I have been on a long journey with Voice of America and have made lasting friendships and connections. I initially started in the summer of 2018 working on graphics in the Latin American (LATAM) division. In the brief time that I was with graphics, I was able to exhibit a combination of speed and accuracy that enabled me to produce a high volume of work while maintaining excellent standards for quality. I learned quickly and created broadcast and web content that aired to audiences in the Latin American region. I maintained a high level of professionalism and pursued opportunities to expand my skill set and involvement in many technical areas, this is also how I made my move into the public relations department for the fall.
During my time in public relations, I edited and created evergreen social media content, identified and catalogued diaspora media outlets throughout the U.S., researched and wrote copy for the 2020 VOA calendar (theme: national historical parks), participated in biweekly department meetings and other project planning sessions, and met some great people. Most importantly, I joined the tour guide cadre after just a couple of weeks of training and offered tours to visitors from the U.S. and overseas interested in learning more about this unique federal agency. The work I did for VOA public relations ensured that no matter, there was content that could be posted, whether it be during busy days or holidays. Some of the content I created will still be used even after I've left. I feel accomplished in the fact that I allowed my supervisors to focus on their many different and demanding tasks while I served as another resource that could take over tasks if they had to move to another project.
The most intriguing thing about VOA to me is that a number of people from all corners of the world and walks of life enter the Cohen building, the work never stops at VOA, it is home to many influential individuals who work hard at their jobs. I respect the impact VOA has and am amazed at just the number of people that tune in worldwide each week. I am grateful to have received the chance to learn and increase new abilities that are transferable to any profession I pursue in the future.
Without the support of the LATAM and Public Relations team, I would not have had the wonderful experience that I did. I am grateful for my time with Voice of America, as it was invaluable and I hope I genuinely had a positive impact on those I interacted with as well.