My Days as an Intern

I am completing my internship at Devahasdin, a boutique consultancy based in West Perth that specialises in public relations, marketing, event management and media relations. Already within my first few days as an intern I have learnt so much about public relations while also applying what I have learnt at university and gaining a greater insight in to working within the corporate world!

Before starting my internship I wasn’t sure what to expect in regards to the tasks I would complete and the learning’s I would gain. From the start the ladies at Devahasdin has been very welcoming and I have really enjoyed being apart of the team and working on a range of tasks. The main clients I have been involved with include Murano and Gullotti – David Bromley Exhibition, The Good Food and Wine Show, Mundaring Truffle Festival, Bethanie, Rebecca Millman, Lease Equity and Perth’s ice hockey team – The Perth Thunder.

A key learning so far has been that working in consultancy requires the ability to be able to work with a diverse range of clients and being flexible as you engage with each client numerous times throughout the day is essential.

One of the first things I was taught is PR Valuing and the importance of regularly collating the client’s clippings that may appear in print, online or broadcast media. Once the clippings have been compiled you then use the appropriate valuing method (Modules, Column cm’s or Page Rates) depending on the source. The valuing method gives the clipping an advertising value amount, which is then multiplied by 5 to measure PR Value. PR Valuing is a task that I complete each day to ensure each client’s clippings are being collected and none have been missed!

Another task that I regularly work on is compiling media databases relevant to each client. This can be a timely task but it essential to ensure that all media suitable to the client has been accounted for. The database is then used to pitch any media releases or coverage ideas, so it is a very valuable tool.

During my first week at Devahasdin I completed a pre-event pitch for IGA at Waterford Plaza to get coverage within the local community newspaper The Southern Gazette for the stores International Food Festival being held in July. This was successfully picked up and featured in the papers ‘Fast lane’ section, which was pretty exciting to see.

So far I have been kept very busy, learnt so much and have really enjoyed my placement! I am looking forward to the rest of my interning days!

Caitlyn