Jobs: PR/Marketing
My name is Reed Sigmon. I’m a Senior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and I’m about to complete my Bachelors in Media and Communication Studies. While I am not completely sure what I want to do professionally, I know that my talents and interests are most suited to the business of public relations and marketing. Using LinkedIn, I ventured forth to find three jobs (one local, one national, and one transnational) that not only interested me, but for which I found myself valuable.
Local Job: Rockville, Maryland
ZeniMax Media/Bethesda Softworks is a gaming software company whose numerous successful IP’s I have been following since adolescence. My interest and enthusiasm for the company it among my competitive assets. The experience of operating a social media business account (through my internship) demonstrates my proficiency in public outreach through frequent postings and understanding (albeit loosely) Facebook algorithms. Additionally, my solo work in video and audio projects (available through my LinkedIn) speaks to my creative abilities as well as my willingness to learn and self-teach.
In order to work effectively at ZeniMax Media, I would need to, first and foremost, complete my Bachelors degree in Media and Communication Studies. I would also most likely need to bolster my portfolio of work in the field of Marketing before competently applying for the job. This can be done by working with smaller companies (such as the one where I am completing my internship) to help meet their marketing needs, which will also provide me further editorial experience.
National Job: San Francisco Bay Area, California
As with the ZeniMax Media position, I have a strong affinity for the Prezi brand; one which I feel gives me a competitive edge over other applicants. Because this job deals more directly with social media, the experience I’ve had through my internship has set me up well to bring more to the table for Prezi than simply a degree. I know that my creativity would be welcome at Prezi, as would my video and audio editing skills and proficiency in their most widely-used and preferred programs (again, available to see at my LinkedIn). My writing skills and understanding of stand-out marketing would also be beneficial.
To work for Prezi, I would need to complete my bachelors in Media and Communication Studies. Adding more experience to my portfolio would also help me stand out against other applicants, which could be accomplished by working with other, smaller companies before approaching a Goliath like Prezi. Admittedly, I could also use some brushing-up on the Prezi platform, itself.
Transnational Job: Rhodes, Australia
Working for HP, Inc. would be high-level, but I know I would find comfort in the position. My experience working with PC’s from an early age, including assembling several computers for myself, family, and friends, sets me up for competitive standing in applying, as does my love for all things digital and knowledge of the social media landscape. Additionally, my creativity and strong drive would give me the needed energy to keep up with the fast moving work environment I’d find myself in.
After completing my bachelors in Media and Communication Studies, I would need to add meaningful weight to my work resume in the vein of social media and marketing. While I have had the privilege of traveling to Australia, I could also benefit from having a deeper grasp of Australian digital culture so as to appeal more effectively to consumers engaging with it. The experience I already have is good foundation for such a position, but I know I need a few years’ worth of experience with other companies before considering applying.
