What I did in 20 days!
As my internship comes
to an end, I wanted to reflect on all of the differing types of PR activities I
have been exposed to over my 20 days at the Department of Transport. Before I
do I wanted to express how much this internship opened my eyes to the real
world of PR and how much more excited I am about starting a career in this
industry!
What I’ve been lucky
to see, do and experience:
Internal
communications
Raising awareness among DoT
employees of projects and initiatives, working to keep employees engaged and acting
as a forum for feedback from across the business about what communications channels
are working and what isn’t.
What I did: Wrote, edited and
produced an eight page electronic newsletter for staff – GO!
Media
relations and management
Providing media management 24/7 whether it be
reactively providing support to contentious issues and responding to any media
enquiries received or proactively providing support for any media statements
relating to DoT project milestones. A media monitoring service is also
provided.
What I did: Daily media monitoring and editing of
Ministerial media statements that came from three transport agencies – DoT,
Public Transport and Main Roads – You would be surprised, even professionals
make mistakes!
Event
management
This includes the management
of regional shows, industry events or corporate events to ensure there is a
coordinated approach to events so a professional and consistent DoT message is
presented.
What I did: Helped organise
the portfolio leadership forum which will take place in July – I’ve been invited
back to the session which I’m really excited about as I get to hear Andy Weir
from Bankwest discuss the impact technology is having on customer service in
modern organisations!
Issues and crisis
management
Planning strategies to address issues, reputation
and brand management.
What I experienced: I was interning on the days the
former Minister for Transport Troy Buswell hit the media for crashing his
ministerial car and also plagiarising a report – Departmental chaos ensued!
Stakeholder
and Community Relations
Acting to maintain good
relations with portfolio counterparts, the transport industry, local community,
state and federal government and contractors.
What I did: Ran the Right
Move Perth twitter page and responded to public questions about the app – nerve
racking but worthwhile!
