Public relations: fluff, propaganda, marketing, glamourous events? Public relations often gets a bad rap, a misunderstood discipline of business. The Red Republic is an exemplar of great public relations based around building unique and valuable relationships, the essence of what public relations is all about.
Through my experience interning at The Red Republic over the last 12 weeks, discovery was paramount to my learning and successes. The role of a public relations practitioner is way more complex than I had ever imagined. The dynamic nature of the role presents new challenges every day that require a touch of creativity and whole lot of passion. The team in the Sydney office provide each other with utmost support and are dedicated to exploring an array of solutions to meet their client’s needs. The energy invested into their clients and overall business is both infectious and empowering.
Upon my time with The Red Republic, it was hard not to notice the strategic planning behind the day-to-day tasks of the team’s work. I could see how each task I was given fit into the bigger scheme of overall goals. The tasks I completed provided me with opportunity to expand and develop my own communication and research skills, and tested my creativity. I found it rewarding to see the results of work I had accomplished; I found being accountable the best motivation. It was helpful to receive feedback and suggestions from all staff members and especially from my mentor, Alex.
Confidence and resilience are two guiding principles that are applied throughout all the roles of a PR practitioner. From media pitching to creative writing, the girls in the Sydney office have crafted the formula for successful public relations. I found a lot of my learning took place by observation, whether it was reading press releases, watching the interactions of new business meetings, media pitching or group huddles; I have come to appreciate and understand how public relations is conducted in the “real-world.”
My experience at The Red Republic has been an exciting venture providing me with many insights into the fast-paced world of PR. I have learnt valuable skills beyond those taught at university such as the importance of flexibility in the workplace, especially when it comes to meeting deadlines and the variety and nature of tasks set. The opportunity to work with numerous clients ensured a vast range of detailed knowledge about a broad assortment of industries.
The Red Republic has given me the assurance that public relations is the avenue I want to follow as it combines my interest for connecting with people, with the thirst for news and knowledge. I would definitely recommend partaking in a public relations internship if you are an avid writer with an eye for detail or generally love interacting with different people on a day-to-day basis. This internship has become an important landmark in my journey towards establishing a career in public relations. I am honoured to have gained the experience to work with an inspiring team in a company with a fresh flair and approach to public relations.
My advice to students who are considering an internship is firstly to do your research; know the company you are interviewing with, their clients and the industry in-depth. Staying updated with current affairs, media and trends that brands are using is important to maintaining relevance in the industry and will help to make the most out of your experience. Overall, approaching the application process with a positive attitude will help showcase your personality and score your dream internship!
