Objective

To obtain an internship for summer 2015 utilizing strong communication, public relations and strategic thinking skills.

Education

B.A. Public Relations, Special study: Marketing, Expected Graduation: May 2016 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, GPA: 3.41/4.0, In-major: 3.75/4.0, Deans List: Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2014

Related Experience

Project Manager: Student Public Relations Team, County of Pulaski, Virginia August 2014 December 2014 Pitched winning media kit to client with public information suggestions that will be implemented in spring 2015 Competitively developed public information projects including strategic reviews of four nearby counties,

website redesign, public service announcements and a fundraising event proposal for County Administrator Composed press release within two days after board of supervisors meeting to inform county of affairs Communicated and delegated responsibilities to team of six to ensure timely completion of 11 group projects

Public Relations Intern: Myers Public Relations LLC, Reston, Virginia July 2012 November 2014 Myers PR is a boutique firm providing advertising, community outreach, event planning and marketing services to property management and special events businesses. Researched consumer demographics to assist in marketing strategies and proposals for branding success Brainstormed events and marketing campaign tactics to boost foot traffic and sales on client retail properties Drafted and edited marketing analytics reports for clients Google AdWords, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

to measure success of online advertising campaigns and encourage client review Designed advertising material, such as logos, signs, social media branding and flyers for client use Assisted with on-site event management (50-10,000 attendees) and photographed events for promotional use Wrote four guest articles for companys Wordpress blog, www.myerspr.com/blog, to promote company brand

Leadership Experience

Public Relations Chair: Female Education Advocacy Representatives, Virginia Tech March 2015- present Post news and updates on nonprofit organizations social media (Facebook and Twitter) and website weekly

Undergraduate Advisory Panel Member: Virginia Tech Communication Department January 2015-present

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA): Virginia Tech Chapter January 2013 - present Vice President, April 2014 - present

o Assist president with bimonthly meetings, Chapter operations, recruitment and event planning o Launch and create mentorship program for 24 underclassmen members

Attended PRSSA National Conference in Washington D.C., October 2014 Webmaster and Editor-in-Chief, April 2013 - April 2014

o Edited and published 6-10 peer writers articles to produce two newsletters and 22 blog posts Attended PRSSA National Assembly in Albuquerque, New Mexico as Chapter delegate, April 2013

Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women: Virginia Zeta Chapter January 2013 - present Vice President of Finance, January 2014 December 2014

o Acted as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for 192-member chapter and led financial communication o Developed and led administration of $150,000 chapter budget while tracking 18 officer budgets o Managed accounts receivable duties (member billing, pursuit of delinquent accounts), accounts

payable (vendors, Fraternity Headquarters, member reimbursements), taxes and financial records

Other Activities

Language Partner: Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute January 2015-present

Peer Career Advisor: Virginia Tech Career Services, Blacksburg, Virginia August 2014 - present Aid two college liaisons in targeted efforts to increase 3,000 students awareness of career resources

Lifestyles Staff Writer: The Collegiate Times Newspaper, Blacksburg, Virginia September 2013 - January 2014

Skills Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign,

Microsoft Office Suite, and Web 2.0 Entrepreneurial photography, 2009 present,

www.facebook.com/melaniebethphotos

Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Weebly and Wordpress)

Usage of Associated Press style

Melanie B. Ford www.melanie-ford.com | www.linkedin.com/in/mford1