My Growth in Public Relations

Wow! What a quick semester it has been...I'm not sure about the rest of the class or due to the fact that I have been extremely busy over the last 6 months but it has come and gone like a gust of wind. You have that sigh of relief that it is over but then an itch to keep going and be pushed once again. I believe the quote in life that 'You can never be overdressed or overeducated'.

I look back at my first blog entry..I think it was fresh and written through the uneducated eyes of PR. I was clearly unsure of what I really was embarking on and I really didn't know the fundamentals of PR as a profession. This semester I have not only been faced with written and verbal challenges but also been able to use my enthusiasm and determination to successfully complete some tasks with ease. As a group we were given such a great opportunity in running our own campaign, even though at times I had thought 'seriously this is impossible to accomplish?' but we all worked very hard and pushed ourselves beyond our capabilities to raise over $5000 for Read Write Now. And that is just amazing!

My initial thoughts of what PR is has been tipped upside down and swirled around, the hands on experience from this course has enabled me to really know what it feels like to work for a PR agency and complete a successful campaign and event. I feel that my interpersonal and leadership skills have not only helped me but others in the group to get the job done and to do it with a sense of pride in your work and the work of others around you. I really needed to dedicate my time, on and off campus to complete assessments and activities effectively. Time management is a key role within any learning environment, but was made prominent in the field of Public Relations.

One key importance to me has been the momentum and guidance I have gained from the lecturer's - to really go that extra mile. It has enabled me to notice the drive and passion I need to facilitate as I enter the job market in this industry. There hasn't been many moments of complete relaxation or switching off from PR this semester but I'm hoping this hard work is going to pay off and really open up a new world for me.

Taming The Lion's

Last Saturday night’s 7^th home game for the Emirates Western Force resulted in both a much anticipated win against The Lions. The game concluded 17 – 11, and the third win of the season for The Emirates Western Force.

Set up and running of the day and night is all familiar to me now, which takes the edge off a little but I have to remember to always be on the ball, as I am dealing with different people and different events laid out on the run sheet. There are always different promotions and competitions carried out at all home games. This game was particularly enjoyable, as RugbyWA had a competition run through The West Australian newspaper for a school student in Perth to win the junior captain role and for his/her entire class to win tickets to attend the game. To see the smiles, excitement and appreciation on the 11 year old’s faces was incredible.

I was in charge of Remi (Junior Captain) for the game, as I am for every home game. He was enthusiastic and in awe of his surroundings. His job entailed the coin toss, running the game ball out and also running out with the team for kick off. I also took him around the field a few times, sat with him to watch the players warm up and his class mates got to come down onto the field also for the team to run out onto the field. The greatest moment for Remi was, ‘I got to shake David Pocock’s hand.. twice!’, which I overheard him say to his mother after his job was complete. Then they got to enjoy the game while I was packing down inflatable’s and preparing half time activities. 

A dominant performance from the Emirates Western Force brought them out on top but a strong defence from the Lion’s kept the score quite even. At the end of the day it is great to win and that is what sport is all about it, the supporters and everyone involved really needed it, so it was good to see smiles on fan’s faces. I helped organise the players signing after the game, which is always great to be part of after a win as the vibe is blissful and positive. The end bump out of the game took some time throughout the corporate rooms, so it was a late finish but the second last game down..already! How quick the season has gone by. That’s all from me until the final home game for the season on June 30^th.