Meet Elisabeth...

Describe your educational background. Where did you study and what degrees did you receive?

I am currently earning a BS in Journalism at Ohio University, as well as a certificate in International Studies. I plan to pursue an MA in Journalism soon after I graduate.

What have been your professional experiences prior to your current position?
As I am still a student, I have never had a “career,” but I have had some work experience. I worked in a lawyer’s office for two years in high school, I work off-and-on as an assistant for a financial advisor, and I had an internship last summer working at a small economic institute handling all of its public relations affairs. I’m also a ballet teacher on the side.

What are your current roles and responsibilities?
So far my assignments have varied from day to day, although my main responsibility is to edit and rewrite areas of the Bertelsmann career websites. I also write blog entries, copy edit documents, and soon I’ll hopefully be participating in some interactive media, such as YouTube videos and Podcasts.

Describe a typical day at your job:
I usually switch back and forth between several large projects during the day. For example, I’m currently editing the BeCruiter User Manual – a 100-page document that needs a lot of revision, and I’m also helping one of my supervisors with a PowerPoint slide.
One of my main goals this summer is to rewrite part of the Create Your Own Career website so that it will be more oriented toward a college demographic. That’s a project that will probably be ongoing throughout the summer.

What attracted you to your company and position?
The first thing that caught my eye was the location; I knew I wanted to be in New York City over the summer because there is so much going on culturally and professionally here.
I also knew that Bertelsmann was a reputable company with a very good internship program, and the job description that I responded to sounded like a perfect fit. They wanted someone very detail-oriented with experience in different types of media. My experience so far has been very positive.

What has been your most memorable moment (so far) in your job?
I’ve only been working here for three weeks so far, so I haven’t had too many “moments” yet, but I like going to lunch every day with the team and getting to know them. They’re all very good-humored and I enjoy talking to them.

If you could meet anyone from history, living or dead, who would it be?
I’d love to meet Audrey Hepburn, who was beautiful and talented, but also very giving and charitable.
I would also love to take a guitar lesson from Eric Clapton if I could!

If I were a cartoon character, I would be Lisa Simpson. She’s ambitious and proactive, and also a little rebellious.

What qualities do you feel are necessary to be a successful employee at your company?
I think you have to be outgoing and assertive, but willing to be flexible.

Do you feel you have a good understanding of Bertelsmann and its corporate culture?
I’m beginning to understand it better, although I am still very new to the company. I think Bertelsmann strives to be modern and one step ahead of the rest. It recognizes the importance of its employees’ comfort and strives for transparency at all levels.

My favorite book, movie and artist are
Book: Anything by Terry Pratchett
Movie: Pan’s Labyrinth
Artist: A tie between Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, and Queens of the Stone Age