Showing posts with label intern advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label intern advice. Show all posts

Thursday, October 11, 2012

LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER!!


LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER
(Monday the 9th of July)
In the led up to my first post since starting my internship at the Department of fisheries I thought I would try and make it fun, exciting and comical. Although while I have enjoyed my first day a lot I now know that my blog could never be like that, the atmosphere at Fisheries just isn’t like some sort of cruised holiday job… at Fisheries there is a certain sense of professionalism and independent learning.

 

It is wholly different to the university system, there is a certain amount of chatting and occasional fun around the office for sure however everyone has their own areas and goes about their own work silently most of the time. Today I found that taking calls from the public and just writing reports takes massive priority over communicating with people in your immediate surroundings at the department, the whole environment is very work geared and there is a definite sense of purpose.
In the aquaculture area it feels like everyone is part of  a community working towards a solitary objective.
 

That purpose for me appears to be the checking of an Inland Aquaculture application form from 2000 and the writing of a new version. It is plain to me that there are due dates for the report and times when I should submit a draft but otherwise it is very much my choice as to how I write it. It seems like I’m left to my own devices in terms of the process I use to write the new copy, which is exciting because the report does not seem to relate to the traditional media releases and press conferences that represent public relations.

As for what happens on my next visits to the Department of Fisheries, I guess I will have to wait and see if there is a more PR directed role in my current area.

 If anyone is looking for information about the department or licenses, you should head here: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx

I hope everyone who is still on placement is having a good time and if you have finished your internship let me know how and where it was. J
 
Regards,
Rob Dougherty

Thursday, October 6, 2011

End of a bright twenty days


As off last week I officially finished my twenty days at Bright Communications. It went so fast, yet I feel like I’ve been there for months. Looking back over my time there I've realised it was the most valuable experience I have had in relation to my degree. I learnt so much and exercised so many skills that I feel it has really equipped me for the ‘real world’. A big part of it being such a wonderful experience was the fact I had a wonderful boss, Janine, and got to work in a fun office with the girls from Detail Marketing. When you work with people like that you can’t help but love your time there.

For all those who haven’t finished, or are yet to start their placement, here are a few things I learnt that I think can help you:
  • Take a camera – If you’re in events have your camera on hand at all times! You can get some great snaps for the blog, as well as to show off to family and friends that you got to be a part of something great.
  • Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone – Whether you are calling a journalist, a client or calling to get a job, the worst they can say is no! So try and be confident and have notes in front of you to help you stay on track with the call.
  • Ask questions - If you aren't sure of the details of your task or if you finish up and have nothing to do then don't be afraid to ASK! It will hopefully help you do your job correctly and you may even be given more responsibility.
  • Brush up on your writing skills – I think I said this in one of my first blog posts, but it’s so important I’ll say it again, brush up on your skills. Media releases, fact sheets, even your ability to write in a professional tone. It will make a big difference in making a good impression.
  • Have an open mind – If you are too focused on only gaining experience in events management you might miss out on a whole word of opportunities. I always thought I wanted to work in-house, but now that I’ve been in a boutique consultancy I know I could definitely work in one. And I will be! My placement turned into some part time work, which I am very happy and excited about.


That’s it for my blog posts. I’m in the process of editing my final draft for my report, can’t wait to hand it in! Good luck to everyone writing and finishing up. I hope your placements turn out as well as mine.

Lauren.