) 393 team for giving me this opportunity to complete an internship and see for myself, firsthand the ‘real’ situation working in a consultancy.
I am pleased to let my readers know that this internship has led to an offer of full time employment as a PR Executive with Havas Worldwide Siren.
Goodbye internship, hello world!
Li Xian Seow
15135214
Curtin Singapore
