My Mentor Experience 2013

A little helping hand

I once heard that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but wisdom is knowing not to use it in a fruit salad. 

Information is nothing without knowing how to apply it, that’s why you need wisdom, the same wisdom that would stop a tomato ending up in a dessert. 

For this reason, I applied for a mentor program at my university which partnered me with a public relations consultant running their own business. 

From building a friendship with my mentor I have learnt many key things to becoming a successful PR officer. These are;

1# Networking
There’s a reason you never see an article advertising a position for a Qantas pilot-  It’s not what you know it’s who you know.

Job seeking is usually done internally first, giving priority to their employers.

From being mentored by a professional, I have been invited to many events and met groups of individuals in relevant fields. 

For example, I was invited to Condamine Alliance event where Luke Harvey-Palmer,  the  Chief Executive of Alive, a Sydney based mobile application design firm spoke to a small group of business owners in Toowoomba. 

I learnt so much, was entertained and enjoyed his vibrant and charismatic approach to mobile application.  

3# Juggling Act

I think it’s impressive when someone can juggle three items simultaneously, now imagine trying to juggling hundreds of components for several clients all at once and trying to keep them all up in the air without fail.

That’s the world of a PR professional, and it’s overwhelming, challenging, but exciting and stimulating.

My mentor is organised and has taught me the value of things such as work folders, and keeping systems such as excel sheets in place in order to keep a track of day to day tasks.

4# Blab and Blab Some More...

Never underestimate the power of expressing your opinion, ideas and thoughts to a second person. 

I have learnt alot about myself by  telling my mentor where I want to be, what I want to do and what I enjoy and fear.

If you are stuck on ideas, or struggle to map out your future or workable goals, then I suggest discussing this with an experienced and trusted person. Credible opinions can help form our personal ideas and generate inspiration or even open doors. You never know what lies around the corner or in your own mind until you ask.

5# Chameleon

Adapting to every environment, situation, client, job, rain or shine, that's the life of a PR officer.

I sit down at a cafe  before each meeting with my mentor and prepare myself to hear what chock a block timetable they managed to complete.

One week my mentor was stuck outside on her mobile organising brochures for a client. The brochures had to be submitted that afternoon but for some reason, the client had sent across an unreadable copy to my mentor. With a few quick calls, a few swipes of the iPhone and a well-trained mind, the problem was solved.

Another time my mentor had just flown back from Newcastle the night before  our meeting, yet they were wide awake for our 9am meeting the next morning. They explained that their day consisted of a 3am wake up, a two hour drive to Brisbane, a plane flight at 6am and a full days work, only to arrive back at home at around 9pm that night! 

Along with these events, my mentor is always involved in a number of different roles. Some days she becomes an MC or presenter, other days she is a writer while there are times were she transforms into a brand manager, a social media guru and a community relationship builder.


The work of a Public Relations officer is ever changing and unpredictable. Every clients needs and requests will be different. There's no set structure for what will deliver the best results or gain most awareness.