Sophia Kussel

Career Seminar
Fall 2023

Career Action Plan

.
Action
Graduate with a Bachelors in
Communications
Get a Graduate Certificate in Media
Communications.
Get a job within communications.
Apply for grad schools
Have drivers license
Complete multiple cover letters and
resumes
Get recommendations from three
teachers.
Outcome Due
-is the next step in moving forward with pursuing a career in Due May 2024
communications
- stepping stone to independence.
- Skills gained in specific field. Due May, 2023
- Helps resume a little.
- Provides experience.
- Provides pieces for a portfolio.
- It would put my degree to use. Due May, 2024
- It is the field I’m passionate about.
- I will have independence.
- I can pay for possibly furthering my education.
- Will further my abilities. Due December,
- Will help with future networking with peers in a more defined field. 2023
- Get more experience.
- Ability to travel efficiently to work and. School events. Due December,
- Cuts 3 hours out of 4 hours from my daily commute. 2023
- Less exhaustion.
- Opportunities are broaden.
- Prepare me to easily apply for jobs. Due November,
- Available to hand-out to future employers 2023
- Will be able to apply for grad school, if I decide to pursue it. Due December,
- A step closer towards application to grad school. 2023
 SOPHIA KUSSEL
San Antonio, TX ● (210) 500-5677 ● skussel@mail.stmarytx.edu ● LinkedIn: Sophia Kussel ● Website: https://vamppunch.com

I am an undergraduate/graduate student dedicated to learning and out-of-the-box thinking. I have 3+ years of experience in
journalism, content production, and illustration. Additionally, I am a capable and motivated writer, utilizing my skills as the
managing editor for my school's publication, The Rattler. Currently, I'm the managing editor of the award-winning Rattler
student newspaper. As a motivated writer, I take a hands-on approach focusing on leadership and collaboration.

SKILLS
• Computer: Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign, Illustrator, and Canva; competent in WordPress,
Final Cut Pro, After Effects, and Adobe Animate; certified in Google Analytics.
• Proven ability to work in a group environment under tight production deadlines.
• 2+ years’ experience in journalism and digital communications.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Master of Arts in Communication/ Expected Graduation: May 2024
Minor in Visual Communication Design
St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
• Cumulative GPA: 3.78
Relevant Coursework: Technical Writing, Freelance Writing, Creative Writing Workshop, Media Production, Media Pre-
production, Photojournalism, Documentary Filmmaking, Graphic Design.
Future Coursework: Electronic Publishing and Presentations, Communications Laws and Ethics, Scriptwriting.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Social Media Management Intern March 2023 - Present
The Real Darius, Austin, TX (Remote)
• First intern to create and manage media for YouTube channel, creating a new platform presence.
• Wrote multiple email templates and promotional articles to promote podcast, increasing viewership.
• Utilized YouTube SEO to boost podcast's visibility for over 30+ videos and shorts, increasing views by 2.3K every
month.
Communications Intern June 2023 – Present
Artpace, San Antonio, TX
• Created 5+ social media posts per week, including editing long-form videos and reels, increasing visibility.
• Wrote and drafted press releases for news media, promoting resident artists.
• Initiated online promotional campaign for Artpace gift shop over the span of two months.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Managing Editor January 2023 – Present
The Rattler Newspaper, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
• Led newspaper team to become a finalist for the for the best periodic newspaper among small universities in the U.S
• Effectively managed and published high quality newspapers on a monthly basis.
• Initiated video production for the paper's YouTube channel and podcast.
• Manage 9 paid editors and volunteer contributors in the creation of 5 newspapers, producing papers periodically and
1 color magazine per year.
Arts and Culture Editor August 2022 – January 2023
The Rattler Newspaper, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
• Wrote and published stories about current events in entertainment and art while meeting tight deadlines in an
efficient and organized manner.
• Conducted research and interviews to ensure accurate reporting.
• Illustrated graphics and photographed visuals for spreads, increasing readers attention.
Visual arts intern
BioBridge Global Corporate Communications

Overview
BioBridge Global is the parent organization of three healthcare organizations with a common
mission to save and enhance lives through the healing power of human cells and tissue:
• South Texas Blood & Tissue works to build a safe and sustainable community blood
supply, but also includes programs for tissue donation and medical research studies.
• QualTex Laboratories tests millions of blood and plasma donations every year.
• GenCure works with researchers on cutting-edge therapies using adult stem cells.

Intern job responsibilities

• Fulfill photo assignments around the organization
• Generate new photos on their own
• Prepare for, shoot and edit assigned video content for social media accounts and
websites
• Develop and propose ideas for new videos
Interns will undertake a variety of projects through the term, both on-site and off-site. Editing
does not have to be done on-site.

About the organization

BioBridge Global and its subsidiaries employ 625, with the main office in San Antonio. It also
has a laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia, a blood donor facility in Victoria and a depot for blood and
tissue donations in Weslaco.

Interns will be given an extensive tour of the main BioBridge Global campus at the beginning of
the internship, and a mentor will be available via phone and email throughout the term.

Competencies required
• Photography
• Video production, including organizing, shooting and editing
Sophia Kussel

3033 Turquoise

Schertz, TX, 78154

Skussel@mail.stmarytx.edu

November 10, 2023

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am delighted to express my strong interest in the Visual arts intern position. I have a passion

for producing high-quality content that began as a child and is present today. I believe that my

skills excellently align with this position, and I am excited to share my skills BioBridge Global.

As the current managing editor of The Rattler, my university's newspaper, my writing, and

research abilities flourish in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. My role demands the

ability to produce a wide range of media, including video, podcasts, graphics, and newspapers.

This position has also provided me with a broad range of knowledge of news and sports, which

has aided me in creating pitches. During my internship as a social media intern for a podcast, I

gained valuable experience in digital content promotion, including SEO strategies. I have a

strong foundation in keyword and topic research, which I know will be a useful skill.

Furthermore, my internship with Artpace in communications has strengthened my skills in

multimedia content creation, including the use of Photoshop and Illustrator, aligning well with

the position. I also have freelance experience in graphic design, working for multiple clients,

including Shein. My experience as a freelance graphic designer has honed my creative skills and
attention to detail, enabling me to deliver visually compelling content that effectively

communicates messages and engages diverse audiences.

I am excited about the opportunity to join BioBridge Global and to ensure its continued success.

I am currently living in San Antonio and can travel the required 2-4 for business retreats and

projects. My available times are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. I am

eager to discuss how my skills and background align with your needs in more detail. Please feel

free to contact me at 210-500-5677 or skussel@mail.stmarytx.edu. Thank you for your time and

consideration. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Sophia Kussel
 Texas Monthly Editorial Internship Info

What we do: The editorial department tells stories through words and photographs,
illustrations, and infographics. Our specialties are long-form narrative journalism on
topics that have ranged from the incarceration of innocent men to the breaking of a wild
Mustang; good, old-fashioned service journalism (see our list of the state’s 50 greatest
barbecue joints or the 175 places in Texas you should undeniably visit before you die);
and stunning photography. But no matter the subject matter or approach, our mission
remains simple: to inform and entertain our readers on the past, present, and future of
the state in which they live.

What you would do: As an editorial intern, you’ll pitch story ideas, transcribe
interviews, fact-check smaller assignments for the magazine, aid in the digitization of
forty years’ worth of archived content, assist with writing/research projects for TM’s
social media channels, and research a wide range of topics, from food and true crime to
politics and culture. An intern with special interests and/or a tenacious attitude will
likely be able to take on projects specially tailored to their interests or strengths.

Interns also participate in monthly learning sessions that delve into writing, editing,
fact-checking, and other aspects of the magazine process with Texas Monthly staffers.
The managing editor, assistant editor for operations, and senior editor all help manage
the interns, but each intern also gets paired with an editorial staffer whose expertise
aligns with the intern’s interests and who will serve as their mentor through the
internship.

Hours: 15 hours a week in the fall and spring semesters; 35 hours a week in the
summer

Requirements: Writing opportunities aren’t guaranteed, but they do crop up from

time to time, so facility with language and various modes of communication—for print,
online, and social media outlets—is a must. A voracious appetite for storytelling and
Texas news is also highly encouraged.
Sophia Kussel

3033 Turquoise

Schertz, TX, 78154

Skussel@mail.stmarytx.edu

November 10, 2023

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am delighted to express my strong interest in the editorial internship position. I have a passion

for producing high-quality content that began as a child and is present today. I admire Texas

Monthly's use of storytelling and am interested in the chronicling of Texas and the diverse

communities that have flourished here. I believe that my skills excellently align with this

position, and I am excited to share my skills with your organization.

As the current managing editor of The Rattler, my university's newspaper, my writing, and

research abilities flourish in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. My role demands the

ability to produce a wide range of media, including video, podcasts, graphics, and newspapers.

This position has also provided me with proficiency in conducting interviews and research,

where I excel at transforming information into compelling stories. Notable interviews include

authors like Paul Trembly, Grady Hendrix, and V. Castro. I am proactive in reaching out to

sources through various channels, demonstrating my effective communication skills.

Furthermore, during my internship as a social media intern for a podcast, I gained valuable
experience in digital content promotion, including SEO strategies. I have a strong foundation in

keyword and topic research, which I know will be a useful skill.

I am excited about the opportunity to join Texas Monthly and to ensure its continued success. I

am currently living in San Antonio and can travel the required 2-4 for business retreats and

projects. My available times are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. I am

eager to discuss how my skills and background align with your needs in more detail. Please feel

free to contact me at 210-500-5677 or skussel@mail.stmarytx.edu. Thank you for your time and

consideration. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Sophia Kussel
Sophia Kussel
3033 Turquoise,
Schertz, TX, 78154
Skussel@mail.stmarytx.edu
November 14, 2023

Admissions Committee
Communication Master’s Degree Program
UTSA
1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249

Dear Admissions Committee,

Growing up, my love for writing was fueled by the magazines my grandmother collected by the
dozens. I remember sneaking into her room while she was away, stealing away her National
Geographics in my backpack. I would eagerly read each issue, dreaming one day too I could
create something just as memorable.

My journey into the world of communication and multimedia has been shaped by a series of
experiences that have not only refined my skills but have also fueled my passion for storytelling.
Continuing my education within the Communication Master’s program at UTSA will help me
accomplish this.

My mission to create stories led me to the Rattler Newspaper, where I became the Arts and
Culture Editor, honing my ability to curate compelling narratives that resonate with diverse
audiences. This pivotal role allowed me to channel my love for storytelling into a tangible,
impactful medium. This passion eventually saw me placed in the role of Managing Editor. my
experiences in this role have provided me with valuable insights into effective leadership,
communication, and team collaboration. Now, equipped with the skills and knowledge gained, I
am in the position to extend my influence by expanding my coaching and mentoring capabilities
to contribute meaningfully to the Communications department at UTSA. Through my tenure as
Managing Editor, I have honed my abilities to guide and inspire a team, fostering an environment
of creativity and productivity. This role has not only deepened my understanding of editorial
processes, but has also highlighted the importance of mentorship in cultivating a dynamic and
successful team. As I transition toward graduate school, I am eager to leverage these experiences
to positively impact and support the department at UTSA through effective coaching and
mentoring practices.

During my time at St. Mary’s University, I’ve maintained a 3.78 GPA as a Communications
Major with a minor in Visual Communication Design. I have also had the chance to delve into a
comprehensive array of communication courses that have truly contributed to the deepening of
my passion for the field. Additionally, exploring various visual communication design courses
has proven to be highly enlightening, which developed my skills in design, production, and
multimedia editing.
Upon completing my master's degree, I plan to pursue a career in graphic design or copywriting.
I firmly believe that my proficiency in multimedia and my creativity can be best developed in the
Communications Master’s program, allowing me to make significant strides in my field.

I am eager to bring my diverse experiences, skills, and passion to the Communication Master’s
program at UTSA. My journey from managing editor and multimedia communicator has
prepared me for the challenges and opportunities presented by your program.

Sincerely,

Sophia Kussel
SCHOOL
UTSA: Communications
St. Mary's: Communications
Texas State: Mass Communication
Texas A&M University--College Station
UTA: Media Studies
University of Wisconsin:
FIU: Design
SPECIFIC REQ (all require CV and Statement of Purpose) TIMELINES HEAD OF GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
INTEREST
18 hours of related coursework Not given. Shamshad.Khan@utsa.edu Large school in SATX
already accepted: one more year July 1 deadline Amanda Hill Already accepted into program
30 hours of coursework. 3 letter of reccomendation. No GRE required. Online portfolio needed February 1 deadline vdh9@txstate.edu Quality of education and rigor.
No GRE required. No minimum GPA. 3 letters of recommendation. Writing sample. February 1 deadline hblanton@tamu.edu Has department for journalism
30 hours. 3 letters of reccomendation. Academic writing example. December 1st suzanne.scott@utexas.edu Very specific degrees and concentrations relating to media.
GRE required. 3 letters of recommendation. Writing sample. December 15th jwmorris2@wisc.edu Quality of education and near hometown
No letter of recommendation needed. Portfolio needed. No letter of intent needed February 1st hruedaco@fiu.edu Cost, quality, and newer location
I spoke to Darius Mirshahzadeh, a CEO, entrepreneur, podcaster, and consultant. I
communicated with him on Thursday, October 13th, 2023, via Zoom.

He created his first business at 23. At 28, Darius built his first company Twin Capital Mortgage to
#40 in the presLgious Inc. 5000. Darius has experience establishing award-winning companies
with over 1000 employees and annual revenue exceeding $200 million. By age 38, Darius gained
recogniLon as the #9 Highest-rated CEO in America on Glassdoor.com. He eventually made a
successful exit from TMS in July 2020. Darius went on to launch his podcast, "The Greatness
Machine," and published his first book, "The Core Value EquaLon," the same year.

We talked about his successes and failures, specifically during the market crash in 2008, and
how that made him reevaluate his values. Darius was a vicLm of the hedonic treadmill,
describing himself as a “former hedonic marathon runner,” absorbed in finding the next
achievement desLned to provide lasLng saLsfacLon. Once he got that job, once he got that
promoLon, once he bought that house, he would be fulfilled. Right?

This le` Darius feeling chronically dissaLsfied. He resisted seang goals out of fear, knowing that
another goal would follow in the same ilk a`er compleLng one goal. Darius recalled how
building his business reflected this fear of disappointment. He has now turned to consulLng
work and prioriLzes family.

Darius also emphasized the importance of networking. He benefited from networking events
and professional networking groups.