Emma Brustkern is a digital content producer at Local 5 News and a recent graduate of Drake University. View her resume here.
Work Experience
Local 5 News, We Are Iowa
Digital Content Producer
(May 2022 – present)
- Write, draft and copy edit exclusive digital content
- Utilize SEO best practices to promote content to wide audience
- Curate social media posts to ensure audience is up-to-date on latest news
- Monitor page views, social media interactions and other key data points
- Increase digital presence across all platforms
Meredith Corporation
Editorial Apprentice – Meredith Premium Publishing
(Sept. 2021 – May 2022)
- Copy edited print and digital stories to improve clarity and grammatical structure
- Ensured all content is in line with the company style guide
- Developed an understanding and awareness of SEO practices
The Times-Delphic
Editor-in-Chief
(May 2021 – May 2022)
- Mentored and managed staff of 10 college students while encouraging their growth as journalists
- Completed final edits of weekly newspaper and submitted to printer
- Implemented innovative ideas, such as weekly newsletter and writer’s workshops, to improve campus news coverage
News Editor
(May 2020 – May 2021)
- Edited stories and report on news relating to Drake University and the Des Moines community
- Coordinated with Breaking News Manager to ensure timely, accurate coverage
- Designed layouts for weekly paper, including the front page, using InDesign
Features Editor
(May 2019 – May 2020)
- Edited stories and report on feature stories relating to Drake University and the Des Moines community
- Created InDesign layouts for pages for weekly issues
- Ensured that story ideas represent a diverse range of people and experiences
Indianola Independent Advocate
Reporting Intern
(May 2021 – Sept. 2021)
- Covered local government and wrote 4+ feature-length stories per week for online publication
- Collected and summarized data relating to COVID-19 in Warren County
- Organized and pitched content ideas for the annual National Balloon Classic print edition
Drake University
Communications Intern
(Feb. 2020 – Aug. 2021)
- Wrote feature-length articles for the eBlue alumni newsletter and the Drake University newsroom
- Copy edited admissions materials prior to publishing and mailing
- Worked with social media team to increase online engagement
- Developed and coordinated Bright College social media content
Drake Mag
Managing Editor
(Jan. 2020 – May 2020)
- Managed writers and photographers within the Music and Entertainment and Health and Sex sections
- Aided writers in finding sources, creating interview questions, and brainstorming new ideas
- Acted as part of the editorial team to edit stories throughout the magazine
Associate Editor
(May 2019-Jan. 2020)
- Managed writers and photographers within the Food and Drink section
- Acted as a part of the editorial team to edit stories throughout the magazine
Assistant Online Editor
(Aug. 2018 – May 2019)
- Worked closely with Editor-in-Chief to communicate with staff writers
- Formulated ideas to increase content on our website, drakemagazine.com
Education
Drake University
(Aug. 2018 – May 2022)
- BAJMC in News Journalism
- BA in Politics with a minor in Sociology
- 3.83 GPA
- Awards: John Lytle Endowed Scholarship for News Journalism, Mary Westphalen Scholarship, Harrison Harding Scholarship
- Involvement: Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, Pi Sigma Alpha, Student Senate, Provost’s Student Advisory Council