Although sad to leave, i have voluntarily offered to extend my services a bit longer to see the end to various projects that i have been working on, as i see it is a waste to leave and let the other intern who will succeed me sink in the deep end, who i have also offered to mentor and supervise her transition into Crime Stoppers and the work expectations from the CEO.
Throughout the term of my internship, i've learnt many valuable lessons from my supervisors:
1. Never be afraid to say no
Many times at any PR firm, many professionals take on jobs with large and sometimes unrealistic expectations. The key to success is taking on jobs that you know you can meet the stated objectives and their respective deadlines. There were many times during my time at Crime Stoppers i have witnessed negotiations between our partners and the CEO in regards deadlines and whether we could meet them.
2. Don't sugar coat what you say or are trying to say
During my sit ins in many meetings whether it be sponsors or partners, i noticed everyone loves to cover what would be a negative comment in what many call a compliment sandwich. They would say one good thing, followed by another negative then subsequently another positive thing. Coming from my supervisor, "I don't bring maple syrup to any of my meetings, cos i don't plan to waffle on anything i don't need to hear about". Wise words we can all use!
3. Believe you are serving a higher purpose (NPO)
Although everyone works for money, many of us who work for an NPO (non for profit organisation) have a belief that we are doing good for someone who is less fortunate than us. While Crime Stoppers don't go around kicking down doors and arresting criminals, there was not one day where i walked into the Beaufort Street office thinking this will be another boring day, but thinking one more media release i do will reach someone, who will in return maybe one will use the service in contributing to crime detection.
Overall, i have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Crime Stoppers and have taken away so much with my time with them in that time. With my experience with an NPO now complete, i do see myself one day working for one, as i liked the type of work i was involved in and the people i got to meet were extremely accommodating and friendly.
Even if i did not arrest any criminals or save a damsel in distress, i believed somewhere, somehow during my time at Crime Stoppers, i made a positive impact in the community by helping spread the name and services of Crime Stoppers WA.
So for one final time, at the comfort of my ergonomic office chair, it is goodbye to one chapter of my university life! Did any of you feel nostalgic or emotional about leaving your internship? Love to hear about it in the comments!
2 comments:
Hi. Congrats on finishing your internship. I'm sure that you have learnt a lot there and now feel sad because you have to leave them....
As for me, I feel a bit sad having to leave my internship placement... because I have made a lot of friends there, especially at PR Section. I'm sure I will feel nostalgic if I meet them somewhere in the streets in the future.
Hi Jarret,
It was really interesting to read about your internship at Crime Stoppers, I can imagine it would have been a very dynamic experience. Well done on offering to stay on longer and mentor the new intern; sometimes I think the best way to consolidate what you have learnt is to teach someone else.
The quote from your supervisor - "I don't bring maple syrup to any of my meetings, cos i don't plan to waffle on anything i don't need to hear about" - is amazing! I've learnt that part of being a public relations practitioner is being succinct and communicating to the point, and I think those words really encompass that idea
Rock on,
Amy.
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