Hi Internet friends,
Hope all is well and that you are finding your internships
enjoyable and rewarding. It has been nearly 2 months at Artrage and as annoying
and generic this may sound, the experience has been amazing. When I first
started my main job was research and database content, pretty basic really. I
have researched information such as guerrilla marketing, promotional material
ideas for sponsorship deals, businesses that have social clubs and also popular
arts events. These weren’t just skim reading and listing, I then had to think
how, particularly with FRINGE, could incorporate these ideas and concepts.
Also with a database of now over 2000 contacts, my job is constantly updating the Artrage database and thinking of people that would be interested and how Artrage may use them in the near future. This included lecturers, social clubs, local business, politicians, arts industry contacts, life members you name it and I probably wrote it. I’m literally always ‘googling’ and phoning to the ends of the Earth for contact details but I must say I am pretty chuffed with my accomplishment. However I do find that more organisations are getting their interns to do their database work, is that what you guys are doing? Whats your take on it?
Also with a database of now over 2000 contacts, my job is constantly updating the Artrage database and thinking of people that would be interested and how Artrage may use them in the near future. This included lecturers, social clubs, local business, politicians, arts industry contacts, life members you name it and I probably wrote it. I’m literally always ‘googling’ and phoning to the ends of the Earth for contact details but I must say I am pretty chuffed with my accomplishment. However I do find that more organisations are getting their interns to do their database work, is that what you guys are doing? Whats your take on it?
Few weeks ago I got to look at over 500 photos from the FRINGE
On-The- Road tour and compile a list of the photos I thought would be
good for media publications. The photos were amazing and honestly suits the
brand concept so well. It is a shame I can’t show you guys but look out for any
print media in the future as the photos for Fringe publications are so
creative and inspiring.
I have also been working on the Bakery’s
e-newz, a weekly online newsletter of the week 'sevents. Even though the
newsletter is like less than 500 words, I still get excited when I receive it
in my personal email. Yes it’s the little
things in life that makes me happy!
Oh before I forget Rooftop Movies starts soon YAY! The official
launch is 1st November, which I am pretty excited to attend as it is
looking to be a great event. You may already know but if you don’t the Rooftop
Movies program came out last week. (Check it out ASAP). I collected all the information content for
the program so I was so excited when it was finally printed. Even though it was just a little job it still
amazed for me. Fingers crossed nobody spots any grammatical errors! I am
currently working on the second and third set programs, so if you have any
suggestions for movies the ‘Choose Day Tuesdays’ ideas opens soon, so go like
rooftop movies on facebook… (hint hint).
Anywhoooooooo that is basically the gist of my job, my
intern started very chilled and laid back however I may have spoken too soon as
I am starting to see a few grey hairs of stress from work colleagues. As the
preparation for FRINGE gets hectic and performers are finalised, the office is
getting larger. In the last few week there have been new additions to the team
and it looks to increase in the next few weeks as we see last year’s members coming back
for another go at the infamous FRINGEWORLD.
Cheers guys and ill speak to you soon!
Nikki Sain
2 comments:
Hey Nikki,
I really enjoyed reading your post. Your internship at Artrage sounds awesome - the arts is an exciting industry to be involved in. You mentioned that you found a lot more organisations are getting their interns to do their database work. I agree with you - when I first started my internship at Zaccaria Concerts and Touring, I was given pretty basic tasks like managing databases and updating contact details. While it is basic, it is also incredibly important as all the other promotional work such as eDM's, flyers, and other related material are useless if they don't have a correct address to go to! When this kind of task became tedious for me, I just remembered that I was still helping the organisation significantly, and that if I wasn't doing it, someone else would have to. I found it rewarding because it gave me the chance to further develop my communication skills, particular over the phone and as you mentioned phoning to the end of the Earth!
As the weeks are passing by, I have been given some more exciting tasks - after proving I can maintain databases! Is this what you have found too?
I also found it interesting where you mentioned got to look at over 500 photos from the FRINGE On-The- Road tour and compile a list of the photos you thought would be good for media publications. I have also been doing similar tasks at my internship - it is exciting to be "behind the scenes" of these types of events that are such a big deal and in the public eye!
I hope you enjoy the rest of your internship and I look forward to following your other posts.
Thanks
Delta
Hi Nikky,
Oh the dreaded database update task - the bane of every interns' existence.
After reading many of the reflective blogs I believe that updating databases unfortunately comes with the territory of being an intern in the Public Relations industry.
During my professional placement, I remember receiving sympathetic looks from other staff members after I had been given the tedious task. I found myself verifying database contact information for sometimes up to eight hours straight.
There was also the added complication of not being permitted (for confidentiality purposes) to disclose where I was calling from because I was not technically considered as a staff member. So unfortunately I was quite often perceived as a deceptive telemarketer on the other end of the call, rather than someone who wanted to confirm contact details for clients.
Apart from the few hiccups I initially encountered, I could also definitely see the beneficial nature of this task.
I was able to further develop my phone communication skills and learned ways to deliver information in a succinct and professional telephone manner. Updating databases also allowed me to become much more proficient with the computer program Microsoft Excel.
Sounds like you have been exposed to a kaleidoscope of experiences working at Artrage this year!
Congratulations on all of the impressive work you have been involved with through your professional placement.
The people at Artage definitely seems to be making Perth a much cooler place to live in!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post! Wishing you the best of luck with all of your additional Artrage adventures!!
Jacinta McDonald #13958888
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