The Final Entry: This Is Just The Beginning

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

- Charles R. Swindoll

Being in Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, I was given the opportunity to experience the work life for the very first time (in the Public Relations department). This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a 5 star hotel. Though my internship has ended, It is not the end, but I see it as only the beginning of more exciting experiences and adventures. Although I must say that PR applied in the hospitality industry is a little different from the "usual" PR practices.

Being a PR Practitioner, Its really actually more than what it seems. It is more than just putting to practice things that I have learned through my PR units. It is also (on a personal basis) being humble, always being open for comments / criticisms, always being ready to serve, to help, always striving for excellence despite the circumstances around. 

Brief Few things I've put to practice in my placement:

• Media clipping - Cut out news releases regarding the Resort itself and its competitors within Malaysia.
• Advertisements - Producing advertisements such as the Resort's offered promotions and packages.
• Events - Hands on experience on weddings, special occasions, festive events.
• News releases (checking format) - Checking the format of the news release to ensure that it follows the Inverted Pyramid and is newsworthy.
• Social media update (schedule) - Updating the Resort's social media accounts on latest activities of the Resort, updates, promoting offered promotions and packages, and ongoing events. Produce a social media update schedule post for different socia media accounts.
• Corporate Branding - This includes preparing a media kit, updating the Resort's menus and flyers, creating posters for special promotions and events. 

Although it may seem that whatever I've put to practice is similar to the usual PR practices, it is not. The focus is different in the hospitality industry. "Public Relations is not just publicity, working with journalists, or community events. It is about building relationships with the bottom line to a hotel's balance sheet - its customers." - Doug Luciani. However, PR is still defined as building relationships and connecting with the audience despite the different focus in different industries.

The greatest experience in this placement was that I was given the opportunity to not only practice my PR practices and skills for Miri Marriot Resort & Spa but also for Mulu Marriot Resort & Spa - 2 properties. This internship has really open my eyes and my mind on how big PR is, applying my knowledge and skills. I am overwhelmed by what I have learned and I believe if I were to write down completely what I've experienced and learned, it'll be a book. My world of PR and my understanding of it has definitely grown bigger.

I believe this will be a beginning for more adventures and experiences into the PR world. I cannot wait to see more of Public Relations in its different forms.

Best regards,

Ivy Ong

17314578,
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication,
Curtin University Sarawak