The Search for a Placement

29th August 2014 

Have you ever had the time to read J.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of The Rings’ series or watch the trilogy film adaptation by Peter Jackson?

Well, if you have not, here’s a quick synopsis:

The story revolves around the main protagonist, Frodo and his endeavor to reach Middle Earth to destroy the One Ring that threatened the fate of mankind. Well definitely, the journey to Middle Earth was an arduous and tedious one -  burdened and fraught with many challenges and setbacks along the way.

But like in all fictional stories, we see the light at the end of the tunnel when the hero manages to overcome any encumbrance with favorable results – sometimes to the point of ridiculousness where we question ourselves, ‘That is too much of a dream come true!’ or ‘Are you sure that is even humanly possible?’

Now, there is an underlying purpose in why I’m sharing the story of ‘The Lord of The Rings’ with you. I’m not a geek or nerd (well some say I am, but I subconsciously deny the obvious fact), I find the story of LOTR akin to my journey in finding a company for my placement – Arduous, tedious and fraught with many setbacks.

Now let me share something with you. Prior to embarking on my educational journey at Curtin, I was employed in Gucci Singapore as a Communications Intern in the Public Relations department – I can only say that I was extremely fortunate for the opportunity for the competition for that position was extremely high – imagine the prestige or ‘wow’ factor in working for a world-renowned company and the fashion industry - the glitz and glamour associated with the fashion industry is enough to blind anyone like pixie dust.

The 11 months that I spent with Gucci was indeed rewarding. I had the chance to coordinate a range of activities from photo-shoots, liaising with the media, pitching stories and even coordinating a large-scale fashion show – activities that are synonymous with the functions of Public Relations. It was indeed a good learning ground for me but I’m sure you would agree that knowledge and experience is never enough for any individual.

So you might ask, if you claim to have that much experience and skills, why was it hard to find a placement? Well I have only myself and my ego to blame for this actually – I’m somewhat like a picky eater, I want a placement that reflects my personal values and ambitions that I have set for myself in my path to a successful career in Public Relations. The standards that I have set for myself are extremely high because I believe that I encompass the necessary experience or expertise in the field. That coupled with the fact that in all the previous internships that I have embarked on – I have never had the experience or chance to work in a consultancy firm. I have always been exposed to working in an in-house public relations role within a dedicated industry, but have never been exposed to working in a firm that deals with multiple industries.

This is why the journey was tough. I wanted that exposure in a consultancy firm, but unfortunately the desire to find a placement in a consultancy did not match positions that are available. It was really a tough and tedious process – at times, I did feel a little depressed with each rejection on the lack of capacity for an internship position.

So what do I do now? Withdraw out of the unit? Try my luck next semester? The answer is no. Drawing back on my experience in PR, especially when dealing with the media – you have to be able to deal with rejection and grow stronger.

Take for instance; you have this amazing story angle that you wish to pitch to the newspapers. You are confident that the angle for the story fits what the editor or writer is looking for. You have drafted out the most detailed press release, you have all your quotes and photo opportunities in place. You pick up the phone and make a call to the editor, pitching the idea in your most enthused voice ever, oozing with confidence that you are going to garner a full-page coverage or at least a half-page. And what does the editor/writer tell you? ‘That sounds like a good angle or story, but we are tight with deadlines and we might have to give the story a miss. Buzz me up the next time you have something along these lines as well.’  You put down the phone, lamenting on the missed opportunity. What a waste, you would think. There’s always that other window of opportunity in the future – you just have to not give up and be resilient in finding that opportunity to get that article published.

The same can be said for me. Coupled with divine intervention through daily night prayers (promising that I’ll be a good boy. I believe that I kept up to that promise) and networking with Curtin tutors on my desire to do my internship in a consultancy for I wanted that much needed exposure, I found a place in Devahsdin Public Relations.

Now this is shaping up to be a fairytale come true. Devashasdin PR? THE Devahasdin PR? The boutique PR consultancy that many tutors have been raving about, that has an excellent reputation as a leading consultancy in Perth?

I really couldn’t believe that I was granted this opportunity – the opportunity to work in a firm that deals with high-profile government and private clients. This is what I was looking for all the time!

Running through the interview process gave me more confidence that Devahasdin is where I want to be and that the organisation is able to arm me with the necessary exposure and skills that I am seeking for in a consultancy firm. I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead and I am motivated for it.

Therefore everyone, wish me luck! I start next week and like I said – the important qualities that all aspiring PR practitioners should always have is patience, endurance and a never-say-die attitude. This mirrors your personality in life as well. Never ever give up.

Like me, what might be impossible will be possible for you if you dedicate enough effort and time in it. In the case of your professional career in PR, it can be said to be the same. Never let the rejection of media coverage pull you down. The more you maintain that relationship with the media and consistent pitching of stories, the higher your chances are with the publishing of your story! You’ll never know! It might just get a front-page cover spread!

So everyone, do stay tuned for more as I share with you my incredible and first-time journey in a consultancy firm - Devahasdin! I’m excited!

Nicholas Cross