Over this past semester, in my final year of study, I was lucky enough to intern for three months, two days a week, at Think HQ, a PR and Communications agency in South Melbourne.
Coming from a Professional and Creative Writing background, going into a PR and Communications agency, it initially felt daunting to be trusted to take on writing assignments that I’d never tackled before. Luckily, I was welcomed into a great company that gave me guidance where needed and allowed my creative ideas elsewhere.
I learnt a lot from my time at Think HQ and here are five of the best points I took from my time interning:
- The Values of Clients at Think HQ
Think HQ are proud to only work with clients whose values match their own. This means only working with clients who want to make a positive difference in everything they do. For me, this has meant that in my time at Think HQ I have had the chance to learn about the great things so many companies and not-for-profits are doing for Australia.
- The Wide Range of Things to Do and Learn as an Intern
Entering into an internship can be intimidating. Coming from university where everything feels very comfortable and safe, you get a trial run to enter the real world and see what real life work experience in your industry is like. Fortunately, as an intern I was given so much real work to do (no collecting coffees, or dropping off mail) I was given plenty of things to write, as well as learning a whole range of new skills.
- The Workplace Culture
One of the best things to see at Think HQ is the way the office interacts. The office has a wonderful community feeling and that if anyone needs help with their workload, everyone jumps in to assist. The sense of teamwork is admirable here, and it feels as though everyone is happy to be at the office. As a writer, I’ve noticed we can be an introverted bunch, and I’ve often felt myself to be this way. The office felt nothing but comfortable to me since the first day I showed up and for that I’m very grateful that everyone could be so welcoming when everyone feels so tight knit.
- Learning to Find a Balance
To be entirely honest, balancing time between studies, work and the internship has been tough, trying to make sure that I have my priorities split equally between everything. This means that all my assignments, paying for my bills and rent, and also getting up for my internship, refreshed and ready for a full day of writing and creating. It can be a stretch at times but it’s also been entirely beneficial and rewarding.
- Real Life Experience is Invaluable
I haven’t had any doubts about the time I have worked at Think HQ. I feel as though I’ve come out the other side of this internship with a whole new set of skills and experiences that other university students that chose not to seek out an internship might be missing. It is a decision that makes all the hard work seem entirely worth it.
I cannot encourage taking on an internship enough. Perhaps I am one of the lucky ones who found a place that really knew how to treat their interns. I don’t have any doubts about the time I have worked here at Think HQ. I’ve come out the other side of this internship with a whole new set of skills and experiences that will be invaluable to me as I begin to search for a job that will kickstart my career.
You can find out more about Think HQ on their website. Also, take a look at their blog where I made a post or two.
I’d love to hear about your experiences interning or even if you are wishing to intern.
— pippa.macey
pippa.macey. 