Hi! My name is Olivia, and I’m currently interning at Hardman Communications. I’m studying a double degree in Communications (majoring in PR) and Business (majoring in HR) at Western Sydney University. I wanted to gain real world experience in public relations and to explore the difference between agency and in-house PR. When the opportunity arose at Hardman Communications, I was excited to see how theory and knowledge are applied to a variety of clients in a fast-paced industry. As an intern, I have had the chance to learn, be creative and understand why clients choose to work with agencies.
10 things I have learnt so far
- No two days are the same. Each client and project is unique.
- The use of retainers. Client retainer models have allowed me to see how ongoing needs are met and what expectations are for a set period of months.
- Client meetings. I learnt the importance of building a positive relationship with the client to better understand their expectations.
- The importance of research. A crucial part of understanding the industry and the client is looking at industry trends and how to differentiate us from competitors using insights.
- Social media management. I’ve gained experience in tailoring social posts to a variety of audiences to maximise exposure and engagement.
- Event creation. I’ve learnt how to develop a detailed event brief that outlines the target audience, objectives and logistics to have an engaging and successful event.
- Pitching. I’ve successfully pitched my ideas to a client, showcasing how our solution can enhance their business. It was a huge achievement and rewarding to see my ideas put into a discussion.
- Networking within the industry. Connecting with other likeminded professionals has broadened my understanding and helped me learn from those in a similar field.
- The importance of feedback. It allows for continuous improvement and constructive criticism is a vital step for my career growth and development.
- Adapting. Coming from no experience, I quickly learnt how to be flexible and open to change while learning new things. Working with new clients in niche industries at HC has allowed me to stay open minded while thinking on my feet.
I want to thank Sue and the team for making me feel so welcome during my time here. From my first day, I have felt supported as I made the transition into the workplace. I truly appreciate the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and learn new information in a collaborative environment. I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks hold. Thank you for being such an amazing team!
Olivia Di Pasqua