In addition to my resume, I hope my virtual portfolio provides you with extra ways to learn about me as an individual as well as my professional goals. Please feel free to click on any of the bolded links - they will take you to additional websites for further information.
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my virtual portfolio! The internet has grown to become such an important source of information sharing in today's world - so what better way to further reach employers than online, with just the simple touch of a button. I have created this blog to not only showcase my achievements, but to also provide you with a quick but meaningful look into extra information that cannot be displayed on my resume: a brief biography, samples of my academic coursework, community service and more. Furthermore, I can exercise my passions for graphic design and creativity at the same time!
Letter of Intent
Dear Viewer,
As of August 2011, I proudly graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Business Management. Throughout my work experience and college studies, I have attained valuable experience that I can place into practice in the Communications field: efficient use of written, verbal and media communication, acute attention to detail, excellent organization skills, and project management skills used for the planning and implementation of annual events. I have also designed effective marketing and event materials such as flyers, informational one-pagers, brochures, letterheads and more. And finally, I can now be found on several social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogspot and other blogging sites, and my own website I created for my grandfather.
I appreciate you taking the time to look over my information and qualifications, and I look forward to hearing from you to discuss further opportunities. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email at melissakricardo@gmail.com, or through any other of my previously mentioned online profiles!
Sincerely,
Melissa Ricardo
Resume
I have a proven ability to work in a fast-pace environment, while using strong organization and multitasking skills. I am experienced in carrying out projects involving event planning, public relations, social media, fundraising, and customer service. I am capable of designing effective marketing and event materials including flyers, informational one-pagers, and letterheads. I have exercised excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Please click to view my full Resume.
Portfolio Samples
The following links provide several contents taken from my work portfolio. The documents include a sample press release, event flyers, and program materials I created during my Assistant, Special Event Coordinator position at The Family Resource Network. (Please note- background about my work experience at The Family Resource Network can be found in the next section, titled "Work Experience."
Work Experiences
Princeton Marriott Hotel at Forrestal
Guest Services Specialist
In July 2011, I accepted a position to work in the Guest Services department at The Princeton Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The hotel is widely used among high-profile business executives and holds countless corporate meetings, conferences and social events. Within this position at the Princeton Marriott, I have gained valuable experience in providing customers with the utmost customer service experience. As a front desk associate, my first (and last) impression on the customer will be a lasting one, and it is my duty to promote the brand in its highest form. This position provides me with a great opportunity to use and enhance my interpersonal skills while marketing my company's brand to its clients.
Assistant, Special Events Coordinator
In June 2010, I excitedly began my first internship at The Family Resource Network(FRN) in Trenton, New Jersey. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing over 50 programs and services to families with continuing needs and disabilities such as autism, epilepsy and Down syndrome. FRN is made up of four unique affiliate organizations: Autism Family Services of New Jersey, Caregivers of New Jersey, Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey, and the Family Support Center of New Jersey.
As a Resource Development intern, I gained valuable experience within the organization's special events and public relations. I composed press releases to gain awareness for the upcoming events, researched and used blogging sites to further promote the events, solicited sponsorships and donations, and learned the extensive process of planning and implementing a fundraising event. When the summer internship ended in August 2010 and my senior year began, I anxiously took on the title of Assistant Special Events Coordinator and continued to work part-time at FRN until this past May. Under this title, I worked to plan and promote the organization's 2nd annual Shore Walk for a Brighter Tomorrow held in Seaside on May 15, while also creating various design elements for the organization's programs.
Hostess; Waitress
I have had the pleasure of working at The Stockton Inn for the majority of my college career. This wonderful family-owned business, located in Stockton, New Jersey, is an elegant combination of a fine dining restaurant, overnight inn, tavern bar, entertainment gatherings, and great location for corporate and special events.
As an employee at The Stockton Inn, I have gotten the opportunity to practice my communication skills in a variety of job positions and tasks. As a waitress, I served customers in a strict, fine dining setting while exercising the proper etiquette and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, my duties as a hostess required me to promptly and effectively respond to customers' questions, needs, and concerns. I have also had the opportunity to witness countless weddings and special events that have been held at the Inn, and observed the many details that are involved in the process leading up to the final event.
Community Service
In June of 2010 I participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Gardner, Massachusetts. This particular walk was the 5th largest in the nation, and succeeded in raising over $400,000 for cancer research. The amount of love, dedication and togetherness I experienced during the 24-hour walk period was extremely inspiring, and I was so proud to be a part of such an event. Our team did so well that we decided to come together again this year, and we completed the relay for the second time this past June!
Last Thanksgiving Day I ran in The 18th Annual Turkey Trot Charitable 5K Run and 2-Mile Fitness, benefitting the Center for Educational Advancement and Johanna Foods. The event, which begins and ends along Flemington's historic Main Street, works to support the center's employment services and programs for people with disabilities. This was my 3rd time running in this 5K event - a great way to kick off a holiday of thanks and giving. I can't wait to run again this year!
Academic Work
PR Plan for a Fundraising Event
In the course Com371: Strategies of Public Relations class, I worked within a group to create a public relations plan for a hypothetical Bike-a-Thon Event for the Mercer County Boys and Girls Club. This event was designed in order to assist in fundraising bicycles to donate to the Club, and raise awareness for the Club in general. You can also see the Media Kit and press releases our group created to advertise for the Bike-a-Thon event by clicking the link below.
Media Kit and press releases
In the course Com 310: Theories of Persuasion class, I targeted a specific health problem and created a campaign using the persuasion theories we learned. In my paper titled Teen Dating Violence, I analyzed the consequences of adolescent physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and created a brochure and magazine ad that would persuade my target audience to end this violence. Both the brochure and ad can be seen by clicking the links below.
In the course MKT 201: Introduction to Marketing, the midterm exam consisted of three questions that analyzed what it takes for an organization to develop its company strategy, market new products, and reach the targeted customer base. To view my answers, please click on the link below.
Thank You!
I would like to thank you once again for visiting my virtual portfolio, and I hope you have gained a better insight into my background and achievements. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at MelissaKRicardo@gmail.com. Thank you!
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