I started out my college career with a passion for the written word as well as a passion for design. I chose to explore career paths where my passion for content and design could merge to create a product. Incorporating my third passion – helping people – is also important to me. It became apparent to me that by utilizing design, content, and technology, I could impact people on a global scale and make the world a better place.
One project that really inspired me was a client service project that I participated in through my Intro to Professional Writing Class. The class was tasked with revising, reorganizing, and condensing part of the volunteer packet for Virginia Tech Adult Day Services. Our goal was to to form a more consistent and concise pamphlet for volunteers. This project sticks out to me because it was the first time that I had used my skills to positively impact the community by improving the lives of the people who serviced that program. Working as a writing center tutor was another experience in which I was able to use my knowledge and skills in order to help others. I enjoyed instilling confidence in students who felt uncomfortable about their writing abilities.
Two classes that further impacted my goals were Developing Online Content and Feminism and Interaction Design. Developing Online Content gave me the technological savvy to design good content for the web. My Feminism and Interaction Design course taught me how to design in a socially responsible manner. I learned that technology and design create frameworks through which people view the world and conceptualize ideas. These classes inspired me to gain the skills needed to implement innovative, strategic, and creative campaigns that are highly personalized and user-centered.
My internships with Virginia Tech Human Resources, the Collegiate Times, and Boat America Corporation all equipped me with the skills to target and inform users. I learned how to expand a company’s brand and how to highlight the accomplishments of individuals. My responsibilities included creating visually pleasing and informative content and engaging users via social media, email, and print marketing materials. Raising awareness in the community of users and improving user experience were key aspects of all my internships.
Technology has the ability to impact and reach billions of consumers. Harnessing this power and shaping it through good content, good design, and usability is a huge task. Becoming well versed in industry trends, emerging technologies, and new methods of communication is crucial to forwarding progress and innovation. I want to utilize this knowledge and these skills in a way that impacts people in a positive manner. I aspire to be a driving force of positive social change by connecting users and design, content and technology, innovation and creativity.
