Tara Bennett
15043 Woodstone Dr. Apt 234 Hammond, LA 70401
Tara.Bennett@selu.edu
Objective
To obtain a full-time staff position in the field of journalism with an emphasis on design that will allow me to utilize my writing abilities and further my pursuit of creativity.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts Southeastern Louisiana University, December 2008
- Masters in Organizational Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University, May 2012
- Overall GPA: 3.4
Key Qualifications
- Exceptional communication skills; ability to work with peers in an energetic and motivational manner.
- Effective organizational skills developed through challenging work and educational environments.
- Outstanding leadership skills developed through involvement with university festivals and involvement in student organizations.
- Outstanding multi-task skills developed through balancing multiple organizations, education and employment.
- Professionally trained in film and theatre criticism.
Work Experience
- Staff reporter, The Lion's Roar, Hammond, LA, January 2006-2008.
Responsibilities include writing articles to be submitted for printed publication on a variety of topics including arts and entertainment, current events, organizations and student life. Other duties included creating layout designs using a Macintosh-based system, photography with a digital SLR camera, researching, archival work and performing clerical tasks.
- A&E Editor, The Lion's Roar, Hammond, LA, January 2010-Present.
Responsibilities include planning weekly section content and distributing weekly assignments to staff writers. Writing editorial columns, features and reviews. Editing returned copy and maintaining relations with entertainment venues and distributors in the Hammond area.
Accomplishments and Involvements
- Active Sigma Alpha Pi and PRSSA member.
- Alpha Psi Omega. Office held: President from August, 2008 - May 2009.
- Awarded certification from the National Critics Institute in spring 2008 and 2009.
- Student volunteer and participant for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
- Won honorable mention at the Southeast Journalism Conference On-Site Competition for Public Relations Writing.
- Has been named on the Honor Roll, Dean’s List and President’s List.
- Won Best of South 2009 for A&E Writing.
Skills:
- Adobe Photoshop CS5
- Quark
- FTP
- HTML
- CSS
- 40 wpm typing
- Digital and manual cameras
- Photo retouching
- Web design
- PC and Mac platforms
References:
Ginger Taylor
P.O. Box Independence LA 70443
Jackie Jones
P.O. Box 1333 Amite LA 70422
Stephanie Stockstill
71337 Veronica Blvd. Covington, LA 70433