PR393 Semester 2, 2014: orientation presentation

1. PR393
Getting started

2. This session will cover
• Introduction to PR393 – what is it all about?
• Trouble shooting: when things go wrong
• PR393 and beyond

3. Lydia Gallant
e: Lydia.Gallant@cbs.curtin.edu.au
ph: 9266 2851
room: 408:2010
Aboutyour Unit & Placement Coordinator
Consultation times:
Tues 12-2pm
All other times by
appointment – please call or
email to arrange a time.

4. Why do PR 393?
• Past students often report this is the
most beneficial experience in their
course
• Can sometimes even lead directly to a
job offer
• Helps students become ready for
graduate employment
• Part of our accreditation by the Public
Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA)

5. Objectives – PR 393
• Complete a minimum of one
month’s PR work experience (20 days)
• Understand how PR principles can be
applied in practice
• Develop personal and professional
attributes
• Prepare a portfolio and CV
• Be ready for employment in PR

6. Curtin’s Graduate Attributes
1. Apply discipline knowledge, principles and concepts;
2. Think critically, creatively and reflectively;
3. Access, evaluate and synthesise information;
4. Communicate effectively;
5. Use technologies appropriately;
6. Utilise lifelong learning skills;
7. Recognise and apply international perspectives;
8. Demonstrate cultural awareness and understanding; and
9. Apply professional skills.

7. Finding a placement
• YOUR responsibility – and….it
takes time!
• It is good practice for applying for
future jobs
• Approach with same seriousness
as application for a permanent
job
• You are now an AMBASSADOR
for Curtin

8. “NEW”
• PRepare to Succeed in the Real World
– Four compulsory online modules + quizzes
• About PR393
• Professionalism in the workplace
• Writing & grammar
• Writing for a global audience – the Reflective Blog
– Plus optional modules (to be made available throughout the semester)
• After hour orientation session (today!)
• Virtual Consultation trial (Thu 11am-12pm)

9. The search - for PR 393 or any work
experience
• Decide on the sector of PR you would ideally like to work in
e.g., consultancy, corporate, not-for-profit, government,
tourism etc.
• Make a list of possible organisations in your chosen area
• Make an initial call to identify decision-maker
• *Hint * The first phone call is essentially your first interview
• Write to that person with your CV and a copy of the
PR393 unit outline or PR393 Handbook
• Persevere!
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Check Blackboard for PR 393 job ads
• Find out about other students experience
on the Reflective Blogs

10. Approval and Confidentiality – PR 393
• You must get your placement
approved BEFORE you start
+ pass the first four PRepare to Succeed
quizzes with 100%
• You are under an absolute obligation
to respect the confidentiality of your
employer’s business affairs

11. Tasks – every day is different…
• Updating media lists
• Drafting copy for media releases, brochures, newsletters
• Compiling media clippings & media kits
• Organising name badges for functions
• Conducting research
• Data entry on stakeholder groups
• Drafting speech notes
• Assisting with photo shoots
• Updating material on websites
• Document filing
• Confirming logistics for functions
- caterers, musicians, signage
• Assisting at functions
– set up, registration tables, gifts for speakers

12. Be A Sponge!
Absorb!
– Knowledge
– Skills
– People’s advice
– Politics
– Information
– Industry contacts

13. Unit outline, paperwork, updates
• Please read the most current Unit Outline
• Complete module 1-4 of PRepare to Succeed
• Once placement is secured, complete and
return Placement Approval form with CV.
• 10 days into internship,..
complete Update Form,
and return to Unit Coordinator
• Check Blackboard regularly – for updates,
job ads for paid and unpaid work
• Contribute continuously to
the Reflective Blog

14. Assessment
No. Assessment Activity Percentage %
1 Employer appraisal
(submitted directly to Unit Coordinator by the
employer)
20%
2 Final report 70%
3 Reflective Blog 10%
Total 100%

15. Memberships - networking, work exp
opportunities, mentors
• On campus
– PR Student Chapter (PRSC).
• In the PR industry
– Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA)
– PRIA Young Guns
• Emerging Marketers (AMI)
• Consider volunteering for a cause or
interest i.e. Girl Guides, Cancer Council,
church groups, sport clubs

16. The Opportunities are Endless…..
• Corporate Communications -
Curtin University
• 96fm/6PR Southern Cross Radio
• City of Joondalup
• Breastcancer Foundation
• ANZ
• Perth Glory
• Vodafone
• WA Police
• Starlight Foundation
• Rio Tinto
• Fremantle Football Club
• Public Transport Authority
• Rowlands
• Hyatt Regency
• Rosendorf
• Perth Zoo
• Weber Shandwick
• Samaritans
• Leukaemia Foundation
• WACA
• The Hub Marketing
Communication
• Devahasdin Communications
• Alzheimer’s WA
• Sunset Events
• CBH
• Apple
• H-Line Ogilvy (Beijing)
• Telethon Speech and Hearing
Centre
• Kings Park
• Tourism WA
• Linc Integrated
• Chevron
• Gloss Media
• PPR
• Art Gallery of WA
• Boddington Old School
• Netball WA
• …..

17. Key dates & deadlines
• PRepare to Succeed module 1-4 – now!
• Placement Approval Form – asap (at
least 10 days BEFORE commencement).
Approval deadline: 29th
August!
• Reflective Blog - ongoing
• Intern Appraisal Form –
WS 27 October
(your responsibility!)
• Final Report - hard copy, date stamped
by Friday 13th
November 2014

18. Final report format – PR 393
• Assume the reader knows nothing about your
organisation. Include a brief history/background
of the organisation. Ensure your content is
relevant - each section should be clear in
meaning and purpose to the reader.
• General guidelines include:
– Business report format
– Supporting literature properly referenced.
– High standards of presentation and written
English
– Organisation background
– Industry background (characteristics, key
competitors, environment, current issues,
positioning)

19. Report format cont...
– Place of PR, discuss what the “place” means
to the position of PR and PR activity at org,
including an organisation chart
– Detailed analysis of PR function.
How is PR currently contributing to the
organisation’s mission?
– Summary of work you carried out. Keep a
detailed daily journal or log. This can be
in first-person style.
– Recommendations. How could PR
better contribute to the organisation’s
mission & vision?

20. Essential appendices – PR 393
• Samples of your work, each clearly
labelled. Direct your reader to EACH item
in your appendix.
• A new CV, including your PR 393
placement
• Recommended length of report:
– Minimum of 4,000 words plus appendices

21. Reflective Blog
• 10% of your overall PR393 mark
Minimum of
– Four original posts, reflecting on your
experience, new insights and possible
challenges encountered
– Plus Four responses to other students’ posts
• Allows you to reflect on your experiences, share insights with
other students across campuses and provides an opportunity
to provide advice and support to fellow students
• Provides a first hand insight into the use of
social media platforms in public relations

22. Reflective Blog: Objectives
• Demonstrate an ability to reflect on issues of
professional practice, including communication,
professionalism and ethical practice
• Demonstrate an ability to reflect on theory learned
at university and evaluate how this is implemented
in the working environment
• Reflect on new insights gained and highlight where
experiences may alter your understanding
of public relations practice; and
• Reflect on learning experiences and highlight how
these may alter future approaches.

23. Reflective Blog | Student feedback:
“I found the blog fantastic! I learnt so much from what others had
posted that it was incredible - even I was surprised! Not only was
the blog a good tool for learning about others’ experiences but
because blogging is such a popular form of communication in
today's society I found it great to practice my actual blogging skills
as well. Much more relevant than text book exercises! Overall I
think that students can really benefit from this and I hope the blog
stays a part of PR 393”
“Initially I thought it would be a real hassle having to upload into the
blog. However, I found it a really useful tool and I found myself
contributing often. I looked forward to reading the experiences of
others. I have learnt a lot just from the blog alone. It's really nice
reading about similar experiences and situations that we are all
going through together! It makes the real world look lots less
scary”
“This blog has been more beneficial than I ever expected, I find
myself reading the long list of blogs and becoming so interested in
my fellow students experiences and comparing this to my own”

24. Need more help?
• Every PR393 report is different. However,
you are welcome to view a few samples in
Katharina’s office.
• Check out the Reflective Blogs:
http://pr393reflectiveblog.blogspot.com/ &
http://pr393reflectiveblog2.blogspot.com

25. Current Vacancies
Check Blackboard regularly!
• Check PR393 notice board outside 408.2010
• Sign up with PR Student Chapter (PRSC) and
receive emails about work experience opportunities
• Add yourself to the PRIA Young Guns mailing list by
emailing wa@pria.com.au

26. The Top Ten Tips for PR Success
1. Read the unit’s paperwork thoroughly
2. Talk to fellow PR students and network
with graduates and the PR industry
3. Rehearse your phone call script
4. Read the newspaper employment
section – what’s on offer, what skills
are needed?
5. Give yourself ample time to draft
your report, show your organisation
supervisor, edit, perfect it.

27. Top Ten Tips (continued).
6. Proof-read everything you write
7. Be courteous to your organisation – a
thank- you card, chocolates, cake or
wine…..
8. Think like a PR professional!
9. Act like a PR professional!
10. BE a PR professional!

28. But what if
I am not ready yet?!
Careers @ Curtin
Communication Skills Centre
Teaching & Learning Workshops
PRSC
PRIA/ Young Guns
Oyster

29. Keep an eye on Blackboard
Check your student emails and the PR393
Blackboard section regularly for updates
– Placement opportunities
– Job opportunities
– Tips and tricks
– Events, seminars & workshops
– Useful links
– And much, much more!

30. Any questions, worries, concerns?
Your unit coordinator is here
to help!
Lydia Gallant
e: Lydia.Gallant@cbs.curtin.edu.au
p: 9266 2851
Consultation
Please call or email at least 24 hours
in advance to arrange an appointment time