Hello fellow interns!
My name is Mei and I am very excited to tell you all about my first day interning at the Government Department for Communities in Perth.
Due to the expensive parking costs in the city (so annoying), I had to catch public transport from north of the river down to West Perth. I am not a big fan of our city’s public transport routes and had to take a step out of my comfort zone, or you could say my comfortable car. From my house I travelled on a bus, then a train and then another bus and finally arrived at the office on time. Phew, what an effort!
Stepping out from the elevator, I was greeted by my supervisors who were very friendly. I was overwhelmed by the size of the department which took up one whole floor of the building. I was introduced to many people (I don’t remember all their names because there were too many) who were all welcoming and really nice.
At the beginning of the day, one of my supervisors asked if I would like to join her for a meeting in the WA Seniors Card office which was down in the city. Some of the topics covered were ones that I had learned about in PR Consultancy such as printing, distribution and deadlines. It was very interesting to listen to how conclusions were reached and ways in which challenges were overcome.
Back at the office, I was assigned to find a database or list of details of telecentres located around WA. The internet was a useful source and I found this in no time. My next task was to do research for the International Women’s Day 2010 theme that they could use for next years event. I also had to look up potential guest speakers that could attend the event. I felt confident doing this task as I have had a lot of experience in researching for assignments at uni.
After this, I was sent a few emails that required me to write articles. I only got started on one which will be published on the internal intranet. I was told that I should understand that my articles will be proof-read, edited and then signed off. This was a required procedure for all published articles.
I was surprised at the amount of responsibility that I was given on the first day of my work experience. I am looking forward to completing my internship with the department and gaining much needed experience from my knowledgeable colleagues. I was glad I got through my first day and I am sure the rest of the journey will be a real learning curve.
Hope your all having a great time at your own placements.
Mei :)
(Curtin Bentley)
4 comments:
Hello Mei.
Your post is interesting. My first day was similar to yours. I was given 3 live accounts to handle! one of those accounts was a Multinational client Uninor, joint venture company of Telenor and Unitech. I was to take notes of the media questions in launch press conference at a 5star hotel. It was a great experience. But I wasalso nervous since my notes would be wired to agencies across India. So it was a cracker of a first day for me. I liked your post continue posting!
Hello!
I also enjoyed your post, it was a very vivid and humorous account of your first day!
I can relate to your feeling of an immense load of responsibility! At Pigeonhole, it was a shock on my first day when I realised that my words might actually get published, so I was rather nervous trying to get everything factually correct and coherently written! Of course, my supervisor also proof reads and gets me to correct my mistakes before it goes to the media.
It sounds like you have landed yourself an amazing internship, being able to sit in on meetings and have an input on the government projects!
I hope all goes well!
Warm wishes,
Rachel P.
Hey All,
Thank you for all your positive comments.
My first six days have been a great insight into what it is like working in the Public Relations sector. I will be posting a new update today so hope you guys enjoy it.
I also feel that these organisations make students feel as if they are part of the team and give them a good share of responsibility. It is a great feeling when you know you are contributing to the organisation’s goals.
So far, I have learnt so much in the small time frame of a week. My colleagues have made me feel at home and I am looking forward to my first media release this week!
Have fun!
Mei :)
(Curtin Bentley)
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