Expect the Unexpected!

I got accepted to be an intern with Limkokwing University, under the media dept. Before stepping into the working world, I have never imagined being a part of the unforgettable experience. I must say that working is so much different than when you are in University. I have learnt a few things about basic working environment. There are:

·      Be friendly towards your co workers- you will need their help at some point, so make connections, establish relationship and you will find the journey to be smooth sailing.

·      Be alert, aware and up to date at all times- people will keep on coming and bombard you with questions that you might not even know. Read, explore, observe and try to adapt to the surrounding to get the idea of what is going on around you.

·      Do not be a cry baby- your bosses or even your co-workers will come cursing at you if you screw up. Even if you don’t, chances of you being screamed at are high. It is bound to happen so the only way to deal with it is to just act like you are the strongest person in the office. Don’t feel intimidated and keep on doing your job.

·      Don’t be lazy, be productive- as an intern, obviously you have to show your willingness towards your job. Learn as much, and help as much. People will remember you and you will get praised. Who knows right?

So that is on the basic working environment point of view. Now I am going to focus on the part where you as a PR Person, has to deal with the media world/drama and not to forget internal drama.

·      Communication is vital- as a PR person, you are liaised with many departments and basically every single department available. Communication is important because misleading information and messages could result to major blunder in the operation. Make sure to confirm the decision with every single person involve during the process then only proceed with the final step. Or else you will have to keep on making changes and you would not want that to happen.

·      Again, be friendly, be lovable- you want the media to attend the event and cover the story. so don’t act snobbish or they will not even bother to come and cover your story and consequently you are doomed. Treat them as friends and create bond. you will be able to see the difference in their attitude and treatment after getting to know them better. 

·      Follow deadline, don’t do things at the very last minute- media invite is a tool that is used to send out to media friends for invitation of an event. Please make sure to follow up on RSVP and do not send out the invitation a day before the event. They will not entertain you and your organization unless during the event there will be someone prominent coming or you already establish a good connection as an organization with them.

·      Be patient, keep on making calls!!- as a PR person, you will have to make calls to the media as many times as possible to get confirmation from them. This does not only apply to events, follow ups on contacts, media buying related matter and etc. there will be a point where they will just yell at you but as a good PR person, you will just have to endure and deal with it in the best possible manner as you are representing the image of the organization. In other words, you don’t want to be blame if you treat them bad. always be nice.