My Time at Darren Northeast PR by Fiona Carey

Fiona Carey joined the DNPR team for a 6-week work experience placement in our offices after graduating from Bournemouth University with a BA(Hons) in Media and Communications, here she provides a little glimpse into her time with us…

Back in May, I joined the DNPR team not knowing what the future held for me here in the company. Whatever it was that I was expecting, I didn’t expect the knowledge, responsibility and friendships that I gained over my time here.

From my first week, I was very much put in the deep end of the world of PR, but with help from Theo (and a lot of questions, sorry!) and a thorough handover from Elena, I quickly learned my way around many of the accounts we have.

One of the things I love about the work we do at DNPR is how varied each and every one of the clients is. Over my time at DNPR I have written press releases, blogs and social media posts for clients in every industry, from festivals to solicitors and hotels to garden centres. I can honestly say I have learnt more in the past month about UK law than I have from all my years in education! In the beginning, I really didn’t know how I would ever get the creativity to generate new social media content every week for each client, but as the weeks have gone on, I’ve found myself becoming more independent and confident in my role.

On top of the conventional PR activities I have been taught, DNPR has allowed me to learn skills in areas that I didn’t think I’d have the chance to learn about. As we begin to launch our new Digital PR services, I have managed to pick up WordPress and SEO skills – something that I have always been keen to learn more about.

DNPR isn’t the usual Monday to Friday office job. I was lucky enough during my time to go out and about with the team, attending client hosted events like a tea party and a festival and venturing to a fashion show (though this one was just a bit of fun with the team!).

I’m really going to miss the team, their hilarious sense of humour and their awful music choice (The Venga Boys are not a thing, sorry Theo) but I am so grateful for the experience I’ve had over my short time in the company. The knowledge I have gained over my time at DNPR is really going to help me as I continue on with my journey in the PR industry. Thank you, Darren, Matt, Theo and Elena for being so welcoming, I will make sure I stop by the office any time I return to Bournemouth!