Well... a year and almost ten months since my last blog. Not a great contributor am I?!
How do I balance the stress and full mind of working full time and then have to add more to do? Most of the time I feel like I don't have time or the brain space to write. It is an oxymoron because when I start to write and the thoughts flow naturally, it becomes more of a relaxing exercise than anything.
My journey in the corporate world of full time work has taken me into a marketing role involving creative writing and managing most of the marketing work for a busy business. It is challenging but something I utterly enjoy.
Over this time I have picked up many tips (it is impossible not to if you want to grow and improve) but one in particular - dealing with a range of people. I firmly believe that it is how you adapt yourself to meet another person's personality that determines how you will get along. I completely appreciate that not everyone will 'click' but in a professional relationship, you need to change how you approach things to get the best out of people and your work.
Work can be extremely enjoyable but also frustrating at times. In my role, I am the front line for the marketing team and therefore need to 'get along' with everyone in the organisation. This isn't easy (at times). I love people. I love all kinds of people. Some people I don't love so much but have learned to appreciate what makes them happy, what makes them frustrated and what I can do to use all of our time more effectively.
Sometimes it is all about how you react. I need to be firm enough to say enough is enough but also open and approachable to allow people to voice their concerns. This takes constant time and energy.
One thought I firmly believe in is, it takes much more effort to offend someone than it does to be kind. Stay relaxed and smile for no reason every now and again - it may just make someone's day.
Monday 25 November 2013
Friday 13 January 2012
Tips for students from a recent student...
Well, it has been a long time since my last post. I guess I was caught up in all the festivities and Christmas buzz, while I also lost a profoundly kind lady.
The world lost one of their angels this Christmas. She was very sick for a long time but I guess I always had a glimmer of hope that she would win the nasty fight against cancer. When you are a part of their everyday life, you just don't imagine them not being there (you might think about it, but there is no way to prepare for it). When that day comes, let me tell you, it is no easier knowing that they were sick. Especially when they were one of the greatest and most inspiring women I have had the pleasure of knowing. She made me feel like the daughter she never had and I will always remember and love her.
2011 was a wonderful year for me (besides that last news). I completed the final year of my public relations degree and made some lifelong friends along the way. The Bachelor of Public Relations degree at Uni SA has given me a vast array of opportunities and I would like to thank the tutors, Course Coordinators/Directors and students for making my time there so enjoyable. Before beginning this degree I dabbled in a bit of psychology, philosophy even German before I honed in on what I really wanted to do. Once I found this degree, I knew it was the one for me. In my opinion the success of the program is due to classes with familiar students and tutors and a wonderful (and beautiful) Magill campus.
My advice to future students of the degree?
Sites to browse (from above):
(These opinions are entirely of my own).
The world lost one of their angels this Christmas. She was very sick for a long time but I guess I always had a glimmer of hope that she would win the nasty fight against cancer. When you are a part of their everyday life, you just don't imagine them not being there (you might think about it, but there is no way to prepare for it). When that day comes, let me tell you, it is no easier knowing that they were sick. Especially when they were one of the greatest and most inspiring women I have had the pleasure of knowing. She made me feel like the daughter she never had and I will always remember and love her.
2011 was a wonderful year for me (besides that last news). I completed the final year of my public relations degree and made some lifelong friends along the way. The Bachelor of Public Relations degree at Uni SA has given me a vast array of opportunities and I would like to thank the tutors, Course Coordinators/Directors and students for making my time there so enjoyable. Before beginning this degree I dabbled in a bit of psychology, philosophy even German before I honed in on what I really wanted to do. Once I found this degree, I knew it was the one for me. In my opinion the success of the program is due to classes with familiar students and tutors and a wonderful (and beautiful) Magill campus.
My advice to future students of the degree?
- Make yourself known to the teachers. I promise you, you will learn so much more when you engage with the students and teachers. Be an enthused student, not just one in the crowd who scrapes by. P's may get degrees but you won't be as motivated about your career in PR if you study by this motto.
- Join groups and network yourself. A great example of this is PRIA (Public Relations Institute of Australia) and Intercomm. The PRIA hold events for Industry people that can help you make contacts and even aid in employment opportunities. You never know! Intercomm is the South Australian branch of the PRIA for students, young practitioners and new people to the industry. I realise some of you may think it is just another 'thing' to do but just try it and you hopefully will catch the bug that will help you strive in your degree. The PRIA's website is a great place to start as well as Intercomm and Uni SA's PR Studies Facebook pages. (See below for links).
- Volunteer for work experience. Getting experience under your belt is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. It means you can make mistakes and learn in an understanding but real environment. What could better prepare you for working life?
- Participate in social media. One tip I learnt from a networking event was to "be all over the social media spectrum". This means all of it, Facebook, Twitter, Blogging etc...this employer said that they check to see if you are in that realm because it means you are up with the trends and understand the growing and very important social media.
- Finally...read all that you can. Follow people you can learn from on Twitter and keep up to date with news and current affairs. Look in all newspapers not just local ones.
Sites to browse (from above):
(These opinions are entirely of my own).
Saturday 15 October 2011
Social Media Buzz
Has anyone ever noticed that social media loves the colour blue? Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and even Skype have logos that are a shade of blue. It makes you wonder, why didn't any one of them want to stand out from the crowd? What is it with the blue?
I also sometimes ponder on how we all communicated before social media? Although Twitter has vastly become the latest 'must do' thing, my social media obsession began with Facebook. I did have a slight affair with MySpace but soon migrated with the other billion people to Facebook and boy how it changed my life.
It is not only easier to connect with overseas acquaintances (not to mention everyone else) but we are able to keep up with 'friends'' lives like never before with to the minute updates. I read an article lately outlining why it is harder to 'break-up' with your partner when you are connected on Facebook - it is simply more public and therefore more people are aware. You are forced to deal with hundreds of people at once - as soon as the 'single' button is pushed or the 'in a relationship' status is taken down. I have refrained from putting this information on Facebook for that exact reason.
At a recent networking function I was given some advice...stay in the realm of the web. It shows you are up with recent developments, are aware of current news and affairs and participate in communication 2.0 (or is it 3.0? If it isn't, I am sure it is already on the way). I was told to continually 'Tweet' and read as much as I can. I drunk this advice up as I strive to continuously learn.
Something I have learnt over the past year....
If you have the drive to continuously learn and implement, you should eventually see the results.
This is the future of communications, something our field needs to be one step ahead of!
Favourite hash tag of the week: #PRgraduates
I also sometimes ponder on how we all communicated before social media? Although Twitter has vastly become the latest 'must do' thing, my social media obsession began with Facebook. I did have a slight affair with MySpace but soon migrated with the other billion people to Facebook and boy how it changed my life.
It is not only easier to connect with overseas acquaintances (not to mention everyone else) but we are able to keep up with 'friends'' lives like never before with to the minute updates. I read an article lately outlining why it is harder to 'break-up' with your partner when you are connected on Facebook - it is simply more public and therefore more people are aware. You are forced to deal with hundreds of people at once - as soon as the 'single' button is pushed or the 'in a relationship' status is taken down. I have refrained from putting this information on Facebook for that exact reason.
At a recent networking function I was given some advice...stay in the realm of the web. It shows you are up with recent developments, are aware of current news and affairs and participate in communication 2.0 (or is it 3.0? If it isn't, I am sure it is already on the way). I was told to continually 'Tweet' and read as much as I can. I drunk this advice up as I strive to continuously learn.
Something I have learnt over the past year....
If you have the drive to continuously learn and implement, you should eventually see the results.
This is the future of communications, something our field needs to be one step ahead of!
Favourite hash tag of the week: #PRgraduates
Monday 10 October 2011
On the Home Stretch
I am back at uni and I feel as if the fast forward button has been pressed on me! I am inundated with assignments, weekly questions and end of year major assignments. Every waking minute is spent on homework. I am pushing through, taking it one step at a time.
Another part of my life is being a part of the Intercomm committee (Public Relations Institute of Australia's young practitioners group). We regularly organise events to encourage young/new practitioners to engage with our profession. On Tuesday the 11th of October we are holding our last event of the year, featuring the winners of PRIA's Golden Target Awards. I am excited to listen and learn from some stars of our industry as I aim to continuously learn and strive to better myself.
I encourage all people in the industry to come along to Intercomm or PRIA events as networking is so important to build relationships and your personal brand - get your name out there!
In other news...university is slowly drawing to an end. This is both daunting and exciting. In the last week, I have been asked to do some freelance writing work which I accepted as I like to challenge myself. It has given me a taste of the working world. I hope to continue this as I enjoy writing, while I also hope to find a position where I can apply my PR theory and practice to real world PR.
Seven weeks and counting!
Another part of my life is being a part of the Intercomm committee (Public Relations Institute of Australia's young practitioners group). We regularly organise events to encourage young/new practitioners to engage with our profession. On Tuesday the 11th of October we are holding our last event of the year, featuring the winners of PRIA's Golden Target Awards. I am excited to listen and learn from some stars of our industry as I aim to continuously learn and strive to better myself.
I encourage all people in the industry to come along to Intercomm or PRIA events as networking is so important to build relationships and your personal brand - get your name out there!
In other news...university is slowly drawing to an end. This is both daunting and exciting. In the last week, I have been asked to do some freelance writing work which I accepted as I like to challenge myself. It has given me a taste of the working world. I hope to continue this as I enjoy writing, while I also hope to find a position where I can apply my PR theory and practice to real world PR.
Seven weeks and counting!
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Holidays, Graduations & Grand Final
I am still on holidays and although I am using the time somewhat for study, I am also resting and loving it! I am trying to get a head start on assignments because trial and error has taught me that if I don't, I stress myself out way too much. I learnt this last year when I found myself overcome with stress when I had more to do than I knew how.
I attended my partner's graduation on Monday. It was exciting for me to see the graduates in their cap and gowns. It really was a grand occasion. I wish I could fast-forward to my graduation early next year but only hard work and dedication will ensure that day comes. Finishing a degree is a proud moment. It also makes me realise that we (myself and friends) are blessed to have such a high level of education and head start into the working world. I consider myself very lucky.
On another note, it is grand final week and many people are organising barbecues or gatherings to watch all the action. I am part of the majority that love the footy. I think this is because I have had football in my family since before I was born. My father, brothers, grandfather, uncle and cousin have all played football, some excelling in their achievements. I am therefore very excited about this weekend and all that goes with it.
I hope everyone has a great weekend, whether you are a football fan or not. I saw a quite humorous group on Facebook relating to the grand final that some might appreciate. "It is not Collingwood V Geelong, it is Collingwood V the rest of Australia!"
I attended my partner's graduation on Monday. It was exciting for me to see the graduates in their cap and gowns. It really was a grand occasion. I wish I could fast-forward to my graduation early next year but only hard work and dedication will ensure that day comes. Finishing a degree is a proud moment. It also makes me realise that we (myself and friends) are blessed to have such a high level of education and head start into the working world. I consider myself very lucky.
On another note, it is grand final week and many people are organising barbecues or gatherings to watch all the action. I am part of the majority that love the footy. I think this is because I have had football in my family since before I was born. My father, brothers, grandfather, uncle and cousin have all played football, some excelling in their achievements. I am therefore very excited about this weekend and all that goes with it.
I hope everyone has a great weekend, whether you are a football fan or not. I saw a quite humorous group on Facebook relating to the grand final that some might appreciate. "It is not Collingwood V Geelong, it is Collingwood V the rest of Australia!"
Monday 19 September 2011
Dealing with all that is university!
Hi everyone,
My name is Georgia and I am in my final semester of university EVER! I am studying a Bachelor of Public Relations, sub-majoring in communication and media management.
To be honest, in high school I just wanted to sing! It wasn't just a dream, I took lessons, sang in the choir and completed music courses up until and including year 12. The down side was that I wasn't very good at the theory and music at university placed huge importance on it. I sing all the time in my daily life and would one day maybe give it a go but in the mean time, I have found an area of work that drives me to continuously learn and better myself - communications.
When thinking about studying PR, I was told, "yeah, you'd be good at that," when I'm sure they didn't really know what PR was and looking back - neither did I. I did go forward with it and it was not until last year (second year PR) that I developed a drive that has taken me well into my final semester with an enthusiasm that can only be explained by loving what I am doing.
In the final semester of this course, students partake in a three week full time (or equivalent) placement. I was lucky enough to complete mine at Adelaide Football Club (AFC) and loved every minute of it. During my time there I gained valuable skills in media liaising, event preparation and especially writing! I interacted with staff, players and fans in one on one situations and documented my experiences for a journal and portfolio to be marked at the end of the semester. This experience has given me a excitement to finish university to the best of my ability and enter the work force asap. I hope to work at AFC again.
Now that the internship is over, it is time to focus on the six subjects I have left to complete my degree. Being that full time study is four subjects, you can see why I need to master the art of time management and work/life balance to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Study is my number one priority which I balance with running and other forms of fitness. It helps release my frustrations and clear my head (not to mention balancing out all the chocolate I eat).
I am currently on uni holidays for two weeks before heading back to finish the last five weeks of my uni life. I am writing this blog as I have found a friendship with words that allow me to blurt out what is in my head and help me organise all that is on my mind. I very much enjoy writing (creatively and professionally) and have found that my degree has assisted me greatly in developing my writing skills.
I hope to continuously learn through my working life and soak up as much knowledge as I can to become an agent for change in this profession and educate people on the basics of what PR is and how hard we work.
To all the uni students out there....enjoy these two weeks!
My name is Georgia and I am in my final semester of university EVER! I am studying a Bachelor of Public Relations, sub-majoring in communication and media management.
To be honest, in high school I just wanted to sing! It wasn't just a dream, I took lessons, sang in the choir and completed music courses up until and including year 12. The down side was that I wasn't very good at the theory and music at university placed huge importance on it. I sing all the time in my daily life and would one day maybe give it a go but in the mean time, I have found an area of work that drives me to continuously learn and better myself - communications.
When thinking about studying PR, I was told, "yeah, you'd be good at that," when I'm sure they didn't really know what PR was and looking back - neither did I. I did go forward with it and it was not until last year (second year PR) that I developed a drive that has taken me well into my final semester with an enthusiasm that can only be explained by loving what I am doing.
In the final semester of this course, students partake in a three week full time (or equivalent) placement. I was lucky enough to complete mine at Adelaide Football Club (AFC) and loved every minute of it. During my time there I gained valuable skills in media liaising, event preparation and especially writing! I interacted with staff, players and fans in one on one situations and documented my experiences for a journal and portfolio to be marked at the end of the semester. This experience has given me a excitement to finish university to the best of my ability and enter the work force asap. I hope to work at AFC again.
Now that the internship is over, it is time to focus on the six subjects I have left to complete my degree. Being that full time study is four subjects, you can see why I need to master the art of time management and work/life balance to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Study is my number one priority which I balance with running and other forms of fitness. It helps release my frustrations and clear my head (not to mention balancing out all the chocolate I eat).
I am currently on uni holidays for two weeks before heading back to finish the last five weeks of my uni life. I am writing this blog as I have found a friendship with words that allow me to blurt out what is in my head and help me organise all that is on my mind. I very much enjoy writing (creatively and professionally) and have found that my degree has assisted me greatly in developing my writing skills.
I hope to continuously learn through my working life and soak up as much knowledge as I can to become an agent for change in this profession and educate people on the basics of what PR is and how hard we work.
To all the uni students out there....enjoy these two weeks!
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