What I’ve Done

Posted by samantha on Mar 10, 2014 in What I've Done

To obtain a position which will allow me to showcase my communication skills, share innovative ideas, and work in an environment that is fast-paced, enjoyable and engaging.

The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tenn.                                                                        October 2006-June 2013

Digital

• Boroparty.com, editor

Social nightlife website geared to young professionals and college students. Created content, including stories, columns, photo galleries and video, maintenance of the website, promotion and marketing of the brand through events and appearances, and driving web traffic through social media.

• Taste

Local dining niche website, launched using my weekly Dining Out feature. Maintained site’s content through written, photo and video posts and promoting readership through print and social media.

Special publications

• Rutherford Weekend

Weekly entertainment tabloid, created as outlet to expand my expertise and writing skills. Planned and created content while driving the marketability of the publication through focal stories, weekly column, Dining Out feature, and calendars of area events. Dining Out was later moved out of the publication to be showcased separately on the food page.

• Living Well

Living Well, weekly women’s tabloid initiated from success of Rutherford Weekend. Developed stories focused on women’s issues, including family topics, trends in fashion, business and wellness and profiles of local leading women.

Social media

Excel at social media formats such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and blogging. Utilized social media to gain feedback, develop story ideas, and develop community presence.

Additional experience

• Cultivated working relationships in the community with business owners, civic and political leaders, and local residents for a variety of news-related beats, including public safety, shopping, business, and families with children.

• Worked to plan, create and finalize multi-faceted projects from initial concepts to well-developed packages of print and digital content, art and photography, and related data

• Adapted to learning new skills including photography, video editing and basic graphic design to complete assignments

MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn.                                                August 2001-May 2006

Bachelor of Science, Mass Communications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, iMovie video editing, Adobe Photoshop

• Strong with proofreading and attention to details

• Adept at working on deadlines and multi-tasking

•  Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Self-motivated, independent worker, but also comfortable in team environment

• MENSA qualifier

• Three-time Tennessee Press Association award winner

• Co-chair, Backstage Bash fundraiser for Center for the Art      October 2012-March 2013

Organized and presented an evening of entertainment, dining and dancing for hundreds of people, promoted the event through digital and print marketing and publicity, and assisted with fundraising through cold calls, table sales and sponsorships.

• Instructor, Color guard and marching techniques                                 July 2006-present

Choreograph multiple routines to music and provide instruction through teaching fundamental skills and routines to high school students in area marching bands.

• Community speaker, local organizations                                September 2011-April 2013

Addressed various groups including Boy Scout troops, elementary school classes and Kiwanis Club on the importance of literacy, the First Amendment, and community involvement.