Cover letter writing and professional communication

¶ … applying for the position of Team Leader to work in National Geographic Student Expeditions, I am hoping to prove how my experience and expertise can be an excellent match for your requirements. I am very well travelled, having visited locations such as Europe, Africa, Japan, Greece, and New Zealand. As my CV indicates, I have had multicultural exposure during these trips. I also speak Spanish, English and basic Italian.

During my many travels across the world, I also became acquainted with both the environments and cultures of the various locations I visited. I was able to use my documenting skills in the form of photography and film to capture these experiences. For this reason, I entered the Columbia University School of Arts to complete an MFA in Film, focusing on Screenwriting and Production. I have extensive experience in photography, including color, black and white, and exposure for desired effect. In film editing, my experience includes Final Cut Pro 5, Avid Cinema, DVD Studio Pro 4 HD, and iMovie 4.0. I was able to apply these skills practically by completing a feature-length screenplay, with another currently in revision. I am currently engaged on a freelance basis, providing filming and editing services for Voyager Productions.

In terms of leadership and communication skills, my wide variety of workplace experiences have taught me to communicate clearly and effectively. Such experiences include my engagement as residential counselor, gym attendant, Starbucks barista, and the others as listed on the attached CV.

Finally, thank you for this opportunity to apply for this position. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to dedicate my skills and services to National Geographic. Thank you also for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

LINA P. cOLLADO Garcia

SUMMARY of QUALIFICATIONS

Languages: Spanish, English and basic Italian. Multicultural exposure during travels to Europe, Africa, China, Japan, Greece, Ireland, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Latin America, Cuba and the U.S.

Photography: Color, B&W, film processing and exposure for desired effect, and digital photography.

Film Editing: Extensive experience with Final Cut Pro 5, Avid Cinema, DVD Studio Pro 4 HD, iMovie 4.0.

IT System Applications: MAC/PC, Internet Search Engines, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Basic CRIS (Medical Patient Record Software), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign), Macromedia Dreamweaver MX.

(Successfully completed one feature-length screenplay and another currently in revision.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

2006-Present

New York, NY

Completed Coursework for MFA Film, with a focus on Screenwriting / Production

2006

AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY

Online Campus

BFA in Visual Communications

Summer 2003 UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI URBINO

Urbino, Italy

Italian Language Studies

2000-2004

Rio Piedras, PR

Studies in Modern Languages, Italian

2000 CONVENT of the SACRED HEART

New York, NY

High School Diploma

FREELANCE ENGAGEMENTS

2000

VOYAGER PRODUCTIONS

New York, NY

to Present

Independent Film Editor/Photographer

For the Love of Art, Film and Photography provide professional filming and editing services capturing social and musical events, such as weddings, graduations, birthdays and concerts.

( Photography recognized and published by "Shutterbug Magazine," June 2005.

(?Recognized as the official photographer for a promotional website, www.oldsanjuanpr.com.

CERTICATION & TRAININGS

Certified Professional Final Cut Pro-End-User Level 1, the Edit Center, New York, NY

Pursuing Certification Motion and DVD Studio Pro 4 HD End-User, the Edit Center, New York, NY

Screenwriting 101: Introduction to Screenplay Writing, Mark Troy, Writers.Net

Screenwriting 102: Advanced Screenplay Writing, Mark Troy, Writers.Net

WORK EXPERIENCE

2006

SILVER HILL HOSPITAL

New Canaan, CT

to present

Residential Counselor/Psychiatric Technician

2009-present

Responsible for ensuring efficient, quality functioning for adolescent unit in 28-day Transitional Living Program. Assign, assist and supervise residents in weekly duties. Supervise and participate in-house staff meetings. Manage and operate equipment safely and correctly. Cover house operations in the absence of the Senior Residential counselor. Carry out admission and discharge process for residents, while ensuring transitional living experience fosters growth and independence in residents.

( Promoted to Residential Counselor after 5 months of employment as a Psychiatric Technician on the Adolescent in-Patient Unit.

Lina P. Collado

Page 2

Gym Attendant

2006-2009

Supervised and oversaw the safety of residents and patients attending the gym. Instructed residents and patients in the proper usage of gym equipment. Reported to Recreation Therapist about any patient behaviors and equipment malfunctions. Maintained safe and clean environment. Assisted in-patient adolescent staff in group activities during weekend hours. Covered responsibilities in the absence of the Recreational Therapist; as described in SHH policy.

2006 STARBUCKS, INC.

to 2008

Barista

New Canaan, CT

Greeted, advised and took customers' orders in a fast-paced environment. Responsible for assisting in register procedures, retail consulting, making espresso drinks and any other cold/hot beverage available. Re-stocked and organized visual displays and equipment. Built customer skills.

(?Successfully initiated and maintained personal relationships with customers.

2004

CREDENCIALES

Guaynabo, PR

to 2005

Interviewer/Assistant Editor/Office Manager

Interviewed and advised clients on appropriate format and style in the preparation of professional documents in English and Spanish. Assisted in general office operations, including service quality assurance, proofreading and editing. Participated in recruiting and training office staff. Managed cash flow and balanced daily deposits. Supervised employees in scheduling and work performance.