The End Is Here

Woah, what a ride it has been.

My internship with the Department for Communities has come to an end. On my last day, they surprised me with a farewell morning tea which was very kind of them.

For the last 20 days, the hands-on experience in the office has been a memorable time which I will take on board. I have definitely benefited from having this placement as a unit.

A few things that I have learnt during my placement are that-
- You need to communicate well with all your stakeholders and other colleagues
- The importance of deadlines
- Communication is the key
- Get straight to the point when writing in a journalistic style
- Be open to new challenges

The more experience you get in different industries can help you pick what type of career you want and expand your knowledge in the public relations practice.

Enjoy the rest of your time at your placements :)

Mei Yong
(Curtin Bentley)

DEADLINES!

My time at the Department for Communities is soon coming to an end. One insight I would like to share with you is the importance of deadlines.

I have learnt that you definitely need to be prepared and organised everyday so that you can reach a deadline before it is due. Leaving things too late could cost you a client or even your job. It is vital to have deadlines in projects and normal activities so you are motivated to reach your desired goal on time.

During my time at my placement, all the meetings I have attended have emphasised the importance of deadlines!!! When working in a team, it is essential that all members know their deadlines for their own tasks and the end date for the whole project.

At the office, employees use Microsoft Outlook Calender to book in all their meetings. They also have individual whiteboards on their walls and wall calendars to mark in important deadlines. By utilising these tools regularly, you can become more organised and prepared to reach your deadlines.

Mei
Bentley

The Perks...and the downsides

Hey Everyone,

WOW is all I can say.

I have just completed 6 days interning at the Department for Communities and it has been a fantastic learning experience from Day 1. All my colleagues have been very helpful and knowledgeable in the field of Public Relations and Communications.

The Department focuses on a range of groups that include seniors, carers, volunteers, early years, children, families, youth, and women. I realised that my work mates do A LOT of things and are very hard working. Their area of work is very broad and they might be organising an event, writing media releases, designing a publication for print or writing up articles for the internet.

I have had a real taste of what my career could be after I graduate. Here is a little insight into what I have been doing –

- Written 2 articles on staff members for the intranet
- Called MANY organisations to see if they wanted to be included in a Directory of Services for Women
- Sat in on meetings
- Morning tea for a staff member that was leaving (lots of food which is always a good thing)
- Working on the International Woman’s Day event
- Attended a buffet lunch at the Burswood Atrium (as my colleague was photographing the event)
- Was in a photograph for the front cover of the Directory

I noticed that working in a professional job has its perks and downsides. The perks included a buffet lunch at the Atrium at Burswood which was a real treat. Not all work is writing haha!! The downsides included a full day of ringing organisations asking for their approval of their details in the women’s directory.

Feel free to respond with your own perks and downsides.

Hope you guys are enjoying your placements.

Mei :)
(Curtin Bentley)

Day 1 - Sink or Swim

Hello fellow interns!

My name is Mei and I am very excited to tell you all about my first day interning at the Government Department for Communities in Perth.

Due to the expensive parking costs in the city (so annoying), I had to catch public transport from north of the river down to West Perth. I am not a big fan of our city’s public transport routes and had to take a step out of my comfort zone, or you could say my comfortable car. From my house I travelled on a bus, then a train and then another bus and finally arrived at the office on time. Phew, what an effort!

Stepping out from the elevator, I was greeted by my supervisors who were very friendly. I was overwhelmed by the size of the department which took up one whole floor of the building. I was introduced to many people (I don’t remember all their names because there were too many) who were all welcoming and really nice.

At the beginning of the day, one of my supervisors asked if I would like to join her for a meeting in the WA Seniors Card office which was down in the city. Some of the topics covered were ones that I had learned about in PR Consultancy such as printing, distribution and deadlines. It was very interesting to listen to how conclusions were reached and ways in which challenges were overcome.

Back at the office, I was assigned to find a database or list of details of telecentres located around WA. The internet was a useful source and I found this in no time. My next task was to do research for the International Women’s Day 2010 theme that they could use for next years event. I also had to look up potential guest speakers that could attend the event. I felt confident doing this task as I have had a lot of experience in researching for assignments at uni.

After this, I was sent a few emails that required me to write articles. I only got started on one which will be published on the internal intranet. I was told that I should understand that my articles will be proof-read, edited and then signed off. This was a required procedure for all published articles.

I was surprised at the amount of responsibility that I was given on the first day of my work experience. I am looking forward to completing my internship with the department and gaining much needed experience from my knowledgeable colleagues. I was glad I got through my first day and I am sure the rest of the journey will be a real learning curve.

Hope your all having a great time at your own placements.

Mei :)
(Curtin Bentley)