4400 University Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 993-1000
Mary Tran
mtran19@masonlive.gmu.edu
For immediate release:
Mason communication department provides new professional opportunity for students
Fairfax, Va. – This semester, George Mason University will host the 2015 Communications Industry Forum to provide students an opportunity to network with professionals and to learn about content marketing, the latest trend in writing within the public relations field.
Tara Ruszkowski, Mason adjunct professor and member of the Insight Committee, an external advisory board for the university that hosts the forum, explained that the event is split into three portions. It begins with a keynote address given by Kathryn McCarthy, CEO of ThinkGeek, an up-and-coming tech-culture company. This is followed by a panel discussion with a board consisting of top communications professionals working in fields ranging from film to digital marketing. The event ends with a speed mentoring question and answer portion, giving students an opportunity to receive one on one attention from the guest speakers.
Ruszkowski played an integral part in planning the event and has extensive experience in the public relations field. She began her professional career on Capitol Hill and went on to work at national consulting firms. In 2000 she founded her own firm in Vienna, Virginia, Ruszkowski & Associates, LLC, where she has continued to build experiences in the PR world.
Ruszkowski is excited for the mentoring section of the forum, she said, “You want to look for a mentor in every job that you have, and you can have several.” The assembly of public relations professionals in one room allows students to maximize networking potential. “The most important part of networking is listening. Be a good listener, look for the opportunity, and network, network, network,” she said.
“Our purpose is to bring professional opportunities and experiences to Mason students and faculty.” Ruszkowski said. The forum will be held on October 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Johnson Center, located on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University. For more information on the event please email cdprint@gmu.edu.
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4400 University Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 993-1000
Mary Tran
mtran19@masonlive.gmu.edu
For immediate release:
Mason alumni finds success in public relations after graduation
Fairfax, Va. – Abbi Boose is a 2010 Mason graduate and since she has left the university, she has established a career in the communications world. A common trend among recent college graduates is an increasing concern with finding professional work after leaving school. With more individuals graduating every year and the number of jobs remaining the same, students may find it difficult to find a job, let alone a job in their designated field.
Boose graduated with a BA in communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in tourism and events management. She got her start as an events production intern at Washington Sports and Events Management. This was a stepping stone towards Boose’s career at LeapFrog Solutions, a small consulting firm in Fairfax, Virginia. Boose serves as an account manager. Her primary responsibilities include conference strategy planning, public relations outreach, and business to client relationship management.
Boose has been with LeapFrog Solutions for six years and has had the opportunity to write multimillion dollar proposals and increase her professional network. “There’s no such thing as a typical day because every day is different,” she said about her job. Boose emphasizes the importance of being proactive during your academic career in order to find a job that fits your major. “Ask professors for help, they are here to help you,” she said “But don’t rush the college life.”
For more information about LeapFrog Solutions or working with a communication degree, you can contact Boose at aboose@leapfrogit.com or (703) 539-6612.
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4400 University Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 993-1000
Mary Tran
mtran19@gmu.edu
For immediate release:
Mason communication student lands internship at Jammin’ Java
A communication major at George Mason University has received an incredible opportunity working at Jammin’ Java, a local music venue in Vienna, Va. Maria Maurer is a junior at Mason who starts her internship in two weeks as an editorial intern for the concert hall.
Maurer has always been interested in music. She began her undergraduate career as a music major and switched halfway through her sophomore year when a professor noticed her exceptional public speaking skills and asked her a pivotal question, “Have you ever thought about going into communication?” This was the catalyst for Maurer’s journey on finding different ways to bridge the gap between the creative arts and strategic world of public relations.
Freshman year Maurer was interested in becoming a music therapy specialist for children with autism. She found her place in a program at the university called GMU Best Buddies, where she would be able to gain experience teaching children with disabilities.
“I really love working with people. Whether it’s something like therapy or even hanging out with kids in the Best Buddy program.” She said, voicing her passion for motivating others.
At Jammin’ Java, Maurer will interview artists, research local up and coming bands, and write weekly blogs. She will be active in large, musical events and be a critical part of communicating the DMV music scene to the community. Maurer describes this internship as an opportunity to remain in the music industry while also providing an environment for her to facilitate others’ success through her words.
Maurer continues to have aspirations for a communication career in the future as she states, “I think with a bit more wisdom, I would love to be a motivational speaker.”
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