I can't believe how fast the semester flew by, it seems as I just started my placement a week ago where I was a nervous wreck. Our reports are due soon and the panic mode has begun even though I have it half way completed.
My placement with CEDA has been over for a month now, but my time with them was invaluable. I feel I have grown up in the short time I worked there. The industry placement unit is the most exciting and rewarding unit in all my time at Curtin. I think getting 'real world' experiences should introduced much earlier in the PR degree.
All that time we were in class discussing theories and possibilities in mock up situations does prepare you for what to come although in some instances you become overwhelmed. At university you have much time to come up with solutions, in the real world time is fleeting and very precious. Thinking on your feet and keeping everything moving is very important for successful outcomes. At CEDA as soon as one event is over and all the paperwork was completed, it's right on the the next one. One of my projects was to create a series event for a regional development program, it is scheduled for mid next year but everything needed to be done before I completed my placement.
I found working in a boutique organisation to be extremely rewarding and also challenging. I think for me it was the best decision to start with small organisation before moving onto a larger one. I liked the closeness, transparency and the comradery in the office. However when you messed up it was glaringly obvious, but I feel mistakes make you grow are a lessons learned.
One thing I feel was very important to the girls at CEDA was separating work and regular life, although during lunches breaks they talked and bantered about their families and social lives, this never got in the way of completing work. There was a clear distinction between work and home. Once I asked if it was okay to take some of my projects home with me just to catch up, but my supervisor thought it wasn't a good idea, go home and relax don't think about work at home, it isn't healthy she told me.
You don't want this to happen..
From this experience I have gained lifelong mentors, friends and a job opportunity. Although CEDA wasn't ready to hire another employee due to resource constraints, the girls helped me find a job with one of their members, I am now volunteer Event Coordinator at The Smith Family who help disadvantaged kids in Australia. I want to gain as much experience I as can before I am comfortable in working full time.
80% of success is just showing up: Woody Allen
The big bad world doesn't seem so intimidating any longer, it's all about getting your face and name out there. Before my placement I was hesitant with no confidence in my wok and ability but today I truly believe we can take our career anywhere we please. Finding opportunities that suit you and grabbing them will take you a long way, I know it's cliched but its simply the truth. My final semester at university has opened so many doors, it's really is just the beginning.
Choosing the right career path for you is very important, do something you love and it won't seem like a job and the daily the 9-5 grind. Working in events is exactly what I want to do with my career. I hope to open my own business one day, a charity organisation which brings together and educates Somali youth in Australia to give back to their country which is in turmoil. There is a need for western educated and established youth's to go back to Somalia and help build the nation. This has been a lifelong dream for me and I believe working in PR will help me accomplish this. Who knows I might one day be involved in changing the perception, image and reputation of Somalia to the wider world. I find its okay to dream big now and I encourage my fellow students to do.
What have you lessons have you learnt at your internship?
I wish you all the very best in all you hope to accomplish.
Good Luck for the rest of the semester.
Thank you for unit, its been life changing.
Yours truly,
Suleeka Goomane
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1 comment:
Hi Suleeka,
It's nice to hear someone be as honest as you. I agree - more work experience is required in this major. I think the theory would have made a lot more sense if it was immediately applied to on-the-job training. Perhaps even PR for Curtin would have been a better approach?
It is good that your previous employer stressed the importance of a good work/life balance. I work for Chevron who also runs on that theory. We are not allowed to do overtime, and if someone catches you at your desk after 5pm, the culture is so caring that colleagues aren't afraid to speak up and tell you to go home. Additionally to that, our computers have a programs on them so that every hour it forces you to have a 5 minute break, and every 5 minutes, you have an 8 second break. It is designed to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI) and give to time to get up, have a coffee, and rest your brain. The thing I love most is that every second Friday, we have a paid day off. This allows everyone to actually unwind properly, and get things done at home, so that our minds are fresh and ready to work again when we are back in the office.
Congratulations on the Smith Family position. Woody Allan is right, you are going to meet valuable contacts who will send you on your career path just by showing up to work, paid or not paid. The PR industry is all about who you know. Although I really do hope you start getting rewarded with an income soon!
Best of luck with it.
Georgie F
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