When Practical Knowledge met Industry Experience!

Where did the time go? The past five months have flown by and the experience and knowledge I have gained during my placement has been invaluable.

My PR 393 Internship provided me with the opportunity to combine the theoretical knowledge I have gained throughout my University career and implement and apply this knowledge into a ‘real life’ industry environment.

I was lucky enough to undertake a wide scope of PR activities during my internship, while also undertaking various marketing related activities. Thinking back to my first few weeks, one of my biggest worries was that I was taking on more marketing related duties that PR. This worry seems so long ago now!

After reading through many blogs, this seems to be a common concern; however one thing I have learnt and will take from my experience is that the lines are sometimes blurred between the role of public relations and the role marketing when operating within a real industry environment. 

In my last few days I had the opportunity to work on and contribute to a feature article focusing on the rise in app technologies. The article focused on how these new and advancing technologies are impacting the way businesses operate. This was a really interesting topic and task, not only is this topic current and extremely relevant at the moment, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to work on a feature article.

The intention for the article is to be posted in the news section of the company’s website, once the website is re-developed and back up for public use.

From writing media releases, to developing video scripts, to creating marketing collateral and drafting feature articles, these were just a few of the activities I undertook while completing my internship; providing me with an in-depth look and into the principles and daily activities of a PR officer.

My time during my placement has been invaluable., providing me with the experience I was lacking as soon-to-be PR graduate. I feel the internship unit has provided me with a higher level of confidence in my own abilities in the discipline and workings of PR.

Thanks you for reading and good luck with all of your future endeavours; I have really enjoyed sharing my wonderful and extremely valued experiences with you.

Brooke Dawson