Hi! My name is Anna Parel! I am a second-year graduate student at the University of Georgia, obtaining a master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with an emphasis in advertising. I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in general business from The University of Mississippi.

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For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by telling stories. I have always grasped onto any opportunity that allows me to display my creative work and instill emotions in others. When choosing a major, I wanted to find a niche that allowed me to share content,

think outside-the-box, exchange creative ideas, and make an impact on others. As I

researched different curriculums, I discovered that the Journalism and Mass

Communications field would enable me to do just that. 

 

I have a true desire to learn and have worked in various communications and advertising jobs

that taught me valuable skills through hands-on experience. I currently serve as a graduate

assistant in the Grady College office of scholastic outreach, primarily working for the Georgia

Scholastic Press Association. In this role, I design print pieces and social media graphics.

Beyond visual content creation, I manage GSPA's social media accounts, ensuring our online

presence engages our audience effectively. Additionally, I maintain GSPA's digital presence by

updating the website and authoring news posts. I serve as the co-editor of the GSPA

e-newsletter and work to deliver relevant information via email weekly. I contribute to the

development of comprehensive marketing strategies, and work to promote and plan GSPA

conferences and workshops. 

 

I also currently serve as a Digital Media Strategist in UGA's student-led advertising agency,

Talking Dog. Talking Dog is an "ambitious student-led advertising and public relations

agency that fosters growth for both clients and members through next-generation 

perspectives." We work hands-on with real clients, and are each assigned specific agency

roles. I am a Digital Media Specialist on the Amazon Music team. This means that I am

currently working with some of Amazon Music's marketing team to help them rebrand

and execute digital content ideas for the following year. My primary responsibilities include;

researching the brand and studying their media analytics to brainstorm a digital media plan. In the spring of 2024, I will be designing, executing and finalizing the content and strategy for Amazon Music's advertising campaign. 

 

I also have previous intern experience working as a Travel Communications Intern for the American Junior Golf Association. In the summer of 2022, I traveled to ten different states across the country to tell the story of the association's golf tournaments. During my time as an intern, I produced posts for the association’s social platforms. I wrote articles and used Adobe editing software to create weekly YouTube videos. I traveled with the junior golf tour, executed media coverage, conducted player interviews and collaborated with large brands, such as TaylorMade and Adidas, to produce sponsorship content. 

 

I also had several impactful experiences during my four years of college at The University of Mississippi. During my freshman year of college, I assisted The University of Mississippi’s Marketing and Communications Department to create the ‘2020 Campus Tour Video’. I discovered what it was like to be a part of a production team, collaborate on ideas and use technology to create a final video project. During my sophomore year of college, I worked in marketing for The University of Mississippi’s Athletic Department. While working this job, I gained experience in strategically heightening athletic coverage and assisting the marketing team to promote the school’s athletics. Senior year, I also competed in the National Student Advertising Competition, where several students and I coincided to create a strategic media plan for a large corporate brand, Indeed. During this experience, I focused on the creation of digital content and served as a media editor. At the end of the year, I had the opportunity to travel with my team to The University of Alabama to present a holistic campaign to a panel of judges. 

 

In the future, I hope to work in a career that pushes me to use my creativity and express ideas through written and visual concepts. I want to work in a field that encourages outside-the-box thinking and creative collaboration. I am eager to use the assets I learned in my previous internship experiences, learn more about the advertising and communications industry and take my career to the next level!