Photo courtesy Garrison Photo

Laura Rush

Email: lr3721a [at] student [dot] american [dot] edu

Education

M.A. in Interactive Journalism, 2010 (expected)
American University | Washington, D.C.
Coursework includes writing and editing for convergent media, digital storytelling, and technical skills such as HTML, CSS, narrated slideshows, and audio editing

B.A. in English with Honors, May 2007
George Mason University | Fairfax, Va.

Technical Skills

Web and Multimedia

Applications

Operating Systems

  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Dreamweaver
  • Soundslides
  • Audacity
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • MS Word
  • MS Excel
  • MS Access
  • PowerPoint
  • Windows
  • Mac OS

Experience

Writer/Editor | Bureau of National Affairs (BNA), Arlington, Va.
September 2007-Present

Summary: Given increasing levels of responsibility in writing/editing for numerous publications and managing technical production processes for various products released in print, CD and online

  • Research and track state and federal legislation within assigned coverage areas of minimum wage, overtime, and child labor law
  • Maintain accuracy of multiple reference library products by updating them with any changes in state or federal law within coverage areas
  • Write articles and news briefs for the Payroll Administration Guide Newsletter, a bi-weekly publication with news and information for payroll professionals
  • Assigned to cover the 2008 American Payroll Association Congress in Austin, Texas
  • Assisted in writing scripts for BNA’s first video podcast series covering news in compensation and benefits
  • Given editorial responsibility for selecting articles from various BNA publications to post on multiple specialized subscriber websites
  • Manage production processes for conversion of online library products to CD and print products for subscriber
  • Promoted after 15 months and given responsibility for additional coverage areas

Intern | Voice of America, Washington, D.C.
June 2007-August 2007

Summary: Assigned to write articles and manage several research projects, increasing my knowledge of business and marketing practices at an international news organization

  • Researched and wrote news copy in the Central News Division
  • Worked with Khmer Service to consolidate and analyze survey results from Cambodia audience to determine the method used by most listeners to hear VOA programming. Analysis from survey used by VOA to determine future broadcasting plans in Cambodia aimed at increasing market penetration.
  • Conducted a survey across all language services broadcasting in TV to determine amount of acquired programming utilized annually. Results of survey used by VOA to make renewal decisions for acquired programming.

Human Resources Information Systems Manager | The Carlyle Group, Washington, D.C.
December 2000-February 2007

  • Researched issues as they arose regarding multi-currency global employee compensation
  • Wrote detailed, concise analysis of research, including recommendations for solutions
  • Created and managed a human resources database in MS Access, including enhancement and customization of system to meet changing needs
  • Designed queries and reports to analyze company-wide employee compensation in multiple currencies, combining data from multiple databases
  • Reviewed compensation information submitted from international offices for accuracy before uploading into HRIS system