So what is the work placement actually like and what work do I complete whilst I am there? Well, as I can only tell you what I have accomplished through my own experiences. Having doing my work placement at two separate companies, both different types of businesses, I covered many different roles. I won’t go in to too much detail, as I would probably be typing away for days, but I shall give a brief run down on the events that I encountered.
My first work placement was at Zing Communications at Surry Hills in Sydney (Hi Guys!) Zing is a fully integrated, boutique below-the-line PR and marketing agency with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Los Angeles and New York. They specialise in Integrated communication programs, media relations, product launches, promotion and sponsorship, publicity, strategic PR planning, marketing communication, copywriting and event management for a variety of industries such as beauty, media, entertainment, telecommunications, food & beverage, retail and sport.
Now obviously I wasn’t pitching for multi million dollar deals during my time here! But while I was at Zing I drafted press releases, research for different clients, helped create press kits, media follow ups, started the organisation of a competition with regional radio stations nation wide and various office duties. Oh and we also drank champagne on Friday afternoons!
My second work placement was with Corrs Chambers Westgarth Lawyers in Brisbane. Corrs Chambers Westgarth is one of Australia’s leading law firms. They are recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative and fastest growing law firms.They advise leading corporate, commercial, financial institution and government clients across a range of practice areas. My time here was probably the complete opposite to my Zing experience, but the basics were still the same. I basically had a couple of roles to accomplish at Corrs. I helped co-ordinate and run the major client function held at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). This function had 300 guests in attendance, mainly from high profile businesses Australia wide.
Secondly, I helped with the organisation and running of a networking arm of the firm for called Corrs Young Professionals. This was held at Customs House and had 130 young professionals attend. These types of functions are great for PR graduates to attend for networking purposes and I implore to all grads to attend as many of these as possible!
Both internships were quite different, but provided me with the ability, skills and confidence to work in PR full time.
Finally, one thing you must do. Find out as much as you can about your workplace. Nothing can be more embarrassing than turning up wearing a suit where the consultants are wearing shorts and shirts! Silly me!