If you have been reading my posts (which at stages have been far and few in between-sorry) you may have read about how I got started on my PR journey. If you missed Part One of 'Where my passion for PR began) , please click HERE
Where I am today.....
Yesterday I finished up my 6 week internship at The Wonderland PR in Surry Hills. What an amazing experience! From the first day, the ladies made me feel welcome with Nina the Graphic Designer the first to greet me.
Every Monday and Tuesday I travelled to and from Sydney via Country Link Train (YAY!) to complete my 80 hour work placement as part of my University degree. I know I've said this already but I cannot express how important I think it is to do work experience! Trust me people, get out there and start experiencing the world first-hand because right now living as a student at home with your parents is the sweetest deal you could ever have. Once you leave that safe haven, reality steps in and whoa, watch out!
More things I have learnt on my journey:
1. I found that early morning coffees for energy and hot chocolates for happiness can give you a jump start to the day.
2. PR is not a 9-5 job! Ok, if you're lucky like me it's 8.30am to 5pm but if I could have stayed in Sydney overnight, I would have worked longer. Depending on the day you could finish on an 8 hour day or if you're super-swamped with client emails and getting ready for photo shoots etc, it can be longer.
3. Phone calls are the way to get things done. Emails are great when you aren't on deadline and you need to keep a record of everything that has been said or agreed to but when you're chasing product to send overseas-calls are the only way. Editors are always busy-in my case I spoke to the answering machines a lot but in the end it was quicker than waiting for a written reply.
4. It's exciting to get new accounts and work on them! This is a personal favourite but they recently acquired a Sydney label called ELLIATT, which has amazing dresses and soft fabrics and lots of pretty details such as lace and beads etc.
Check it out for yourself at www.elliatt.com. I got to work on their social media campaign and begin getting the word out about this great clothing line. From publications to online shopping networks to bloggers, this can be just as effective as product placements because the best publicity is word of mouth.
Image from ELLIATT Homepage
5. Stay focused! While interning you need to stay focused and get the tasks completed on time. I tried where I could to ask for more work and to really work on my researching skills. This is something I still need to fine tune. Also, remember who you meet, write down addresses and names because they may pop up again. Yesterday I meet Kristy and Sadaf from Girlfriend. Duly noted-both super nice, both in fashion, both working for a well-known and respected teen magazine. Could be a great contact to remember in the future.
6. Overall just enjoy every moment. Nicole (one of the Account Managers) and I were having fun overaccessorising with the Breo watches that we have in the showroom. But it looked so great and here they are on my arm!
Image taken by Nicole Collins
The Wonderland is a great environment to learn the world of PR in. They're just about to start up an official Internship program, which I highly recommend. If you want to know more about it, contact the PR Coordinator Janai at janai@thewonderland.com.au.
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