Alex Vander Veen is a public relations student at Simpson College expected to graduate in May 2017. She has experience in public relations through internships and coursework, including creating social media content and revising PR plans. Alex also coaches swimming and works as a waitress, demonstrating strong communication and time management skills. Upon graduation, she aims to obtain a job in public relations or marketing utilizing her dual majors in public relations and management, as well as her minor in marketing.
1. Alex Vander Veen 712-
541-0867
701 N C Street Unit 3283 Indianola, IA 50125 @AlexJVanderVeen
804 Eighth Street SW Orange City, IA 51041 alexjvanderveen@live.com
EDUCATION:
Simpson College, Indianola, IA Expected May 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
Double Major in Management | Minor: Marketing
G.P.A.: 3.3/4.00 | Academic All-American in Swimming
COURSEWORK:
Principles of Public Relations: Created a Twitter account and gained 1,000 followers
Newswriting & Reporting: Developed content for news stories through interviews
Editing & Design: Edited both content and grammar and worked with editing software
Public Relations Research: Executed research using analytical skills
Video Newswriting & Podcasting: Used editing tools to create videos
Public Relations Writing: Worked with a nonprofit client
RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Fall 2013-Spring 2016
Planned, advertised, and facilitated fundraising events
Communicated with a non-profit client to revise and strengthen their PR plan
Collaborated with peers to increase awareness of the society and doubled the size of the
membership
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
Northwestern Mutual, West Des Moines, IA June 2015- November 2015
Financial Representative Intern
Obtained a license to sell life, disability, and long-term care insurance
Built a book of clients from personal network and created a schedule to serve them
Provided financial solutions tailored to each client’s needs
Set individual goals and demonstrated both self-motivation and grit to meet challenges
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Indianola YMCA, Indianola, IA June 2016-Present (Seasonal)
Assistant Swim Coach
Coordinate and plan unique workouts for each age group and ability level
Develop and correct stroke technique for youth ages eight through eighteen
Differentiate communication skills to fit the learning style of each swimmer
Saw swimmers improve both their technique and times based on their instruction
Sports Page Grill, Indianola, IA August 2014- Present
Waitress
Ensure customers have a positive dining experience using interpersonal skills
Operate efficiently in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES:
Simpson College Swim Team October 2013- Present
Captain of Women’s Team, 2016-2017
2. Manage time between academics, athletics, and work
Alex Vander Veen
701 N C Street Unit 3283 Indianola, IA 50125 712-541-0867
804 Eighth Street SW Orange City, IA 51041 alexjvanderveen@live.com
REFERENCES:
Tom Caccia
Director of Competitive Aquatics
Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach at Simpson College
Indianola YMCA of Greater Des Moines
306 East Scenic Valley Ave. Indianola, IA 50125
515-777-7746 ext. 1113
tom.caccia@dmymca.org
Brian Steffen
Department Chair of Communication and Media Studies
Simpson College
701 North C Street Indianola, IA 50125
515-961-1650
brian.steffen@simpson.edu
Lisa Carponelli
Assistant Professor of Communications and Media Studies
Simpson College
701 North C Street Indianola, IA 50125
515-961-1353
lisa.carponelli@simpson.edu
Kalen Shaw
Manager
Sports Page Grill
1802 W 2nd
Ave Indianola, IA 50125
515-559-3496
Andy Puhrmann
Financial Advisor
Northwestern Mutual
2300 128th St. Des Moines, IA 50323-1818
515-697-4650
andy.puhrmann@mn.com
