Variety in Variety :)

Hi all!

This is my first blog so I thought I’d begin with a little introduction.
I have been doing my work place with Variety, the children’s charity of Western Australia. I have been there for four weeks, working two days. I really wanted to gain experience in the not-for-profit sector so when Variety said that they would squeeze me into the offices, I was extremely grateful. I was actually really lucky that one of the ladies who was on the staff left to move to the country shortly after I begun, hence leaving me with my own desk to work at :)

On first arriving at Variety I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous and excited to be getting into the ‘real world’. My supervisor is the Marketing Communications Manager at Variety and is friendly and easy to get along with which is a bonus! On the first day I arrived I knew that I had come to the right place! My supervisor introduced me to the other staff members, all of who are friendly, and she also explained to me more about Variety and what they do.

The first task she gave me was to design and write a brochure. At present Variety does not have a brochure – only individual sheets on the different programs and events they have, etc. This was a great first task as gave me the opportunity to find out more on what Variety actually does. I did find this a little hard in the beginning as Variety has so many different programs and events that I struggled compiling the enormity of it into one brochure.

Since starting at Variety my supervisor has given me loads of different tasks to undertake, such as; a Newsletter, Research on Competitors Websites, Media Releases, Interstate Phone Calls and a Public Relations Plan. The Public Relations Plan is for the promotion of the annual IGA Brian Treasure Scholarships which grants awards to sick, disadvantaged and disabled children who wish to pursue a career in the sports, media and arts industries. One part of this plan was to write television and radio script ideas to promote that the nominations for the scholarships are now open. Channel 9 is funding the adverts.

On Saturday the 29th of August I was also able to take part in the 21st anniversary of the Bash fundraising event. This was a 1980’s themed Ball at the Sheraton Hotel. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the ‘behind the scenes’ organising for this major event; from hassle with seating allocations to abrupt changes with the running sheet and the list continues. In preparation for this night there were a lot of wrapping of gifts and name cards to be written which I did for a few hours on a couple of the days I was there (it actually became quite therapeutic after a while!). On the actual night I did some running around things for my supervisor, but on a whole, we were all able to sit, relax and enjoy the night after the crazy/hectic week leading up to the Ball. It was such a great feeling to actually see all the hard work flow smoothly on the night.

On a whole I have had a great experience so far. I have had hands on experience in the Public Relations aspect of the organisation which has been fantastic! And since my supervisor has been so easy to work for, it has meant that some of the other jobs - such as wrapping things or making promotional packs etc - has not been a drag! Instead, I’ve enjoyed it all.

Hope you’ve all been enjoying your placements!
Will write again soon (and i'll make sure it's not so long next time!)

Hannah :)