Here’s the link to my portfolio – https://lamisharahman.w3spaces.com/   🙂

This week I worked on finalizing the perfect image for my header and then made changes accordingly to the other pages. I worked on choosing a cohesive color scheme as well, I’m not sure if I’ve settled on that but it shouldn’t take too long. I added the links to my projects and also added more projects from different disciplines. I also edited my “About Me” on both the Portfolio and About Me pages, there was some repetitive information I wanted to remove and some other things I wanted to add. I also fixed the bars and removed the percentage levels on my resume, I felt that they weren’t reflective of the type of skills I listed. I also added more to the job descriptions on my resume.

This week, I decided it was time to make some more major changes, especially towards the aesthetic presentation of my website. I’m still in the process of achieving a cohesive look – I have an idea and “moodboard” prepared for what I want my website to look like, but I feel overwhelmed and a little limited with my creative options, I’m trying my best to find new ways to add things to my site through the tutorials on W3Spaces, which has helped. In the boxes on my portfolio page, which used to be empty, I added links to my socials and related profiles so people can connect with me. I also figured out how to use the mailto: feature so when people click on the link to my email, it takes them directly to their mail inbox. I realized that instead of a plain, one color background for the headers on each page, I wanted to insert an image – so I figured out how to do so through a tutorial. I’m still deciding on the perfect image, due to issues I’m facing regarding photo quality/watermarks/size etc. More importantly, I also added more projects on to my page. I decided on a cleaner look and that I will only add photos for art/photography projects. I’m not sure why my “About” link keeps disappearing when I go to my Resume page, even though the code for all of the navigation bars are the same on each page, but that’s something I need to figure out to maintain consistency throughout all the pages. I’ve added more projects but I definitely need to add more and fine-tune some of the descriptions. So far, I think I made good progress this week and am getting into the flow of editing my site and making it presentable and unique.

This week, I am working on the aesthetic elements of my website as well as finally incorporation my written works and trying to figure out what format I want to present them in. I changed the background of my index page, added a box behind my text so it could be easier on the eye to read, and also messed around with some other options and changed the color of the button (it changes color when you hover over it) as well as the text on it, I also decided to add this feature to my navigation bar on the portfolio page.. I added some more text to my Portfolio page, I changed the colors and text of the pre-existing grey boxes as well. I decided on a neater approach to my portfolio, I want to just have it be the title of the project that links to the project and then a short description. I’ve also decided to separate my work into writing projects (research papers, literary analyses, other short pieces related to my fields of interest), art & photography. I will only add photos for art and photography projects. Currently, I’m in the process of adding all the writing projects to my portfolio and writing descriptions for them.

So far, I’ve made little changes to my website to make it more personalized. I’ve changed the colors, tried to add images that speak to my personality and other tweaks here and there so that the mood stays consistent throughout. I even added a little icon on my About page. The banners were slightly different from each other on the pages in size and margins so I spent quite a bit of time fixing that last week. Most of my changes are not final, the images are pixelated, the color scheme is still undecided but the small changes are my progress towards finding the right medium.

I know that I need to make more changes to make the entire website flow better. I’ve compiled all my work that I want to put on the portfolio but am yet to actually do it. I am also working on some projects in my other courses that I can put on my portfolio, so I’ve been working on those. I want my website to have more colors, more images and more things to interact with. The resume needs to be fine-tuned and I need to remove the percentage meters for some of the skills. I think I’d like to add a different photo of me, and change up the background colors as well. 

My main focus is on adding more projects, which I have, but just not have added yet. 

For this assignment, I’m using Google’s Bard to generate ideas/tips for my portfolio. I’m using Bard because I really enjoyed using it for the last assignment – I feel that the responses were a bit more personalized than ChatGPT’s when it came to career advice. 

My first question: What should I include in my portfolio if I am applying for an entry-level PR/Marketing position?

The response:

Congratulations on taking the first step towards your PR/Marketing career! Building a strong portfolio is crucial to showcase your skills and grab the attention of potential employers. Here are some key elements to include in your entry-level PR/Marketing portfolio:

1. About Me:

Start with a captivating introduction: Briefly tell your story, highlighting your passion for PR/Marketing and relevant skills.
Image of person giving a presentation in a conference roomOpens in a new window
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person giving a presentation in a conference room
Showcase your personality: Let your enthusiasm and communication skills shine through.
Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., increased website traffic by 20%).
2. Work Samples:

Quality over quantity: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your diverse skillset and achievements.
Tailor your selections: Align your chosen projects with the specific job requirements and industry.
Variety is key: Include a mix of projects, such as:
Press releases and media pitches
Social media campaigns
Content marketing pieces (blog posts, articles, etc.)
Event planning materials
Marketing proposals or reports
Show, don’t tell: Briefly explain each project’s context, your role, and the positive outcomes achieved.
Visuals are impactful: Use screenshots, infographics, or images to enhance your work samples.
3. Relevant Skills:

Highlight your strengths: Emphasize skills like writing, communication, social media marketing, content creation, SEO, and analytics.
Tailor your skills: Match your skills to the specific job description.
Quantify your skills: Use data or examples to demonstrate your proficiency (e.g., “Grew Instagram followers by 30%”).
4. Additional Sections (Optional):

Awards & Recognition: Include any awards, scholarships, or achievements relevant to PR/Marketing.
Volunteer Experience: Showcase volunteer work that demonstrates your passion and transferable skills.
Education & Certifications: Briefly mention your educational background and any relevant certifications.
Personal Projects: If you lack formal experience, showcase relevant personal projects that demonstrate your creativity and initiative.
5. Presentation & Design:

Keep it clean and professional: Use a consistent and visually appealing layout.
Easy navigation: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and access on different devices.
Proofread meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression.
Bonus Tip:

Get feedback: Ask friends, mentors, or professionals in the field to review your portfolio and provide constructive feedback.
By following these tips and tailoring your content to the specific job you’re applying for, you can create an impactful portfolio that will help you land your dream PR/Marketing role!

My follow-up question: How would one showcase their communication skills through their personality on paper? What kind of projects would be the most favorable? How can I build SEO/Analytical skills? 

The response: 

Showcasing Communication Skills & Personality on Paper:
1. Use Strong Language & Voice:

Word Choice: Employ active voice, varied vocabulary, and vivid verbs to keep readers engaged.
Clarity & Conciseness: Express your ideas clearly, concisely, and logically. Avoid jargon and unnecessary complexity.
Personality: Infuse your writing with your unique voice and tone, reflecting your passion and enthusiasm for the field.
2. Choose Engaging Projects:

Variety is Key: Showcase projects that demonstrate diverse communication skills (writing, storytelling, presentations, social media interactions).
Relevance to Field: Choose projects that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, highlighting industry knowledge.
Quantifiable Impact: Highlight how your communication directly impacted the project’s goals (increased engagement, website traffic, etc.).
Personal Projects: Lack formal experience? Show initiative with relevant personal projects demonstrating your skills (e.g., blog, freelance writing).
3. Storytelling & Humor (When Appropriate):

Craft Compelling Narratives: Use storytelling techniques to engage readers and connect with them on an emotional level.
Humor: If relevant to the field and your personality, use humor wisely to showcase your ability to connect with diverse audiences.
4. Proofread & Edit Meticulously:

Error-free Communication: Attention to detail and strong grammar showcase your professionalism and communication skills.
Building SEO/Analytical Skills:
1. Online Courses & Resources:

Free & Paid Options: Utilize platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Google Analytics Academy, etc., for free and paid courses.
Industry-Specific Focus: Choose courses tailored to your desired PR/Marketing field for relevant knowledge.
2. Hands-on Experience:

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer with organizations or projects where you can implement learned SEO/analytical skills.
Freelance Work: Offer freelance PR/Marketing services to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio.
3. Personal Projects:

Start a Blog/Website: Implement SEO strategies and track analytics to understand their impact.
Social Media Management: Manage social media accounts while measuring engagement and audience growth.
4. Tools & Certifications:

Free & Paid Tools: Utilize free tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and paid options like SEMrush or Ahrefs.
Industry Certifications: Consider certifications like Google Analytics Individual Qualification or Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification.
Additional Tips:

Network with Professionals: Connect with people in the field, learn from their experiences, and gain insights into current trends.
Industry Publications & Blogs: Stay updated on latest SEO/analytics trends by reading industry publications and blogs.
Practice & Continuous Learning: The more you practice and learn, the more your skills will develop and showcase your dedication.

My follow-up question: Do you see any overlap with a PR/Marketing and an Entertainment Lawyer’s entry-level portfolios? 

I asked this because I’ve been considering both pathways recently so I was wondering if there were any skills or other factors that overlap between them. 

The response:

There is some overlap between the entry-level portfolios of a PR/Marketing professional and an Entertainment Lawyer, but also significant differences due to the unique nature of each field. Here’s a breakdown:

Overlap:

Strong Writing Skills: Both fields require clear, concise, and persuasive writing to communicate effectively with different audiences.
Analytical Skills: Understanding data and metrics is crucial for both PR/Marketing campaigns and legal arguments.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: Both fields demand creative thinking and the ability to solve complex problems effectively.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail is essential for both crafting impactful communication and ensuring legal accuracy.
Interpersonal Skills: Building strong relationships and effectively communicating with clients or colleagues is key in both professions.
Differences:

Content and Expertise: PR/Marketing portfolios showcase skills in areas like social media marketing, content creation, and campaign management, while Entertainment Lawyer portfolios highlight legal experience in areas like copyright law, contracts, and intellectual property.
Projects and Achievements: PR/Marketing portfolios feature projects like press releases, social media campaigns, and website content, while Entertainment Lawyer portfolios showcase work on client representation, contract negotiation, and legal filings.
Target Audience: PR/Marketing portfolios cater to potential employers in the marketing and communications industry, while Entertainment Lawyer portfolios target law firms or potential clients in the entertainment industry.
Legal Knowledge: While strong writing and communication are crucial for both, Entertainment Lawyers require deep legal knowledge and understanding of entertainment law specifically.
Here are some additional points to consider:

PR/Marketing experience can be valuable for an Entertainment Lawyer: Skills gained in PR/Marketing like communication, negotiation, and media relations can be beneficial in client interaction and public image management for an Entertainment Lawyer.
Legal experience is essential for an Entertainment Lawyer: While communication and analytical skills are important, an Entertainment Lawyer portfolio primarily needs to demonstrate legal expertise and experience.

Bard’s answers helped me gain clarity on my career exploration, particularly regarding PR/Marketing and Entertainment Law. Recognizing both the shared skills and distinct requirements of each field has brought me closer to identifying the best fit for my interests and personality. This is especially timely as I revamp my portfolio. Previously lacking direction, these new insights now allow me to create a focused portfolio showcasing my versatility. I understand portfolios go beyond just writing samples, encompassing diverse mediums like editorial work, publications, and social media content.

Moving forward, I’ll be more geared towards building the needed interdisciplinary skills. I’ll strategically use elective credits for courses in film, law, and digital media, aligning them with my emerging career aspirations. 

Before engaging with these career exploration questions, I explored potential paths in my field of interest on ChatGPT – I used it to refine my resume and even brainstormed “silly” future career queries. While engaging with similar prompts before, I didn’t fully embrace the offered advice. Today, I’m excited to experiment with both ChatGPT and Bard, hopefully, I’ll find some new information this time and will implement them in my future career decisions.

The prompt I used:

“I am about to graduate from college with a degree in Media Entrepreneurship. I want to find an entry-level position in PR (preferably fashion/beauty/film industry) or Entertainment Law in the Media/Entertainment industry in Atlanta, Georgia. What skills do I need to demonstrate? What kinds of artifacts should I have to show I have those skills? What are some resources that I should pursue to help me learn about what I need to do to find my first industry job?”

The response:
Skills to Demonstrate
Communication Skills:

• Develop strong written and verbal communication skills. Practice drafting press releases, legal documents, and pitches with clarity and professionalism.
  Industry-Specific Knowledge:
• Stay informed about the fashion, beauty, and film industry trends. Understand the legal aspects and regulations relevant to the Entertainment Law field.

Networking:

• Attend industry events in Atlanta to build connections. Join relevant professional organizations, and use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in PR and Entertainment Law.

Digital Media Literacy:

• Stay updated on social media trends and digital marketing strategies. Understand the role of online presence in the media industry.
  Research Skills:
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct thorough research, whether for PR campaigns, legal cases, or industry trends.

Adaptability:

• Showcase your ability to adapt to fast-paced environments and changing industry landscapes. Provide examples of successful navigation through challenges or adaptation to new technologies.

Artifacts to Showcase:
Portfolio:

• Create a portfolio featuring samples of your work, such as press releases, media pitches, or legal briefs. Highlight any relevant projects or campaigns you’ve worked on during your studies.

Internship Experience:

• Highlight responsibilities and achievements from internships. Showcase tangible results or contributions made during your experiences.
  Online Presence:
• Develop a professional online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile, consider starting a blog, or contribute articles showcasing your expertise in the media industry.

Projects and Case Studies:

• Include relevant projects or case studies from your degree in your portfolio. Discuss the challenges faced and the solutions you implemented.

Resources to Help You:
Networking Events and Conferences:

• Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events in Atlanta. Connect with professionals to gain insights into current trends and challenges.

Online Courses and Certifications:

• Consider taking online courses or certifications related to PR, Entertainment Law, or specific skills you want to enhance. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or industry-specific associations often offer relevant courses.

Professional Associations:

• Join professional associations related to PR and Entertainment Law. These organizations often provide valuable resources, job listings, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
• Join PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) or the Georgia Entertainment & Music Business Law Section (GEMBLS) to network and learn from experienced professionals.

Mentorship:

• Seek mentorship from professionals in the field. Mentors can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer valuable advice as you navigate your career path.

Job Boards and Internship Listings:

• Regularly check industry-specific job boards and internship listings on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or industry-specific websites for entry-level positions and internships such as Film Connection or Entertainment Jobsite.

And then, I asked a few more questions:

1. What’s some advice you can give to me that’s specific to someone who is in Atlanta?
2. Can you provide examples of successful PR campaigns within the entertainment industry and the key strategies that made them effective?
3. What are some notable industry events or conferences that specifically cater to individuals interested in both media entrepreneurship and entertainment law?

The response:

Localize your network: Atlanta boasts a vibrant media and entertainment scene, so focus on building connections with local professionals. Attend industry events like the Atlanta Film Festival, Dragon Con, or the Atlanta Media & Marketing Awards. Utilize local networking groups like Atlanta Women in Media, Atlanta Film & TV, or the Georgia Entertainment & Music Business Law Section (GEMBLS).

Leverage Atlanta’s strengths: Research and highlight your knowledge of Atlanta’s unique media landscape. Atlanta is a hub for film and television production, animation, music, and digital media. Mention your understanding of these specific industries and how your skills can contribute to their growth.

Utilize local resources: Take advantage of Atlanta’s educational and professional resources. Consider pursuing a Master’s degree in Media Entrepreneurship or Entertainment Law at Emory University, Georgia State University, or Mercer University. Attend workshops and seminars offered by the Atlanta Film & TV Commission or the Atlanta Film Festival.

Target local companies: Research and tailor your applications to media and entertainment companies based in Atlanta. Studios like Tyler Perry Studios, Cartoon Network Studios, or Turner Broadcasting System offer entry-level opportunities. Look for PR agencies specializing in fashion, beauty, or film, like The Pollack Group or Jackson Spalding.

Successful PR Campaigns in Entertainment:
“Summer of Barbie” (2023): This campaign capitalized on nostalgia while aligning with modern trends. They painted mansions pink, set up life-sized Barbie boxes, and partnered with influencers. The result? A global buzz and record-breaking box office for the “Barbie” movie. (Key strategies: Nostalgia marketing, influencer partnerships, interactive experiences)

“Keep America Beautiful” (ongoing): This long-running campaign uses compelling storytelling and celebrity endorsements to inspire people to take care of their environment. Its success lies in its clear message, positive tone, and consistent engagement with the public. (Key strategies: Public service messaging, celebrity advocacy, community engagement)

“Hims & Hers – Mental Health Ambassador” (2023): Partnering with actress Kristen Bell, Hims & Hers destigmatized mental health by promoting their telehealth services. This relatable campaign resonated with audiences and led to increased brand trust. (Key strategies: Celebrity partnerships, tackling social issues, building brand trust)

Industry Events for Media Entrepreneurship & Entertainment Law:
SXSW Conference: This Austin-based festival features panels, workshops, and networking opportunities for media, tech, and music professionals. Look for sessions on entrepreneurship, entertainment law, and content creation.

NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives): This annual conference brings together TV executives, producers, and distributors. Attend sessions on new media trends, content development, and legal issues in the television industry.

Atlanta Film & TV Conference: This local event connects filmmakers, producers, and distributors within the Atlanta region. Attend sessions on production, financing, and legal considerations for film and television projects.

I used the first prompt with both ChatGPT and Bard, and they both gave me very similar outputs, the only difference I’d point out would be that Bard’s response was a lot more concise and non-repetitive like ChatGPT. I used both of them again for the other three questions and saw a much more significant difference. It seems that Bard is up-to-date to include information and events up to September 30, 2023, whereas ChatGPT is far behind in 2021. Bard was able to give me the names of real organizations in Atlanta, multiple of them, and from the two different industries that I am interested in as well. It seemed to just “know” more about Atlanta and give me specific advice.

I already knew most of the information that the first response gave me, it was more of a reminder to follow through and do those things even though I am already doing most of them anyway. I did learn about GEMBLS for the first time and also enjoyed learning about some of the popular PR campaigns from 2023. What I need to do next is to start attending these events and network with people in the industry and find out about all the different roles that exist within those businesses along with gaining more experience through internships before I graduate. I think that it is definitely helpful to have such a tool at our fingertips to give us the advice we need without having to feel overwhelmed to search for it, though it can be a bit generic/repetitive at times, that’s where prompt engineering comes in, the way I see it is that you have to ask the AI tool questions as if you are talking to a child, so you have to explain yourself a lot and be very clear about what you are asking of them. I like to make sure I include the factors that I want the AI tool to consider before answering my question. 

Research:

For this week’s assignment, I utilized job search platforms Indeed and Glassdoor. I personalized my results by uploading my resume and adjusting my job preferences, including public relations, marketing, technical writing, and communications interests. Considering a corporate environment like EY or Deloitte, I expanded my search to include roles in Communications in media and non-media-related companies. I explored opportunities locally in Atlanta, looking for remote, part-time, and internships. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (media/communications, business, film).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Independent collection and transformation of information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic media planning and execution.
• Coordination with clients and internal teams.
• Digital content creation for various platforms.
• Leadership and management roles in senior marketing.

Software Expectations:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Specific expertise in tools like Visio, AutoCAD, Crystal Reports, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Excel, Salesforce, Marketing Cloud Account
• Engagement, and Looker Studio.

Specific Abilities Employers Seek:

• Effective communication for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Leadership skills with team management experience.
• Data-driven mindset for analyzing performance metrics.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and trends.

Documents I’ll need to create/have by graduation:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Portfolio
• Cover Letter
• Certifications
  • Microsoft Word Programs Certificate
  • Professional Technical Writing Certification
  • Business Writing Certification
  • Engineering Technical Writing Certification

Reflection:

The research process highlighted the vast array of opportunities available, albeit a bit overwhelming. Stability in the corporate realm often requires navigating through various roles to build experience which was difficult to see since I am still in college with barely any experience. Emphasis on specific skills, certifications, and software proficiency reinforced the need for continuous learning. Moving forward, I plan to refine my search strategy for a more targeted job pursuit, focusing on stable positions within the corporate landscape. Despite feeling a bit stressed, I am motivated to tailor my exploration and enhance my skills for a fulfilling career path.

Hey! I’m Lamisha Rahman, a junior at Georgia State University, majoring in Media Entrepreneurship with a focus in Film, Journalism, and Business, and currently minoring in Computer Information Systems—though I’m contemplating a switch to either Entertainment Media Management or Film and Media. I have a myriad of interests, evidenced by my major changes and multiple minors. Admittedly, I’m the type who chose a minor just to extend my college experience by a semester so I wouldn’t have to graduate early. I’ve dabbled in various disciplines, spreading myself a bit thin, and it’s about time I channel my diverse skills into a more focused career path. While I love being a “jack of all trades”, I realize it’s time to hone in on a specific career trajectory, and that’s where this portfolio comes into play.

Navigating my academic journey feels like having all the ingredients for a dish but struggling to choose the right recipe. I’m inherently creative, finding joy in expressing myself through art, film, photography, and writing. I’ve been involved with student organizations such as Album88 and the Bangladesh Student Association at GSU and have also gained work experience as a Student Assistant and Art Teacher. Currently, I’m honing my skills as a PR Intern at BECK Media & Marketing, working with notable clients like BET+, PlutoTV, and TenderfootTV. In this role, I’ve cultivated people, writing, and organizational skills, playing a crucial role in guiding PR initiatives, crafting media pitches, managing interviews, and maintaining client relations.

Yet, despite the valuable experiences gained, I find myself at a crossroads. While I adore the entertainment and fashion industry, I’m grappling with the question of where I fit best—whether it’s in writing, management, content creation, or something else altogether. In the end, I would like to see myself in a creative space hopefully in a creative and stable role with a managing aspect

As for goals I need to set to move things in the direction of my future career, I know that I need to work on my networking skills, stay up to date with digital trends, and gain more hands-on experience through internships and freelance projects. My portfolio will serve as a reflection of this journey, a space to explore and present the digital artifacts that showcase my evolving skills and interests.