Michelle's Word Press

Communication Forum: great opportunity to network

By Michelle Iraheta

George Mason University will be holding a Communication Forum October 20. This year’s forum will focus on Content Marketing; a story-telling approach to public relations. This event will take place at Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending around 1 p.m.

Tara Ruszowski and the Insight Committee worked on putting together the Communication Forum, a place for students to connect with different communication professionals and to have an opportunity for students to engage with professionals, learn more about the industry and network. For many students, this forum is a way to get a foot in the door.

Tara Ruszowski, owner of Ruszowski & Associates, LLC, and adjunct professor at George Mason University, is part of the Insight Committee at George Mason University. Ruszowski studied government at The Catholic University of America. Studying at The Catholic University of America, gave her the opportunity to practice what she learned in Capitol Hill, she said.

Ruszowski’s first job on Capitol Hill was being a receptionist for Ed Feighan. “Being a receptionist was the best decision I ever made,” said Ruszowski. Being a receptionist was what landed her a job with Jim Cooper on Capitol Hill. Ruszowski then went on to work for Hill & Knowlton, to later opening her own consulting firm, Ruszowski & Associates, LLC.

Ruszowski and the rest of the Insight Committee at Mason have been able to create this Communication Forum and give the students a wonderful opportunity to meet different professionals through contacting people they have met over the years, and people who are in their network.

From attending this event students will have the opportunity many would wish to have, having the chance to interact and network with professionals that could lead to potential jobs. “I want you to be thinking about opportunity, and this marketing form is a network of opportunity,” Ruszowski said.

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Media Alert: Tornado Spotted in Fairfax County

By Michelle Iraheta

On Wednesday at 10 a.m. a tornado had been spotted in Fairfax County. With winds up to 50 mph, the National Weather Service urged Fairfax County to remain inside and away from windows.

During the tornado, Mason was hosting a fair. All students, chaperones, and volunteers were gathered at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University and asked to gather in the auditorium where they would remain away from windows until it was safe for them to leave.

Mason spokesperson Carlos Zavala says

(SOUND BITE…. 20 SECONDS)

Today, George Mason University was on high alert as there was a tornado spotted close to campus. Our Emergency Department here at Mason effectively worked with all faculty and staff, and no injuries have been reported.

The National Weather Service lifted the tornado warning and the event resumed as normal. For more information contact George Mason University’s Environmental Health & Safety Office, 703-993-8448.

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OBJECTIVE

An internship with a Public Relations firm where I can provide support and learn from experienced public relations professionals. Available full-time following December 2015 graduation from George Mason University with major in Communication/Public Relations.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Office Assistant (Summer Internship), Outreach and Communications Team, U.S. Agency for International Development, US Embassy, Lima, Peru June 2014-July 2014

• Developed three informational brochures for public distribution (in English and Spanish)
• Assisted with event planning, including screening and discussion of documentary file
• Drafted text for social media posts

Office Assistant (Summer Job), Information and Resources Management Team, U.S. Department of State, US Embassy Lima, Peru, June 2013

• Received and screened incoming mail
• Copied hard copy files to online documents

Hostess, Famous Dave’s, Falls Church, VA, 2011-2012

• Greeted and seated guests
• Helped servers with guests and helped clean off tables
• Trained new hostess in basic procedures

EDUCATION

B.A., Communication major, concentration in Public Relations – Expected graduation December 2015; George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia

Related course work includes: English – Principles of Public Relations, Foundation of Intercultural Communication, Writing for Public Relations and Writing Across the Media

HONORS & ACTIVITIES

Dean’s List, George Mason University, Fall 2013-Spring 2015

Dean’s List, Radford University, Fall 2012

Study Abroad, Vienna & Munich, Summer 2014,

Study Abroad, London, Winter 2015

Member, Public Relations Student Society of America, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, September 2013 – Present

Volunteer, High school basketball team manager, George Mason High School, Falls Church, VA, December 2011- March 2012

Volunteer, Youth Basketball Assistant Coach, Falls Church, VA, January 2011-March 2012

Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, El Salvador, San Salvador, 2007

Home child care/mother’s helper for two boys in primary school, 2013 – 2015

OTHER SKILLS AND INTERESTS

• Fluent in Spanish and English, some Portuguese
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and working knowledge of other Microsoft Office products such as PowerPoint
• Enjoy working in teams, listening to music, and travel.

References available upon request

 

Organization for Seniors partners with Mason students

By Michelle Iraheta

Students in Professor Katherine Rowan’s communication class have chosen to take Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) as their primary client and help with an “appreciation campaign” as said by Glenn Kamber, OLLI president. OLLI provides older adults, in the Northern Virginia area, opportunities to expand their knowledge and share their experiences in a social atmosphere.

These Mason students will have the opportunity to attend OLLI events, cultural activities, courses as well a chance to talk with OLLI members.

The students are collaborating with Kamber and OLLI Board of Directors member, Norma Jean Reck, to help OLLI further contribute to the Mason community.

These efforts will provide opportunities for students to interact with OLLI members. This can include mentoring and sharing career knowledge experience in the student’s field of interest.

“Learning about OLLI has truly made me see how many resources students have here at Mason that they don’t know about. I think this organization could really help students when it comes to career choices, because they actually had experience in the field” said Carlos Zavala.

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