Hi All,

As I head into my final week, I wanted to submit my final blog.

As I have been working reasonably independently on a project for the last 22 days, two weeks ago I wanted to get some greater clarity around my project, more than just my supervisor.

Along with the support of my supervisor Darrelle, I was able to invite the whole Strategic Initiatives team to a meeting where I would present my project to date and receive some feedback.

I was very fortunate that majority of the team could make it, with only a few away due to being at parliament.

I was able to send my project to date out to all of the team members so that they would have the opportunity to look over the content before going to the meeting.

I was blown away at that every team member at printed out the project and had made some of their own notes. Something that really stood out to me and something that I have started doing. It really made me feel as though what I was doing was some what important to them an a feeling I want to reciprocate when I go to future meetings.

The meeting was very successful. I was able to quickly run through the content as everyone had done their own readings prior to attending. After running through the content I was able to ask some of my own questions that I had previously prepared and answer some questions that the team had previously prepared or that came to mind during the discussion.

The meeting was something I was reasonably nervous about as you don’t want to be told what you are working on for the last two months is a waste. However, I am so glad I took the leap and hosted the meeting as I was able to gather some extremely valuable feedback that has been able to direct me towards the finish line.

As I head into my final week, I am really excited to finish up the project that I have been developing. Community engagement is something I am very passionate about so I am very excited to see the finished product and see what the future holds for Local Governments and their community engagement efforts.

I am also sad to be finishing my time with the team as it is an experience that I have extremely enjoyed and the people that are at the office have been so welcoming it will suck not seeing them every Thursday and Friday. However, I understand that this is just a stepping block to bigger and better things and I am very excited about using the skills I have learnt both during my degree and at my internship in the real working world.

 

Signing off for PR internship,

 

Lachie