“How am I supposed
to reach my full potential in the most isolated capital city in the world? I
need more challenges, greater opportunities and rewarding experiences that go beyond
what lies in front of me here.”
-
Marli,
a once naïve public relations student living in Perth
I began my
placement at Perth based communications consultancy 32 Degrees South (32dsg) with a skewed outlook
of the public relations profession in Western Australia. Not once did I consider
Perth as a destination that would enable me to work on a national or
international scale. To my delight, I was wrong.
With no
previous experience in a professional workplace, my first day was far from what
I expected. Slightly overdressed, and eager to put my best foot forward, I
entered the contemporary office of 32dsg – a small consultancy firm focused
primarily on innovation and strategic thinking. I was welcomed by a team of three
consultants, each with over 10 years’ experience in the international field of
public relations and events.
Reflecting
on the media release I produced during my first week, I was shocked to learn
that what I had exercised during university was not necessarily practical in
reality. One sentence paragraphs, with a seven to 10 maximum and straight
forward language was not the style of media release my supervisor sought. She
desired detail. I quickly found myself adapting the media release style to which
I had become accustomed and was obliged to demonstrate creativeness and depth.
A media
release was however only the beginning. During the week I produced several news
articles for an array of clients including Omnivore, Mai Tai, D&AD, the Department
of Commerce and the OZAPP Awards. As the week progressed I was given more
complex tasks including producing a media strategy and newsletter, as well as various
social media activites. In one week I had accomplished more than I thought was
possible during my entire placement.
My time so
far has been demanding, engaging and above all gratifying. I no longer consider
Perth as a stepping stone, but instead an opportunity to fulfil my passion
close to family and friends.
To find out
more about my placement organisation 32 Degrees South, please visit their
website www.32dsg.com.
If anyone
is curious to discover more about the clients I came in contact with during my
first week, below is a list of websites:
