C113/08
Third-year Curtin University of Technology student, Marie-Claire Hunter, has already begun building her dream career in the public relations industry by winning an internship with Playgroup WA after a successful campaign pitch to the organisation as part of a course unit she completed recently.
Combining the public relations skills she gained at Curtin with several years of volunteer work for a local primary school and experience working at a crèche, this Padbury resident is making an impression at Playgroup WA.
Debbie Terelinck, Chief Executive Officer of Playgroup WA said that having Marie-Claire on board has been a delight and testament to the quality of Curtin students.
“We have not had many interns at Playgroup WA, however, Marie-Claire has been a great asset to us and we will certainly be considering more interns from Curtin in the future,” Ms Terelinck said.
“Considering that she works only one day a week, she has done some amazing work with outstanding results. She has brought in contemporary knowledge about public relations and has successfully managed the media to effectively communicate our key messages.”
Marie-Claire said she is thoroughly enjoying the internship, preferring the daily grind of employment to her senior studies.
“It is exciting to get a glimpse of what life is like after university and with this experience, I am quite confident that I have chosen the right career for me,” Marie-Claire said.
“The internship has been a fantastic opportunity for me to learn and develop, and I can start applying all the knowledge that I gained at university in a real-world setting.”
As a Public Relations and Professional Writing student, Marie-Claire is thankful for the opportunity to work on her writing and event management skills at Playgroup WA.
“I have really enjoyed helping them organise one of their largest annual events, World’s Biggest Playgroup Day, which is being held at Whiteman Park on 30 April 2008. I was also excited to be able to assist with some writing tasks surrounding the event,” Marie-Claire said.
“I have been busy helping them contact businesses to attend the event and sourcing relevant publications to promote the event.
“It was also very exciting when a media release I wrote about Play Days, another Playgroup WA initiative, received great media coverage.”
When asked what advice she would give other public relations students in university, her reply was simple.
“Try and get as much industry experience as you can before you graduate. It is a competitive industry and work experience will get you ahead of the rest,” Marie-Claire said.
Marie-Claire graduates from her double degree next year.
For more information about Playgroup WA or World’s Biggest Playgroup Day visit: www.playgroupwa.com.au.
Note to Editor: Photo can be organised on request.
Contacts: Monique Billstein; Public Relations; Curtin; 08 9266 3353; 0401 103 018; M.Billstein@curtin.edu.au
