🎯 Purpose

Prepare Reynolds School of Journalism students for internships, fellowships, and full-time employment by providing individualized portfolio reviews, resume feedback, LinkedIn optimization, professional networking opportunities, and career coaching from faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.

📝 Executive Summary

RSJ Portfolio & Resume Day is a career readiness event designed to help students present themselves competitively before internship and job recruiting season begins.

Students will receive personalized, one-on-one feedback from journalism professionals, faculty members, alumni, recruiters, and communications experts while participating in workshops focused on:

• 📄 Resume development
• 🎥 Portfolio & demo reel reviews
• 💼 LinkedIn optimization
• 🎤 Interview preparation
• 🤝 Professional networking
• 📸 LinkedIn headshots

Guest speakers will participate both in person and remotely. Students may attend the full event or drop in for individual sessions that best fit their schedules.

The event supports students across all Reynolds School disciplines:

• 📰 News
• 📺 Broadcast Journalism
• 💻 Digital Media
• 📢 Advertising
• 🤝 Public Relations
• 🎬 Documentary & Visual Storytelling
• 🏈 Sports Media
• 📸 Photography

⌚ Why now?

• Media employers increasingly expect applicants to have polished digital portfolios, strong LinkedIn profiles, and professional branding before interviews.

🎯 Goals

• Improve student resumes, portfolios, websites, and demo reels before recruiting season.
• Connect students with alumni and industry professionals.
• Increase internship and fellowship placement.
• Build confidence in networking and interviewing.
• Strengthen relationships with employers and alumni.
• Showcase the Reynolds School's commitment to career readiness.

📅 Proposed Dates

The university calendar includes Nevada Day (October 30) and Family Day (November 27), making the following Fridays the strongest options.

October

• ⭐ Friday, October 9 (Preferred) — Ideal timing before many internship deadlines.
• Friday, October 2 — Early in recruiting season.
• Friday, October 16 — Mid-semester with strong student availability.
• Friday, October 23 — Final recommended October option before Nevada Day.

November

• ⭐ Friday, November 6 (Preferred) — Excellent timing before late-fall internship applications.

🗓️ Proposed Schedule

💼 Resume & Portfolio Reviews

Students rotate through 20-minute review sessions with approximately six reviewers.

Goal: Every student meets with at least two reviewers.

Students are encouraged to upload resumes, portfolios, and demo reels before the event.

Review Areas

• 📄 Resume
• ✉️ Cover Letter
• 🌐 Digital Portfolio
• 🎥 Demo Reel
• 💻 Personal Website
• 📝 Writing Samples
• 📸 Photography Portfolio
• 📱 Professional Social Media Presence
• 💼 LinkedIn Profile

Reviewers

• Reynolds School faculty
• Alumni
• Local media professionals (including KUNR representation)
• Communications professionals (including University MarComm)
• Career Services staff

🎤 Suggested Speakers

• John Linn — KRNV
• Jane Lee — The Athletic
• Michelle Rindels — The Nevada Independent
• LinkedIn/Career Services representative

Additional speakers may be added based on availability.

👥 Suggested Participants

Reynolds School

• Faculty reviewers
• Staff volunteers
• Student volunteers

Career Services

• LinkedIn coaching
• Resume review
• Interview preparation

Alumni

Invite alumni working in:

• 📺 Broadcast Journalism
• 📰 News
• 💻 Digital Journalism
• 🤝 Public Relations
• 📢 Marketing & Advertising
• 🏈 Sports Media
• 🎬 Documentary Production
• 📱 Content Strategy

Industry Partners

Potential organizations include:

• Local television stations
• Newspapers
• Digital news organizations
• Marketing agencies
• Public relations firms
• Corporate communications teams
• Government communications offices
• Nonprofit organizations

🎓 Student Deliverables

Each student should leave with:

• ✅ Updated resume
• ✅ Improved portfolio or demo reel
• ✅ Professional LinkedIn headshot
• ✅ LinkedIn profile improvements
• ✅ Personalized career feedback
• ✅ New professional connections
• ✅ Internship action plan

🛠️ Resources Needed

• Review tables
• Meeting rooms
• Presentation room with projector
• Photographer and headshot space
• Student volunteers
• Name badges
• Resume printing station
• Wi-Fi access
• Light refreshments
• Pizza lunch

💰 Budget

Estimated Total: Under $300

Includes:

• Coffee and drinks
• Snacks
• Pizza lunch
• Name tags and basic supplies

📊 Success Metrics

Evaluate the event using:

• Number of student participants
• Number of professional reviewers
• Student satisfaction survey
• Resume revisions completed
• Portfolio reviews completed
• LinkedIn profile updates
• Internship interviews secured
• Internship and job placements
• Alumni and employer participation

📆 Planning Timeline

🌟 Expected Outcomes

Portfolio & Resume Day will strengthen the Reynolds School's career preparation efforts by providing students with individualized feedback before internship and hiring cycles peak.

The event will also:

• Increase internship and fellowship readiness.
• Expand networking opportunities with alumni and employers.
• Strengthen partnerships with industry organizations.
• Increase alumni engagement.
• Reinforce the Reynolds School's reputation for preparing career-ready graduates.
• Create a signature annual professional development event for Reynolds School students.