By Issie Morley
One of the most terrifying questions that you can ask a student is ‘What are you going to do after University?’. As I’m nearing the end of my study of English Language and Linguistics, I knew it was time to think about this question more seriously. Having suspected that PR may be the career for me, I was pleased to be able to join the Magenta team in Lancaster for a week to gain experience in the area.
I had a brilliant time at Magenta – the work I did was very varied and provided me with great insight into the industry. The first task I was given was to research potential new clients in Lancaster and the surrounding area. I researched local businesses by searching through the websites of local business awards, assessed the suitability of the business to be a potential new client and compiled the information on a database.
On Wednesday, I attended the Healthcare Estates Exhibition at Manchester Central with Tom Parker. I was delighted to be given the opportunity, particularly as I have never experienced a networking event before. The event was very sophisticated with businesses showcasing their products with high-tech equipment and stands and, for when that failed to attract people, they also had bright jars full of sweets, chocolates, pens and other freebies. After shaking hands, handing out leaflets and talking to different businesses, a few people seemed genuinely interested in Magenta’s services and my first networking experience felt like a success.
Towards the end of the week, the tasks I were given shifted towards writing and I drafted an article, a press release and several blogs for different clients. I enjoyed getting to grips with what the different clients do and writing about various ‘hot topics’ related to their sectors and industries. I’ve become quite used to writing in a certain style for university essays, but luckily Jackie Bennett Shaw and Tom Parker showed me how to structure the different pieces and provided me with useful feedback so that I could develop my writing for different purposes.
I really enjoyed my time with the Magenta team in Lancaster. They’re very friendly, knowledgeable and approachable, and it was a pleasure to work with them. I’m really grateful to Magenta for the opportunity and for providing me with such valuable, wide-ranging experience.
