Hi everyone!! My name is Jo and I am one of the newer Account Co-ordinators at the Text 100 Sydney office. I’ve been with Text 100 for about a month now, so I know it’s overdue but I wanted to write a quick blog post to say hello and tell you a bit about myself.
After graduating from high school in 2009, I jumped straight into a Bachelor of Arts in Public Communication, majoring in PR and Advertising at University of Technology, Sydney. I’m now in my third and final year at Uni and I always thought that nearing the end of my degree would be a point of relief. However, for someone like myself who enjoys being constantly busy with a million and one things to do, the imminent end of my Uni days is more bitter-sweet than I would have thought.
What I’ve loved most about my Uni days was the time I spent interning. In fact, like a number of my colleagues here in the Sydney office, that’s how I got my job here!
My first internship was with the Cancer Council which I really enjoyed. More than anything, it really put into perspective just how much PR can help a charity’s cause. It definitely helped to develop my PR mindset and taught me a number of skills in combining strategic thought with being creative. I soon discovered my passion for being creative, and why taking initiative is so important at the beginning of your PR degree. One of the highlights for me was when the Cancer Council decided to use a slogan that I had come up with for one of its smaller campaigns; ‘Finding the answer to cancer’. It was here that I also had my first interactions with the Australian blogging community.
At this time, I was simultaneously completing an internship at a fashion and lifestyle PR agency. I think a lot of female PR university students imagine themselves to end up in sparkly world of fashion PR and at that stage; it was definitely a direction I was considering. However, personally I think one sure-fire way to know whether or not fashion PR (or any other PR sector for that matter) is for you, is to experience an Internship. For the most part, it was glamorous. I saw glimpses of the near future filled with endless free products and exclusive parties. But for me, I was still searching for something else – however it was undeniable, the experience provided me with invaluable skills in areas such as event planning, generating publicity, importance of social media, attention to detail, the importance of networking and the art to the ultimate goodie-bag – skills I am definitely grateful to have acquired.
09/11/2010 http://nymag.com
But here at Text100 I’ve learnt a great deal about the PR industry, especially on a global scale. I’ve definitely learnt the importance in remembering to write everything down! I’ve also learnt about how crucial a good media list can be, and how to seek out relevant and current media contacts. I now know how important trade and industry publications are for coverage and have gained knowledge about media and media monitoring- especially what effective coverage reporting looks like. I’ve really enjoyed the clients I have been working for, learning about their different needs and preferences.
My own advice for under-grads or post graduates seeking an internship that might possibly evolve into work placement is to embrace ‘busy’ rather than letting it intimidate and overwhelm you. Invest in a good diary, and actually use it! It’s been said before but honestly, managing your time allows you to find that importance balance between work and play.
