It will probably come as no surprise to find that I was slightly nervous and apprehensive about beginning my internship with the National Trust WA. Not one to shy away from new experiences and opportunities, I cannot recount the number of times I have walked into a room full of strangers and had to make myself feel comfortable. It never gets easier. True, experience has nurtured enough confidence in me that I am no longer the girl staring at her shoes but the nerves still linger below the surface.
After formal introductions to the various characters that make the National Trust team it was time to get down to business. My supervisor familiarised me with the organisation and the work I would be under taking, which is to produce a marketing/social media strategy that will increase National Trust membership and social media users.
The National Trust is located opposite Kings Park on a hill in West Perth. It is a grand old building that demands the attention of passers by purely because of its design. I'm sure it has left more than one person wondering what type of business takes place behind closed doors. I'll tell you...
The building contains a team of individuals who are dedicated to 'interpreting and conserving the natural, environmental and Aboriginal heritage of Western Australia'. The organisation currently conserves and maintains over 50 properties across WA, which would cease to exist had the National Trust not obtained them. This may mean nothing to you- I mean who cares about a bunch of old buildings that date back to the 19th century? You should! These old buildings are lined with stories that are responsible for shaping and defining WA's history and culture. Have you heard of Joseph Hardey? A preacher from England responsible for bringing 37 passengers and a wealth of livestock on a 26 by 8 metre ship to the shores of WA. The ship was struck by lightning- twice!- and one brother even managed to mistakenly muffle himself to death. The family made an executive decision to preserve his body by pickling it in a drum of rum! Not one word of a lie, take a tour of the house and find out for yourself. Seriously, we are who we are as a state and country because of the choices our ancestors made-for better or worse. I know, I know...I sound like your Grandparents at the Christmas table after a few whiskeys uttering the timeless 'back in my day' speech but the reality is back in their day is an important part of our day.
What is the key to formulating an effective and worthy strategy? Research! I spent the rest of my hours leafing through pages of National Trust documents and marketing/communications reports that had already been contributed to the Trust.
Not a bad first day on the job!
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