Mickale Thompson

845-820-7629 | Mickalethompson@gmail.com
LinkedIn URL | Portfolio URL
SUMMARY
Detail-oriented professional with over two years of experience working in journalism. Skilled in writing and editing,
with a proven history of being a strong communicator, leader, and storyteller. Seeking an opportunity to combine
skills in marketing and communications.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media December 2023
Bachelor of Science in Business Management May 2023
Utica University, Utica, NY
● Concentrations: Journalism and Marketing Management
● GPA: 3.38; Dean’s List for five semesters; High Honors List for one semester

JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE
The Tangerine, Utica, NY March 2021- December 2023
Editor-In-Chief May 2023 - December 2023
● Oversaw the complete operation and quality of The Tangerine’s print, digital, and marketing content.
● Hired and led a staff of 12, consisting of editors, reporters, photographers, and managers.
● Finalized media materials and editorial calendars outlining article selections and social media postings.
● Designed The Tangerine’s eight-,12,16, or 20-page layout using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop.
● Managed business operations, including an $18,000 staff payroll budget and print advertisements.
● Optimized circulation by increasing product placement of 400 print copies, informing a campus of 4,000+.
● Spearheaded biweekly internal staff meetings and maintained weekly communication with print publishers.
● Ensured projects met deadlines and reviewed 96 articles for accuracy before publishing.
● Mentored five student writers on Tangerine standards and developed their journalism skills.
News Editor January 2023 - May 2023
● Managed news content for UticaTangerine.com and arranged the section’s layout for print.
● Executed knowledge of Associated Press style and grammar while editing article submissions.
● Generated and assigned news stories for coverage to staff and contributing writers.
Features Editor September 2022 - January 2023
● Oversaw the features section and drafted timely compelling story ideas for reporters.
● Edited 5-6 story submissions biweekly and produced 2-3 articles weekly for print and online.
● Selected and captured featured images and created graphic designs to accompany stories.
Special Assignments Reporter November 2021 - September 2022
● Brainstormed and curated content with senior editors and published articles for three newspaper sections.
● Developed and maintained strong relationships with sources and conducted interviews with experts.
● Demonstrated efficient information-gathering skills and operated flexibly to report on various stories.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Utica University Office of Admissions, Utica, NY August 2020 - September 2023
Lead Tour Student Ambassador September 2022 - September 2023
● Supervised weekly 2-3 tour tests and trained new ambassadors on campus tour routes and information.
● Led feedback sessions, resulting in a 50% increase in first-attempt passing rates within a one-year period.
● Briefed 51 ambassadors on expectations and requirements when giving tours to students and families.
● Managed and restructured tour notes to reflect all aspects of Utica University’s campus and features.
● Collaborated with other leads in managing 47 ambassadors during office shifts and admissions events.
● Assisted directors with recruitment and the day-to-day operation of the Admissions office.
Student Ambassador August 2020 - September 2022
● Performed weekly office duties, including cold calling prospective students and front desk reception.
● Greeted and accompanied prospective students on their on-site visits by delivering weekly campus tours.
● Produced social media content for Utica University’s Admissions Office Instagram and TikTok accounts.
 ● Collaborated with the Marketing and Communications department to create admissions media content.

Office of Student Living and Campus Engagement, Utica, NY August 2021 - May 2023
Orientation Mentor Group Leader August 2022 - May 2023
● Mentored a group of mentees from an incoming class of 456 first-year students.
● Facilitated small group discussions about educational and social issues.
● Coordinated with 49 other mentors and staff in preparations for orientation activities and programs.
● Guided students to information sessions, and events and answered questions that arose.
● Strengthened leadership skills and knowledge of first-year student transition issues.
Resident Assistant August 2021 - May 2022
● Supervised 30-40 first-year students and shaped a positive community for all residents.
● Mediated crises between residents and responded to reports and emergencies.
● Wrote incident reports on infractions, violations, and safety issues.
● Planned educational and recreational events three times a semester for residents.
● Worked hand-in-hand with two area coordinators and 25 RAs in managing seven residential buildings.

UNIVERSITY PROJECTS
Marketing Management, Utica, NY January 2023 - May 2023
Strategic Marketing Plan Street Corner Urban Market
● Analyzed consumer purchases by looking through financials to gauge product demands.
● Conducted market research on 786 customers to identify new clients and business opportunities.
● Designed a marketing plan with strategies to cross-sell and up-sell goods to new and existing customers.
● Developed creative concepts to increase store foot traffic, leading to $183,744 in projected sales.
● Effectively presented recommendations to stakeholders using data visuals and written proposals

Multimedia Web Design, Utica, NY August 2022 - December 2022

The NewU Campaign
● Co-led the launch of the 16-week The NewU multimedia campaign with 10 other students.
● Managed Instagram content strategies and tracked analytics, resulting in a 9.5% increase in engagement.
● Participated in weekly meetings with the marketing team to discuss and analyze campaign performance.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Utica University, Utica, NY August 2019 - December 2023
Dean Robert Woods Student Life Award May 2023
● One of 11 students honored by the faculty for outstanding leadership and contributions to Utica University.
Alumni Memorial Scholarship Award April 2022
● One of two students awarded based on merit, future promise, and service to Utica University.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship September 2020
● Awarded for exemplifying traits held by Dr.King through extracurricular and volunteer activities.

Raymond Simon Institute of Public Relations and Journalism, Utica, NY April 2020 - April 2023
Owen Comora/RSI Tangerine Award April 2023
● Chosen by The Tangerine’s editors for outstanding and effective contributions to the publication.
Kim Landon and David Simon Award April 2023
● Awarded based on leadership, classroom achievements, extracurriculars, and journalistic excellence.
RSI/ Mildred Schwartz Tangerine Award April 2022
● Recognized by the committee for high academic attainment, personal attributes, and professional skills.
Eleanor and Matty Sokolow/RSI Writing Award April 2020
● Awarded for excellent writing proficiency in one or more public relations and journalism classes.

INVOLVEMENT
National Society of Leadership and Success, Lifetime Member December 2020 - Present
Trio Student Support Services (SSS), General Member August 2021 - December 2023