[MJC]

Michael J. Cotter
Phone: (708) 860-4213
E-Mail: MichaelJCotter@lewisu.edu
Websites: http://cotter.weebly.com

Introduction
With former work experience ranging from being a writing consultant at Moraine Valley Community College to
guest service provider at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Id like to say Im well rounded. I have
experience working with a vast range of people and overcoming obstacles presented to me. With a strong
English focused education from Marist High School and Lewis University, I am confident in my ability to
communicate, converse, and compose myself and my ideas both verbally and non. I volunteer my time with
Most Holy Redeemers Youth Ministry program where I work as an assistant to the Youth Minister. I am extremely
proficient with computers, working well with others of all backgrounds, and creatively solving problems that
arise. For more of my work, please visit my online portfolio at http://portfolium.com/michaelcotter or my
website: http://cotter.weebly.com.

Experience
Jet Fuel Review

2015- Present

In Spring 2015, I interned with Jet Fuel Review, a high-octane literary journal based out of Lewis University. In the
ninth issue, I worked as assistant poetry editor to get familiar with the journal and the positions. On issue nine, I
worked reading submissions and presenting my feedback with supporting arguments for my opinion. Currently,
we are compiling our tenth issue and I took on new tasks of designing and launching a new website
(http://jetfuelreview.com) while working as: Poetry Editor, Marketing & Development editor, Assistant Nonfiction
editor, and Assistant Communications and Media editor.
American Eagle Outfitters

2013-Present

Currently, I work at American Eagle Outfitters at Chicago Ridge Mall where I am an AEO Jean Expert and sales
associate. In my position, I work with assisting customers, maintaining the stores merchandise appeal, and work
the cash register. I am also trained in stocking and floor-setting, also known as store merchandise design. This
job requires me to be a strong communicator while maintaining a positive attitude on the sales floor.
Walt Disney World

2014-2014

I have worked at Magic Kingdom in Custodial Guest Services from January 13th until August 1st as a part of the
Disney College Program. In this position, I worked directly with guests answering questions, providing friendly
casual conversations, and assisting with park operational problems. I was efficient and worked independently,
taking on a zone as my responsibility and handling any issues that arose in that area ranging from providing
directions for guests and making magic to helping lost or sick guests.
Moraine Valley Speaking & Writing Center

2011-2013

I had the opportunity to work with students, peers, and local writers on revising their works for a fuller and
clearer reading. In my position, I went through training courses on how to read analytically, how to give
feedback, and how to workshop others ideas.

Education
Lewis University, Bachelors of Arts in English

2013-2015

At Lewis University, I focused my studies on English classes ranging from creative writing to Early Anglo-Saxton
Literature. I also have become the President of Sigma Tau Delta, the National English Honors society, as well as

Cotter

a weekly blog contributor to the university blog. Ive maintained a 3.5 GPA while studying under two
scholarships that were granted to me. I earned my Bachelors of Arts in English with a minor in Film Studies in
December of 2015 with honors awarded to me from Sigma Tau Delta.
Moraine Valley Community College, Associate of Arts

2010-2013

During my time at Moraine Valley, I worked at the Speaking & Writing Center. This was due to my English
teacher, Shelita Shaw, who saw great potential in my English skills and recommended me to the Centers
advisors. Additionally, I was a participant of the Moraine Valley Honors Program. Through this program I was
placed in academic classes which higher expectations for academic excellence. I received 64 credit hours
and an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts in the Spring of 2013.
Marist High School

2006-2010

I graduated Marist High School in 2010. During my time at Marist, I was involved with volunteering with the
ministry program, as well as the theater department, and was a frequent contributor to the school newspaper.

Volunteer Work
Most Holy Redeemer/Saint John Fisher Youth Ministry Program

2008-Present

Working with Most Holy Redeemer and Saint John Fisher (MHR/SJF)s Youth Ministry program has been a huge
part of my life for the past several years. From volunteering to build houses for the working poor every summer,
or taking vans of eager teens to celebrate their faith with 50,000 other Catholics at the biennial National
Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), or spending a weekend in February renewing the faith of the parish youth
in CRHP retreat; every endeavor I have taken on and worked on with the leader, Kim Madonia, has been
nothing but a blessing. Through this program, I learned not only about faith but also about leadership,
chaperoning, coordinating schedules, and planning events.
COAP (Christian Outreach to Appalachian People)

20009-Present

COAP is the group the MHR/SJF Youth Ministry programs partners with in Harlan, Kentucky each summer. The
Youth Ministry program takes between fifty and eighty high students to work together on improving the lives of
those less fortunate. Through COAP, Ive learned how to communicate efficiently and effectively with people
of a different background from my own, as well as across age groups like the carpenters in Harlan and the high
school teens.

Achievements & Skills

AEO Jean Expert (2014) became certified at American Eagle Outfitters to work with customers on finding the
right jeans for them by understanding the jean formation process of fit and color as well as the sizes and
measurements of the jeans.
AEO Stylist (2013) became certified at American Eagle Outfitters to work with customers on developing a
look based on their own taste.
Blog Contributor (2015) published weekly articles on my universitys literary blog
LewisLitJournal.wordpress.com

Cotter

Celebration of Scholarship (2015) I was selected as an outstanding student in the field of English and did a
collaborative presentation on art (specifically poetry) and discussed how art can be used as an effective
response to violence.
Lewis University Deans List Fall 2014, Spring 2015, & Fall 2015
Four Keys Cards (2014) at Walt Disney World, outstanding Cast Members are awarded Four Keys cards,
which are for those who greatly demonstrate the four keys of the company: safety, courtesy, show, &
efficiency. In my internship, I was awarded over 20 Four Keys Cards from both managers in my field and leaders
in others.
Publication Persuading the Virgins: The Depth of Herricks Arguments in To the Virgins Academic research
paper on Robert Herricks poem, To the Virgins published in Voices Academic Journal (2015 Issue)
Sigma Tau Delta (2014) I was inducted into the National English Honors Society at Lewis University. In spring
2015, I was made President of Sigma Tau Delta Rho Lambda chapter.
Shift Lead I was selected to be a shift lead in closing out the west side of Magic Kingdom due to my proficient
skills, level of independence, and dependability.
Special Events Management & Coordination I completed the certificate program at Moraine Valley
Community College where I developed the skills needed to work, plan, or coordinate a special event.
Website design In September of 2015, I completely re-designed the Jet Fuel Reviews website in order to make
it more modern as well as mobile friendly. This project allowed me to work creatively as well as display my skills
in organization and technology. To see this project, please visit: http://jetfuelreview.com
Various Assorted Skills Mandated Reporter, VIRTUS Certified, Efficient with sterilization including BBP clean up,
radio dispatching, guest relations, cash register proficient.