pioneercenterportfolio

The Pioneer center

Internship Portfolio

Ohio University Chillicothe

Kelly Cain

Spring 2015

1 Kelly Cain, Pioneer Center Portfolio

Kelly Cain

Spring Semester 2015

COMS 4910

The Pioneer Center – Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities

167 West Main Street Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

Mentor: Patrick McFadden, Director of Communications

740.773.8044 [email protected]


Table of ContentsIntroduction

Previous Cover Letter 3

Previous Resume 4-5

Job Description 6

Educational Objectives 6

Documentation of Learning

Samples of Work 7-17

Conclusion 18


Kelly CainCircleville, Ohio | 740.497.7400 | [email protected]

November 1, 2014

Patrick McFadden

Director of Communications

The Pioneer Center

11268 County Road 550

Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

Dear Mr. McFadden:

My name is Kelly, and I am currently a communication studies senior at Ohio University. I learned about your communication specialist internship in Lisa Wallace’s communication class last year. Included in this email is a copy of my resume. I would greatly appreciate your consideration for this internship, working with the Pioneer Center is a great opportunity.

I thoroughly enjoy working with people, and am comfortable in high-pressure social situations such as public speaking. I have experience in both project management and training. My strengths include creating and delivering presentations. I have experience with graphic design using Adobe Illustrator and Publisher, and am very detail-oriented. Creating public relations or other promotional material allow me to share stories and information with others while expressing myself.

My communication studies education has provided me with tools necessary to effectively work with others in an organization. My coursework includes interpersonal communication, cross-cultural communication, crisis management, and conflict management. I joined the workforce at the age of sixteen, and have maintained consistent employment throughout my education. I value a strong work ethic, and understand the importance of company policies and deadlines.

I am completing a studio art minor this semester, and have two years’ experience with photography courses. I often incorporate official reports and presentations with a creative edge. Overall, I take pride in organizing and creating projects and presentations. I believe that my qualifications would allow me to excel in this position.


Kelly CainEmail: [email protected]: 740-497-7400

Communication SpecialistProject

ManagementNetworking Presentation and

Design

Motivated Communication Studies undergrad at Ohio University, with a strong background in sales and project management. Currently completing a Studio Art Minor, and Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis on organizational communication. Related coursework includes journalism and political science. Awards received in various competitions for suggestive sales, fundraising, public relations, and technical sales. Certified trainer at current place of employment, completed multiple trainer workshops and classes. Active member in L.E.A.D organization through Ohio University Lancaster and Pickerington. Key qualifiers include:

Communications

Sales Strategies

Advertising Project

Development / Management

Public Speaking

Marketing Producing

Training Manuals

Problem Solving

Graphic Design Photography Preparing /

Delivering Presentations

Social Media

Education

mailto:[email protected]


OHIO UNIVERSITY CIRCLEVILLE HIGH SCHOOLBachelor of Communication Studies College Prep and Honors courseworkOrganizational Communication Class of 2010Studio Art MinorClass of 2015

CommunityCircle Area Humane Society (CAHS)

Circleville, Ohio

Student Organizations:

L.E.A.D. member 2014-2015

D.E.C.A. member 2007-2010

Mock Trail member 2007-2010

Web Design member 2007-2010

Soft Skills:Strong work ethic Leadership skillsPositive attitude Interpersonal skillsReliable LoyaltyGoal oriented AccountabilityPersonal integrity Commitment Participation/Feedback Results drivenIndependence Respectful Learning ability Motivational skills Presentation skills Critical thinkingTeamwork Common senseListening skills EqualityAbility to follow instructions

Related Coursework:

Training and Development

Interpersonal Communication

Cross-Cultural Communication

Advertising Journalism Public Relations Political Science Studio Art


Volunteer during 2014

Professional ExperienceBUFFALO WILD WINGS, Circleville, Ohio 03/12-present

Certified Trainer, Bartender, Server Reference: Gary Burns, General Manager

Focus on guest experience and service. Responsible for training at least twenty front-of-house employees. Quality service standards required, mystery shops successfully completed. Experience in organizing and rotating bar inventory. Participation in fund raising events. Leader in suggestive selling competitions.FRISCH’S BIG BOY, Chillicothe, Ohio 05/11-03/12

Server Reference: Joe McFadden, Owner

Focus on guest experience and service. Responsible for maintaining quality service standards. Participation in fund raising events. Leader in seasonal sales competitions, Fall 2011 and Spring 2012.

Job Description

The Pioneer Center is a student centered, progressive school for individuals with developmental disabilities. The school strives to keep classroom numbers low, so that each student can receive quality education in an environment separate from their non-disabled peers. Each student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that sets personalized learning goals and a specialized curriculum. Intervention Specialists work with students on a daily basis, and a variety of therapy is utilized in the school.

Recently, Pioneer Center moved their administrative support staff to a separate building downtown. Some of the administrative staff includes board members, IT support, superintendent, and communication director. These individuals are not special education teachers or Intervention Specialists. They work to benefit Pioneer Center through community involvement, networking with care providers, coordinating fund raisers, and many other efforts.


Patrick McFadden, Director of Communications, select interns to aide in planning and promoting such events. I completed a Communication Specialist internship in the spring of 2015. The position allowed me to experience many elements of event planning and marketing. I primarily focused on marketing events during Developmental Disability Month in March 2015. Throughout the month, Pioneer Center and its’ partners host a series of events that raise awareness of developmental disabilities, and reach out to the community and individuals in need of Pioneer Center services.

Communication Specialists develop flyers, brochures, and other promotional materials. They also create databases for a variety of events. During my internship, I created a database of individuals to invite to an upcoming open house. Databases are also utilized to organize sponsors, volunteers, award winners, donors, and participants in events. These databases allow the organization to send thank you letters, future invitations, and other information. As an intern, I often researched contact information for local politicians, care providers, and law enforcement to add into such databases.

My internship included sixty office hours completed from January through March in 2015.

Educational Objectives

To gain experience and network in a professional environment outside the classroom.To utilize skills gained in MEEC and advertising coursework.To learn and observe the structure, culture, and daily work tasks in a successful organization.To build on interpersonal communication skills and overall professionalism.To grow my computer skills, and utilize the organization’s programs and employee networks.To expand my design skills and develop more dynamic promotional materials.To experience the planning and critical thinking required when planning and organizing simultaneous events.

Samples of Work

The following is a compilation of work completed during my internship with the Pioneer Center. Provided below each sample of work is a short explanation and background of that specific project.

Calendars


Pictured above are two calendars developed to promote events during Developmental Disability Month. Students, parents, Pioneer Center partners, and other members of the community received the above calendars. I was provided with a list of events, and a previously determined calendar template which needed editing and updating to include current events. The calendar on the bottom is a standard version, while the calendar on the top is developmental disability friendly.

Student Art Showcase


School Dance

Each year the Pioneer Center selects student art work to showcase at the Pump House, a local gallery. The exhibit is on display throughout the month, and allows members of the community to view and purchase art created by students. I created the following flyer, based off a previous year’s design. Colors and geometric shapes were adjusted to match this years Can Do logo. A landscape version was also created for a slide show projected on televisions throughout the facility.


Provider Fair

This year Pioneer Center hosted their first ever student dance. I created this flyer to match a Mardi Gras theme selected by students. I wanted to incorporate Mardi Gras elements in an appropriate manner, while maintaining a fun design. I also created a landscape orientated version of this flyer to include on the electronic slide show in the office.


Sing and Stretch

Sing and Stretch is an existing event formally known as special music time. This event is open to the public and involves Ohio University Chillicothe early education program. Mothers and relatives are encouraged to bring their young children to enjoy an active evening of music, yogamotion, and fun. I designed this flyer with an emphasis on physical activity and youthful elements. A landscape version of this flyer was created for the slide show as well.

This year Pioneer Center organized and hosted their eleventh annual Provider Fair. This event focuses on bringing individuals with developmental disabilities in contact with potential care providers and habilitation programs. This flyer was updated and modified to match this year’s logo. The image used on the flyer is from last year’s event, I also created a landscape version to include in the electronic in office slide show.


Basketball Awards

Back Front

First Page Second Page

Pioneer Center celebrates their basketball program’s players and cheerleaders each spring. Above is a pamphlet used to acknowledge individuals receiving and presenting awards. The image on top represents the front and back covers of the pamphlet. The bottom image represents the


interior of the pamphlet. I modified last year’s pamphlet by updating winners, presenters, and adding more interesting graphics that would appeal to students.

The following is a form I created for rental of Black Farm. Pioneer Center maintains and oversees this property, and families of students have requested rental information for the farm in the past. The farm would be ideal for graduation parties and other events. This form is available through the Pioneer administration.


Performing Arts Enrichment Concert

Above is a flyer created to promote the Performing Arts Enrichment Program Concert. I updated this flyer from last year to include collaborative performer Erica Cherry. I also adjusted colors to create a uniform color scheme, and added music notes to fill negative space.


Baby Sign Language Class

Baby Sign Language Class is a series of classes open to the public. Attendees learn sign language with their children for free. This class promotes awareness of individuals with disabilities, and allows children to effectively communicate with other children that may be disabled. This flyer focused on showing signing examples, while emphasizing a younger audience.


Conclusion

Overall, my experience with Pioneer Center was very beneficial and informative. I was able to satisfy my educational objectives, and work in an environment that was out of my comfort zone. Prior to working with Pioneer Center, most of my work experience included restaurant positions and training other employees. Being a part of this organization allowed me to adapt to a different work atmosphere, and incorporate technology into my daily activities.

As a senior at Ohio University, I realize that I am just beginning to define and create my professional path. This experience has introduced me to a more formal setting, and intricate structure within organizations. I understand that I have a lot of room for growth and professional development.

One thing that I have learned throughout this internship is that you must always keep your target audience in mind. Many of the promotional materials I created had a more juvenile or cartoon like theme. These materials were often created for students with developmental disabilities, so it was important to incorporate visually interesting images and easy to understand language.

It was very rewarding to help develop materials that the community has access to. I thoroughly enjoyed promoting events to raise funds, and educate the community. While my hours in the internship were limited, I have learned much that I plan to implement in my future endeavors.

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