Beginning of a Journey

Although I'm well through my internship, I would like to reflect on the beginning of my experience and how I felt coming into an organisation I knew practically nothing about.

At the beginning of any sort of work, whether it be volunteer based or career based, nerves are common. In my case, I was put at ease by the staff that I was introduced to on my first day of my placement. I think people sometimes take for granted the impact that a simple smile and ‘hello’ or ‘how is your day?’ can have on someone that is exposed to a new environment. The ability to go around with my workplace mentor and be introduced to everyone around the office was good for me, because I now have a platform to find out more about everyone’s differing roles within the organisation.

The beginning of my placement was quite interesting. I was exposed to the glitz and glamour of setting up an organisational stall for an event. The event was the Australian Institute of Transport Planning and Management National Conference for 2013, held at the Perth Convention Centre. As the WA Department of Transport participated in the event, I was given the opportunity to see how events are set up first hand.

Listening to a speech by the Director General of Transport Reece Waldock and a room full of important people in suits can make a 19 year old university student feel pretty out of place, but I enjoyed learning new things about transport, improvements to Perth transport in particular. Being given things to proof read, articles to write and other jobs reiterates that this is all actually happening. As the train is my most common source of transport, it’s good to know that initiatives and programs are being put in place to make sure that Perth’s transport facilities remain sufficient.

To those that think public relations is all ‘razzle dazzle’ I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but it sometimes really isn’t. This is in no way a complaint about it, as a matter of fact I really enjoyed helping out in setting up the stall where I could but expect to get into situations where your art skills or assembly skills may come in handy (I’m now an expert at putting easels together and cutting out laminated stars).

I really feel I have a place in the office. Belonging somewhere can give people the confidence to voice their opinions freely and I feel as though I am free to contribute to tasks that people may need help with around the office. I’m looking forward to see what’s going to happen as I become more involved in the workplace.