Let me introduce myself, my name is Richard Burgess – or ‘Richy Red Pants’ to everybody in the office. I am a first year PR student at Leeds Metropolitan University and I am the most recent intern to take a seat at one of Turn Key’s sought-after desks.
After working a few days a week from March until May, I was lucky enough to be offered a full month’s work placement with the PR team – something I could not turn down. I never thought I would get an opportunity like this in my first year of university, especially with a company like Turn Key.
Working for Turn Key has been a great experience, not only have I gained some valuable hands-on experience in the world of PR but I enjoyed myself at the same time. When you think of an Intern you’d expect them to handle all the filing, photocopying and the morning bacon sarnie run (which I have done once, but it’s food, you can’t complain). But, I’ve been lucky to get involved in all aspects of PR, working on a range of different accounts.
Working on everything from press release copy to journalist follow ups as well as in-depth research and great social media activity was not all I managed to get involved in. Somehow whilst at Turn Key I have managed to become the handy man in the office, from fixing the printer to dealing with the server as well as feeding the office with cake and organising the Euro 2012 sweepstake with my partner in crime, Leanne Seward.
I have also learnt some very valuable lessons from my time here:
- ‘A company is never plural, refer to them as is not are and its not their . ’
- How to build an effective relationship with the media.
- Always replace the waste toner cartridge don’t try to empty it!
- Never call a journalist on deadline.
- According to Nik Entwistle everybody comments on my fashion sense.
- A hard working team loves cake.
- Radio DJ’s love free food.
Getting thrown in at the deep end has really helped to build my confidence and improve my communication skills, all key elements for a successful career in the PR industry.
I can’t believe my time at Turn Key has finally come to an end, the last few months have flown by and the 8.45am starts were a doddle! I’ve been getting involved in real life PR campaigns and I’ve found that working with the design, digital and marketing teams to bring everything together is really interesting.
Thank you to everyone at Turn Key for such a warm welcome and for having me. I’m sure I will see you all in the future and I trust you won’t all miss me too much. For now, it is summer, sun and a short break at home for me.
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Ps… I hope the office isn’t too full with all of the magazines I have ordered in for clients.