Messages from Alumni

We want to hear from our alumni. To post a message, go to our Alumni Form.

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- Messages from 2006
- Messages from 2005
- Messages from 2004 (September - December)
- Messages from 2004 (Prior to September)
- Messages from 2003
- Messages from 2002
- Messages from 2001

Date Posted: May 4, 2012
Name: Allie Ludmer
Year Graduated: 2008
Location: Washington, DC 20001
Email Address: alexandra@knowpr.com
Employer: Know Public Relations
Message: Hi everyone, I'm a 2008 Corporate Comm. graduate living in Washington, D.C. My firm is seeking a part-time PR Intern for the summer, so please reach out with any questions and/or resume submissions (see internship description below). I also appreciate any recommendations from fellow SMAD alumnni. Thank you! Part-time PR Intern Know Public Relations provides brand management, media relations, message development, and media training services to a number of Washington, D.C.'s top culinary brands and personalities. We are currently seeking a part-time PR Intern to assist our high-energy team. Candidates should be able to commit 10-15 hours/week starting June 1 for at least three months, with the potential to continue into fall/winter 2012. The PR Intern will work remotely with minimal daily supervision, and must be available to attend regular check-in meetings in downtown D.C. Work schedule will be flexible. Hourly compensation is offered, as well as the unique opportunity to attend select restaurant industry and client events. Responsibilities: -Monitor client media coverage and prepare comprehensive monthly media reports -Build and consistently update targeted media lists and editorial calendars -Conduct online and phone research on behalf of clients for promotional and media opportunities -Draft client meeting agendas/action items (with supervision), and handle additional administrative duties as needed Qualifications/Requirements: -Rising college junior or senior pursuing a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field with an interest in the food/restaurant industry -Self motivated, capable of delivering high-quality work on strict deadlines -Organized, detail-oriented, dependable -Excellent verbal and written communication skills, confident, friendly -Experience with Microsoft Office Suit (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) -Experience using Cision, MMI, or similar media database programs a plus -Familiarity with D.C. publications / blogs a plus -Have own laptop and smart phone with consistent Internet access www.knowpr.com For consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to Alexandra@KnowPR.com
Date Posted: April 18, 2012
Name: Beth McCard
Year Graduated: 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19107 Hamilton, NJ
Email Address: emccard@red-nucleus.com
Employer: Red Nucleus
Message: Hey All! If you are in the Philadelphia/New Jersey/New York area and are looking for a wonderful company to work for, Red Nucleus is looking for an Associate Project Manager (APM). I have worked here for 3 years, originally as an Associate Project Manager, now as a Project Manager. We do Pharmaceutical Sales Training. An APM handles practically everything here. They record/cut audio, hire actors, run video shoots, prep scripts, review print work, review online programs, help submit work to clients, along with admin type tasks like buying references. This job is great for a recent Corporate Communication grad (that's what I was). It utilizes your skills for planning, time and skill management, and working with talented individuals - all in a great, fun environment. The position starts as a 3 month trial with opportunity for full time. Email me if interested. Thank you, hope to hear from some of you! Beth
Date Posted: April 11, 2012
Name: Zephan Blaxberg
Year Graduated: 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD 21209 USA
Email Address: zblaxberg@gmail.com
Employer: Apple
Message: Hey everyone! Just wanted to update the SMAD crew that after graduation I obtained a job as a producer/editor for a marketing company. In January of 2012 my company was purchased and moved from MD to IL leaving me jobless and a bit shocked! I have now obtained a position at the company I always dreamed of working for, Apple, right here in my hometown of Baltimore. Even if you don't get your dream job right out of college, patience and persistence will pay off. Good luck to those graduating this May!
Date Posted: March 14, 2012
Name: Christina Wert (nee Nelson)
Year Graduated: 2008
Location: Atlanta, GA 30309
Email Address: thechristinawert@gmail.com
Employer: Self
Message: Hi again guys! Time for another update! I got married Nov. 5, 2011 to a wonder computer programmer named James Wert and we're now living in Atlanta! He's at a startup company at GA Tech and I'm doing web & graphics freelance out of our home. I live a charmed life! Hope everyone is doing well! Go Dukes and SMAD 4ever! ;) ~Christina
Date Posted: February 24, 2012
Name: Lauren Walker
Year Graduated: 2009
Location: Charlottesville, VA 22911 USA
Email Address: lauren@blueridgeoutdoors.com
Employer: Summit Publishing / Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
Message: Hey fellow SMAD alumni! Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine (Summit Publishing) is looking for a Digital Media Coordinator! We are seeking a Digital Media Coordinator responsible for a wide variety of duties related to digital publishing, social media, and website/app development. Candidates for this entry-level position should have a 4-year college degree and an interest in internet marketing, new media, and advertising. We're located in Downtown Charlottesville and would love to have you! Check out the link below for more info: http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/about/employment/
Date Posted: February 13, 2012
Name: Brittany Lebling
Year Graduated: 2008
Location: Dallas, TX 75208
Email Address: blebling@scdallas.org
Employer: Salesmanship Club of Dallas
Message: Hi everyone! Since I graduated from JMU, I moved to Dallas, Texas, to take an internship with the HP Byron Nelson Championship, a PGA TOUR event hosted by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. The Salesmanship Club is a group of over 600 business men in Dallas, who devote all their spare time to raising funds to help at-risk kids and families in our community. Last year, we served over 7,500. The HPBNC is the Club's largest fundraiser, and has donated over $122 million to charity since its inception. I am switching gears, from Communications Coordinator (the full time position I landed with them after my internship) to Grant Writer, and we are looking to fill my old position ASAP. From ad/promo design, to writing press releases to social media management, this position covers so many of the skills taught to SMAD graduates. If you are interested, please send your resume and cover letter to blebling@scdallas.org. Can't wait to hear from you guys!
Date Posted: February 3, 2012
Name: Mike Monroe
Year Graduated: 2001
Location: McLean, VA 22101
Email Address: monroe2020@gmail.com
Employer:
Message: I am an '01 SMAD alumni and member of the Screen Actors Guild. I am looking to produce a documentary/fiction short (under 30 minutes) and would like to see if any Dukes would be interested in doing the filming, lighting, and editing. I am going to do it using a SAG contract and will have less than 5 principals and some background. I haven't worked out all of the details yet, but would give credit, some compensation, and will bring you along for the ride as our creation gets recognition in film festivals. I wanted to go to JMU in case any people live near the DC/Fairfax County area and since its my alum. Feel free to reach me directly with inquiries and comments at my email address. This would not shoot until later this summer (I need to raise funds first) but want to line everything up. Hope to work together, thanks!
Date Posted: January 26, 2012
Name: Katie Sheridan
Year Graduated: 2006
Location: Arlington, VA 22201
Email Address: katietsheridan@gmail.com
Employer: WJLA-TV/ABC 7
Message: Hi SMAD people! I currently am an editor for WJLA's Commercial Production Department in Arlington, VA. It's a fantastic job making advertisements for the station including local businesses, organizations and non-profits. I am mainly in my edit suite most of the day, but from time to time get to help out with studio or on-site shoots. I will be leaving my job to work at a filmmaking school in Haiti for about 4 months. I am looking for someone to take over my job ASAP as I am leaving in two weeks. This position would most likely start out as freelance/temporary, with a strong possibility of turning permanent, if I end up staying longer in Haiti or find different work, or if you really outshine yourself! The position would require pretty strong skills in Final Cut and After Effects. The majority of the spots we create are strongly graphic and textual, but the editor should be familiar with different types of video formats, HD standards, green screening, motion techniques and encoding. However, as long as you are familiar with the basics there is room to learn skills as you go.. I love this job as I am given a lot of creative freedom, and am often given just a logo and voice over and asked to "make something out of nothing". If this sounds like an opportunity you or someone you know may be interested in, please contact me soon. That would be great if you also have a demo reel or some example you can share. Looking forward to hearing from some great JMU grads! katietsheridan@gmail.com
Date Posted: January 20, 2012
Name: Megan DeLeonardis
Year Graduated: 2010
Location: Washington, DC 20036
Email Address: meg.deleonardis@gmail.com
Employer: Interface Media Group
Message: Looking for a new addition to our graphics team here at IMG! Job Level: Experienced – Mid to senior level Field: Motion Graphic Designer Job Functions: Graphic design and animation Interface Media Group, the premiere Media Production Studio in the Mid-Atlantic region that specializes in animation and special effects, is looking for an upbeat, motivated, energetic and ready to work individual with solid knowledge of the design process and execution of animation to join the graphics department as Motion Graphics Designer. This position is full-time and on-site in Washington DC. As Motion Graphic Designer, you will have the opportunity to channel your passion for graphic design toward client and internal project objectives. You will work with a team to create video animations, digital show graphics and design powerful presentations that creatively and effectively blend multiple technologies, including video and animation for broadcast and web productions. You will work together with the creative services, digital media and clients during the creative process. Must be able to work well within a team production dynamic. Specific Skills Primary Responsibilities: * Defines project parameters through creative briefs. * Visualize animated sequences of various lengths for various clients. * Design and develop boards and pre-visualizations in support of ideas and concepts. * Ability to meet frequent deadlines. * Presents and helps “sell” work to clients. * Estimates project costs with the Senior Operations Representative. Secondary Responsibilities: * Selects and monitors outside vendors. * Helps train Designers and Junior Designers. * Evaluates and recommends new procedures and equipment. Requirements: * Excellent communication + team leadership. * Compelling graphic design skills. * Solid knowledge of Adobe CS5 applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Flash and InDesign specially). * Operating knowledge of Maya, Cinema 4D and Final Cut Pro a plus. * Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. * Strong work ethic and interpersonal skills. * Bachelor's degree (3+ years of working experience in motion graphics or as a graphic designer). Interested? To learn more about us and the unique opportunity to work and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary production & post-production house, send samples of work to careers@interfacemedia.com or for more information, visit our website at http://www.interfacemedia.com
Date Posted: January 17, 2012
Name: Kim Benton
Year Graduated: 2007
Location: Arlington, VA 22201
Email Address: bentonkd@gmail.com
Employer: KZO Innovations
Message: Hi all! I'm writing today because the company I work for has a few job openings that are ideal for SMAD grads. The company is a small, Northern VA based software company that custom built and now sells/supports an enterprise video and collaboration platform. Most of the customer we work with are in Corporate Comm, Media or Training departments of their companies, and we help them create, manage and deploy more video for use by their company. We need an entry level new hire to help with inbound marketing and support the sales team ASAP. Email kbenton@kzoinnovations.com and I'll send job description. It's full time with benefits, and the company has an established customer base and is a very fun, fast paced place to work. We also have internships available over the summer in video production/editing and positions open in our software development group.

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The JMU Journalism Alumni site is for JMU alumni who studied journalism, broadcasting or public relations or related areas at JMU, or who worked in these fields at JMU or after graduation. It is open to alums regardless of JMU major or current occupation.