Two weeks in, no slacking about

So after two weeks into my placement, I thought now would be a good time to start my blog. What can I say; these first two weeks have been full steam ahead. I feel as if I have already learnt some invaluable PR techniques I can use once I start my career.

My placement will take me approximately 10 weeks to complete. I am doing it in the Department of Health, South Metro Health Service’s Fremantle Hospital and Health Service (FHHS). I am situated in the Public Relations Office. There are three other ladies on the team, all with different levels of experience. They are all so kind and are willing to pass on their knowledge to me at any opportunity.

What I love about my placement was that on the first day there was no mucking about. I was thrown in the deep end and set to work as soon as I arrived. My first day consisted of drafting the fortnightly e-bulletin that is sent out to all staff members in the Fremantle Hospital & Health services. It consisted of eight pages of any important information or reminders current for the next two weeks.

 I learnt very quickly that deadlines are key and due to working in a government body, there are a number of protocols and approval policies that need to be met. It is not as straight forward as writing an article, then publishing it. Everyone’s work always needs to be proof read by the PR manager (despite level of PR qualification). At Fremantle, this is Claire Harris (whom is also my supervisor). If publishing an online article, it is also sent for approval by the head of South East Metropolitan communications team. It is to be proof read again before a final approval on whether it can be published on the health services intranet. So from my initial draft, two more proof reads, along with two approvals need to be met before publication.

On my first day I was also given the opportunity to shadow one of the PR Officers Anni on an interview and photo opportunity. Mr Murray Louden, Optometrist was retiring after thirty years of service at Fremantle. This was a great experience to take part in. One of the key learning objectives I took out of this was that depending on whom you were interviewing, was the type of approach you took. Due to the purpose of the interview, it was very laid back and more like a general chat with Murray. I also learnt that it was key/ courteous to follow up once the article was written. We sent Murray a copy asking if he was okay with what we wrote, including the quotes used. He approved this so it was then ready to be sent off to step through the many approval stages here at Fremantle. Finally out of this exercise, I learnt that being courteous is key. It builds strong relationships whilst giving yourself a very caring whilst professional name. We also offered Murray the chance for us to send him out a hard copy to his postal address of the final article published in July/August Almanac (hard copy Magazine circulated throughout all staff/general public of the Public Health system).

Overall the first two weeks were invaluable. My writing skills have already improved with every time I write. I am learning to alter my style depending on the audience. I can use a less informal style when writing the e-bulletins, but when writing Almanac pieces, direct structure with minimal, straight to the point language is key. Hopefully these small tips will help in the next few weeks worth of writing projects.