HELLO, I'M
MARISSA
WILMOT.
Public Relations Graduate
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About Me
I am Marissa Wilmot. As a recent public relations graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University, I will be open to job opportunities in 2020. My professional goal is to work as a public relations professional in the private sector. I have strong communication skills, an eye for detail, and I am highly organized.
Co-op Work Experience
May 2019 – Aug. 2019
My third and final co-op was at Nova Scotia Power Inc.
I was the primary writer, editor, and layout artist for the weekly internal newsletter Powergram. To improve its flow, I studied best practices of email newsletters, poured over editions of decades past, and analyzed the results of a readership survey. Then I made changes based on the evidence. For employees with access to a computer or mobile device I used the Microsoft Outlook add-in BananaTag. To reach employees in the field, like powerline technicians, I used the digital signage software ScreenScape.
Another aspect of my role was managing applications for the corporate citizenship program Good Neighbour, which involved rewarding employees for volunteering and/or fundraising at non-profit organizations in their communities. Initially this program produced a lot of clerical work, but by working with the Information Technology department, I was able to convert the Microsoft Word application forms to SharePoint 2016 lists available on the intranet so printing, scanning, emailing, and data entry were no longer a large part of the process.
I wrote communication plans for the reduction of single-use plastics at headquarters and the roll out of a new cyber security awareness platform at Emera Inc. and its Canadian affiliates. I also created a communication plan checklist tailored to the company to ensure all initiatives were tied to our guiding principles and that all tactics were considered.
Volunteer opportunities in this role included the IWK Telethon, Farrell Street Park BBQ Grand Reopening, and the Halifax Pride Parade. While volunteering I took photographs and later wrote about the events in the newsletter to recognize employees for their efforts.
At the end of the semester I earned my third nomination for the Mount Co-op Student of the Year Award.
Sept. 2018 – Dec. 2018
My second co-op was at Nova Scotia Health Authority.
They wished to be perceived as a caring and compassionate health organization instead of a large government bureaucracy. To help accomplish this, I conducted interviews and wrote six stories profiling health care workers and health care initiatives.
A number of communication and event planning opportunities arose during this co-op. In October I assisted in developing communication plans for healthy workplace month and a new infant feeding policy. In November I provided communications support for a two-day conference attended by 200 delegates. Also in November I wrote speaking notes for the executive leadership team for use at long service award events across the province.
At the end of the semester I earned my second nomination for the 2018 Mount Co-op Student of the Year Award.
Jan. 2018 – April 2018
My first co-op was at Alice House, a non-profit organization that "provides opportunities for women and their children to create a life free from intimate partner violence by offering safe housing, counselling, and support services." I wrote that mission statement in collaboration with the executive director.
The public relations department was made up of one person (me). I took it upon myself to develop an overall communication plan informed by primary and secondary research in order to provide strategic direction for the department.
Following the new plan, I designed new brochures, donor appreciation materials, and images for social media. Before their release I created and implemented an evaluation system.
In coordination with a marketing and website development agency, I helped with the creation of a new website for Alice House by offering my input during meetings, selecting images, and formatting pages to ensure brand consistency. I wrote all the content on the new website.
To gain publicity for the new brand and website, I produced a promotional video for online use. The video garnered 3,000 views and 35 new followers. I also wrote a press release, which resulted in front-page coverage in the Halifax Star.
At the end of the semester I earned my first nomination for the 2018 Mount Co-op Student of the Year Award.
Education
2019 / DEC
Mount Saint Vincent University
I finished my studies at MSVU in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Public Relations and Minor in Communication Technology. I was the recipient of a President’s Scholarship (valued at $36,000) and the 2015 Canadian Public Relations Society First Year Student Scholarship (valued at $1,000).
As secretary on the Public Relations and Communications Society, I planned professional development, networking, volunteer and social events with the team. In 2015 I won first place in a MSVU student union video contest.
My cumulative grade point average was 4.25 out of a possible 4.30. I earned the Senate Medal of Distinction for my effort, which recognizes students who graduate “with distinction and with highest aggregate” in their diploma or bachelor program.
I also gained membership to Kappa Gamma Pi (the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society), which is based on scholarship, leadership, and service. Members are selected for recognition of past accomplishments and in anticipation of future service.
2014 / JUNE
Dartmouth High School
At DHS I balanced my devotion to school work with extra-curricular activities. These activities included multicultural club, executive student council, school advisory committee, junior achievement, the school newspaper, environment club, and a theatrical production of A Christmas Carol (I was Tiny Tim).
I grew comfortable leading others by attending 10 leadership conferences organized by Nova Scotia Secondary School Students’ Association (NSSSA). These conferences were an experience I wanted to share with others, so I raised over $500 to enable three students who were financially disadvantaged to attend the 2013 provincial conference.
My 15 minutes of fame happened when the ukulele club, which I co-led with two others, performed for Justin Trudeau in the school auditorium.
I earned the highest aggregate average (97.4%) in my graduating class, for which I was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Medal. I was also awarded with the Principal’s Award of Excellence, Citizenship Award, Duke of Edinburg Award, Comparative World Religions Award, and Platinum D Award.
You are welcome to watch my high school graduation.
Contact Me
Nova Scotia, Canada