it has been a while since my last blog entry and i apologise for that i haven't had a moment free since i started in November! my scheduled internship finished in December and i was offered (and have since accepted) the role of Marketing Coordinator for SPG! It was such a great feeling knowing that i could continue my learning experience with the company which i had done my work experience internship, it has really opening my eyes to the property development industry as well as what is required from me. Admittedly i was thrown into the deep end when i started, although i had and still have a terrific team supporting me, i still felt (and feel) a little bit overwhelmed sometimes, all part of the process i believe.
Throughout my time here i have been fortunate enough to meet some very interesting and influential business and media personalities, this is turning out to be quite the asset, who ever thought all those years of lectures and tutors drilling us to 'network' actually would have any benefit!
my advice for those of you just starting your internship or just about to begin
- Ask questions - you'll seem interested and even if you feel stupid asking its worth it.. no body else will think you are stupid for asking!
- network - get out of your comfort zone and mingle, organise meets with people in the organisation and listen to their stories, they can provide the best guidance!
- be organised - i was never organised at uni , which seemed to make everything that little bit more difficult, since then i have learnt that you must be organised at work, it does take some time to figure out what works for you, i am a list person now!
- Enjoy yourself- dont be nervous or 'expect' a job, just go in and take each day as it comes and you will love it!
enjoy!!
2 comments:
Hey Nic,
I am readint this thinking JEALOUS because I am now half way through my placement and praying they offer me a job because I LOVE it here so much!
You obviously made quite an impression so congratualations! It sounds like a busy but benefical role for you to be in, especially as your first job!
I am working in a corporate environment and am finding the early starts probably the most difficult thing for me but loving everything else! haha!
What types of jobs were you able to do in your placement? I couldn't agree more with you about your advice list by the way, I am only half way through my placement and have realised those points already! I have asked many questions, but don't regret it because I feel I have learnt a lot of things I can take away with me!
Also finding "the list" way or organising very helpful too! ;)
If you got a job maybe there is hope for the rest of us! haha I will be sure to try and impress.
Congratulations again, seems like you are having an amazing time!
Jasmin
Hi Nic,
First of all, a big congratulations to you for your offer! I am half way through my internship and if a position was to open up for me after completion I would be absolutely thrilled because i have thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far. Reading about your success certainly inspires me to continue working hard!
Although I have been working in a small team environment for my internship I am curious as to how things operate in the corporate world. I suppose because of the numbers there would be a big focus on communicating with people and knowing exactly what everyone is doing so that your role can be conveyed in the best way possible for the company. However, i do believe that the advice you have given to those just beginning their internships applies for any type of working environment - and I agree they're excellent tips!
Asking questions has definitely enabled me to get a better understanding for the business i work for. I have been lucky to not have ever felt uncomfortable doing so during my internship because I feel strongly supported by my boss. I have spoken to people who haven't been given that support or acceptance which is disappointing, yet i too strongly encourage to continue to ask questions despite what support they don't have. If you never ask, you'll never know!
Networking is drilled into us as Public Relations students at Curtin and now i completely understand why! Working for Journeys of the Spirit I have learnt that it is particularly important to get to know journalists - either those who work for community related newspapers or for bigger papers such as The West Australian. Travel writing is a big part of what i have been contributing towards this business and for my stories to be published I must form relationships with journalists. I also need to create an understanding of the different types of publications, story angles and what particular themes the publications have installed for up coming issues. In order to do that, I need to be discussing ideas and getting to know the journalists on a business level.
Your advice about being organised is definitely one that I believe is extremely vital not just in a working environment but on a day to day basis. Being organised allows for an easier flow of communication, as well as decreasing the feeling of stress. Being organised definitely eliminates a high level of stress for me!
Your final piece of advice i couldn't agree more - if you go to work everyday expecting the worst or feeling nervous, the outcome will most likely be a negative one. I think its normal for anybody to feel nervous in a situation that they haven't experienced before, yet its best to look at it as a challenge rather than something that cannot be accomplished.
Best of luck for the future Nic with SPG. I am positive you'll do a great job!
Chiara
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