Web Strategy and Development Blog

You are growing up, kid

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This week, I started my internship with the office of web and new media. So far, I love it.

Yet, if I am being honest, in the three days that I have spent here I have had my fair share of terrifying moments.

Because, the thing is, I am terrified to grow up. Really, I am. The thought of graduating college and getting a big girl job gives me an immediate anxiety attack.

I need structure

I depend on my planner to survive. Each day is a structured map of what I will be doing, where I will be and who I will be with.

Being a student, every day is pre determined. What I mean is, we all get a syllabus that tells us everything we have to do for a semester. Each assignment has a rubric that lists expectations like grammar, format and grading.

How nice is that? I will answer for you, very nice.

Why? Because, the chance of failure is slim.

And in the real world, you’re not given a syllabus.

Meaning, the chance of failure is greater.

I need structure.

An irrational fear

I am afraid of failure. I think being afraid to fail is natural and more common then we think.

No body likes the being unsure. I mean, why would you?

Which is the key reason why the future is so scary, it is unknown.

However, there is absolutely nothing we can do to change it. We cannot change the future. We do not have a magic ball that will tell us all there is to know about our future.

“Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out.”
Karl Augustus Menninger

We can actively fight this irrational fear. What is the point of allowing something you cannot control to have such a hold on you?

In times of fear, I think to myself “Will this matter in five years?” If the answer is no, then I push myself to move on and forget the fear that is holding me back.

As Menninger says, we educate ourselves out of this irrational fear.

The internship

So why does this internship scare me?

Because it is a sign that I am growing up. The kind of sign that is printed in big, bold red letters and plastered to my face.

There is no syllabus. My semester is not predetermined. And this is the first step to my future big girl job.

When my bosses tell me to do something, and I have to do it. Just today, they told to write a trial blog post. That was it. They didn’t give me a rubric. They didn’t give me a grading scale. I just had to write it- I hope I am doing well.

And that is all I can do. All I can do is my best.

Does the unknown scare me? Yes. Will I let it control me? No.

Are you the next new media specialist intern?

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Apply for the job

I was the first new media specialist intern for the office of web and new media, so my time here has been like a test drive for them.

And I like to think I was at least a Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

My experience

During my internship, I have been able to experience Missouri State like never before.

I was very surprised to see that I was given a lot of creative freedom. Whenever I spoke, they not only heard what I had to say, but really listened. So much so that whenever I had an idea for something, instead of turning it down or just nodding their head, they found ways to help me bring my projects to life.

Some of those projects included: Every Bear from Everywhere, which highlighted students and faculty about why they chose Missouri State, new segments for Missouri State Snapchat and creating social media calendars and campaigns for homecoming, to just name a few.

And now after all that, they are trying to replace me.

But no worries, it’s only because my time at Missouri State is coming to an end after 4.5 years. Yes, I took a victory lap because I just love this place so much.

Intern Amanda Isaacs working on computer

So, what do you need to be?

Yourself.

Bring your personality to this position and put your touch on all things Missouri State. Besides that, you need to love social media and engaging with others, like enjoy using social media so much that you’re interested in pursuing a career in social media marketing.

As the new media specialist intern, you will get the chance to contribute to a variety of university projects.

  • You’ll be writing blogs, using Snapchat to engage with MSU students, and even developing social media campaigns for university platforms including Missouri State Facebook and Twitter.
  • They are also looking for versatile storytellers, so you’ll be able to write content for university blogs, edit photos and interview newsmakers.
  • You’ll also receive the keys to MissouriState.edu. You’ll update photos, videos and text as needed on university websites.
Web and New Media social media student Amanda Isaacs.

What you will gain

A really great resume.

Besides that, you will gain valuable experience in real-world settings and walk away with several benefits:

  • A professional portfolio that includes at least two social media campaigns, four blog posts and two visuals
  • An insider’s access to best practices about social media, writing and website content development
  • An opportunity to display skills in a professional setting, which will place the intern’s resume above their peers’

What are the qualifications?

A jacket.

No seriously, when it’s warm outside it’s like visiting the North Pole in here. No worries though, because in the winter, just leave that jacket at home because it gets nice and toasty and you won’t be needing it.

But really, here’s a list of the desired skills and experience they are looking for:

Education

Well first off, you have to actually go here, like be a student. If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or related areas, that’s ideal.

Skills

You’re going to writing…like a lot, so it needs to be your biggest strength. That also means you should have demonstrated knowledge of AP style. Another thing is WordPress. Everything that is published is written on WordPress, so knowing your way around it is ideal.  We’d also love to have someone who is interested in social media marketing, photography and videography. It would be really beneficial to have some photo editing skills and basic knowledge of Web best practices.

Other

The internship requires some evening and weekend work, but don’t let this turn you away. The events you will have to go are exciting and you’ll get to experience Missouri State from behind the scenes. You must be able to work at computer workstations for extended periods of time, but they provide a big comfy chair so don’t fret. Additionally, applicants must have visual and audio acuity within normal ranges.

You must also be committed to working with our diverse student and community populations.

Applying for the job

It may seem like a lot, but it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had at Missouri State. Week after week, this internship confirmed that Missouri State is home and that I made the right/best decision to attend college here. I’m not sure I would have gained the same experience and advice I received here at any other internship.

If you’re in, fill out an application and email these things to web@missouristate.edu. We’re accepting submissions until Nov. 30.

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Two writing samples

Good luck and go Bears!

Our next social media guru: You?

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Students at Welcome Weekend

Are you our next social media star?

We’re looking for a smart, involved Missouri State student who wants a career in social media marketing.

If that sounds like you, apply now to become a new media specialist intern with the office of web and new media. In the fall 2017 semester, you’ll get to work with the people who run social media for the university and alumni association.

Our intern will gain valuable experience in real-world settings and walk away with several benefits:

  • A professional portfolio that includes at least two social media campaigns, four blog posts and two visuals
  • An insider’s access to best practices about social media, writing and website content development
  • An opportunity to display skills in a professional setting, which will place the intern’s resume above their peers’

Interested? Let’s tell you more about what kind of a person we’re looking for.

Responsibilities

  • We want someone who loves social media and engaging with people, because you will develop social media campaigns for university platforms including Missouri State Facebook and Twitter.
  • We’re also looking for versatile storytellers, so you’ll be able to write content for university blogs, edit photos and interview newsmakers.
  • You’ll get the behind-the-scenes access to major university events such as Commencement, Homecoming and Fountain Day.
  • We also give you the keys to MissouriState.edu. You’ll update photos, videos and text as needed on university websites.

Select projects

As the new media specialist intern, you will get the chance to contribute to a variety of university projects.

Social media campaigns

University events

Access to cover big events such as #BearsHomecoming

Blogging

Create engaging blog posts to promote campus activities

Training

Your inside access starts with two half-day training sessions during the first week of fall semester classes. Plus, you’ll also receive continued training exercises in weekly meetings.

Desired skills and experience

Education

You must be a currently enrolled student at Missouri State. Additionally, if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or related areas, that’s ideal.

Skills

You need to have demonstrated knowledge of AP style, social media marketing and photography and videography. But above all, you need to be a strong writer. We’d also love to have someone who knows photo editing and basic knowledge of Web best practices.

Other

The internship requires some evening and weekend work, and you must be able to work at computer workstations for extended periods of time. Additionally, applicants must have visual and audio acuity within normal ranges.

You must also be committed to working with our diverse student and community populations.

Applying for the job

If you’re in, email us an application to web@missouristate.edu. We’re accepting them from March 16-April 12. In addition, you’ll need to provide the following:

  • Resume (including your social media handles)
  • Cover letter
  • Two writing samples