Due to my placement opportunity at Shine Communications I have had an incredible introduction into the basis of public relations and even after only completing 13 days of my placement I, now have a better understanding of where I see myself in the world of PR. Shine Communications is a consultancy based public relations practice, so there’s no one subject to focus on. You don’t know each client inside and out because the work load may only be seasonal or you may only have little projects to work on for them throughout the year. I have found that many of the clients use us as a plug-in resource. Basically when they are understaffed or have projects well beyond their means, in the little time they have to complete it, they turn to Shine to assist.
As interesting as consultancy is, it simply is just not for me – I want to know a company inside and out. The constant juggling of clients and necessity to learn at least a small portion of what the company is about when taking on someone new (which is a lot more often than you may think) is just not where I see myself in the not so far away future. This incredible experience has really confirmed for me my desire to be a part of in-house public relations practice. Which leads me to my next topic of debate - the field of business I see myself in.
Shines main clients consist of aged care organisations, health organisations, mining companies and not-for-profit organisations, all of which carry out admirable roles within society and are great business sectors to practice public relations - it's a great feeling knowing the work you are doing is for a good cause.
I have a part time job at Silver Chain Nursing Association, so I am very much accustom to the kind of work Shine are involved with and I do love the feeling I get knowing I'm indirectly helping those in need; whether that be at Shine or at Silver Chain. Due to the love I encompass for my job at Silver Chain and the comfort in knowing I can easily move around the organisation, or any health or not-for-profit organisation for that matter due to my experience, I always thought I would take out a professional career in this area. However, after being given the opportunity to practice my chosen career in this area of work, I think I am after a business sector with a bit more flare and up-and-go when it comes to public relations. Something that is forever changing and will keep me on my toes.
Ever since I can remember I have had a massive and what some would say (mainly my mum) a 'ridiculous' obsession with fashion - clothes, accessories, shoes, you name it... I love it! Which, along side my internship at Shine, has helped me discover where I would ultimately like to end up in the world of PR - Fashion!
I could not think of anything better than being able to work for an in-house fashion company. Co-ordinating the big fashion events, writing stories on the latest trends and brands and maybe even getting to meet some of the big fashion icons! My ultimate dream would be to work for Vogue fashion magazine in London where I think partaking in all of what I just mentioned (plus some) would become a very exciting reality.
I know what you're thinking - how could she go from wanting to undertake PR in something so worthwhile to then going the total opposite direction and entering the 'materialistic' world of fashion? And believe me, my change of mind baffles me too and I'm not saying that I have lost total interest in working for a not-for-profit organisation but through this incredible work experience at Shine, I've realised that I don't have to just 'settle' in a job because I think it's all I can get or it's an 'easy' choice. I have realised that it is possible to work in whatever field I desire. I am a firm believer in dreaming big and doing whatever you can to achieve that dream. After-all if you don't dream, you don't aim higher and if you don't aim higher you never give yourself the chance to do and be better.
I know I'm not going to end up at Vogue right away, I'm going to have to really work to get there and it will take me YEARS! But, I'm going to do whatever I can NOW, while I still have the zest for life and the desire to make my goals a reality. I'm going to work my way up the PR in fashion ladder and prove that I can meet the expectations I have put on myself, because I know if I don't push myself and I don't at least endeavour to reach my goals, I'll be 40 and kicking myself for not giving it a go.
Who knows where I'll end up but right now...in my head, the future's looking pretty good.
