Laurien Barks
E-mail:-Phone: -
Address: Melbourne, Australia
WORK EXPERIENCE
Intelligent Ink - January 2018 - Present
I currently work as a freelance copywriter for the New Zealand company, Intelligent Ink. I create copy for a
range of businesses and purposes. With Intelligent Ink, I have created copy for press releases, charity
fundraisers, and case studies.
Spotzer Media - January 2018 - Present
I currently work as a freelance copywriter for Spotzer Media in Melbourne. I create copy for small to
medium businesses which is then used on their website. I have created website copy for trades
businesses, cafes, holistic clinics, dentists, beauticians, etc.
Care On Call - April 2017 - March 2018
I cared for a young woman with a traumatic brain injury. I assisted in day-to-day tasks, drove her to
appointments, helped manage her rehabilitation, aided walking and tranfers, cooked, and provided
companionship. I constantly liaise with a vast team of neuro physiologists, personal trainers, nutritionists,
speech and occupational therapists, and ACC and care providers to ensure her progress was optimal.
AUT Debate Magazine - August 2014 - March 2017
Editor (March 2015 - March 2017)
I worked as the Editor of Debate Magazine. The majority of my job was overseeing, collecting, and writing
content for the weekly magazine. I managed 20 - 30 volunteer contributors, and have lead a team of up to
6 paid staff members - though the numbers varied depending on the time of year. As well as Debate, I
was in charge of other AuSM publications, such as the student diary, posters/flyers, and any other
newsletters/website content that was needed. During my time as editor, the magazine won a total of 15
Aotearoa Student Press Association Awards, including two “Best Editorial Writer” awards, and one “Best
Publication in New Zealand”.
Sub-editor (August 2014 - March 2015)
I worked 20 hours a week writing articles, editing contributors’ content, and assisting in compiling the
weekly student magazine.
Synergy Brand Experience - November 2014 - April 2015
Brand Ambassador
I worked over the summer and into the new year as a Brand Ambassador. I promoted and sampled
products in grocery stores, as well as travelled the North Island promoting bigger campaigns in an
outdoor and hands-on environment.
Point England Primary School - July 2013 — July 2014
Blog Administrator
I set up or take down educational blogs used by students in the more technologically focused primary
schools. There are no set hours, I am contacted when there are blogs to be created or removed.
Bucklands Beach Veterinary Hospital - Sept 2008 — September 2014
Cleaner and casual receptionist
Once a week I clean the clinic and care for the animals (feed, water, walk, play with, etc.). Over holidays, I
am occasionally called in to cover reception duties and assist the vets wherever I am needed. This
includes answering phones, handling money, customer service, as well as assisting with animal care in
surgery.
Clyne Model Management - Jan 2009 — Mar 2013
Model
I spent the initial year and a half learning about the industry and working for free, but the remaining time I
was employed on a regular basis. A lot of contract work with magazine editorials, fashion week,
independent catwalk shows, etc. I benefited greatly from this in terms of public relations and building
communication skills as personality plays such a large role in employment.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Have been a weekly contributor to AUT’s university magazine, Debate, from February 2014 to August
2014, before accepting the paid role of subeditor, and later editor. This involved writing and submitting
articles and reviews (of varying subject matter) to be published in the student magazine every week.
- Worked for three weeks as a substitute Marketing Manager for AuSM at AUT. My duties included
management of the social media pages, selling ads, and meeting with clients. In my three weeks, I made
over $2500 worth of sales, and initiated meetings with clients who are now involved with the organization
on an ongoing basis.
-Worked as a brand ambassador for Synergy Brand Experience, which involved being personable, having
the initiative to approach and sell in a tactful manner, and working within a team.
- Directed Body of Faith at the University of Auckland in 2014. This involved organizing and creatively
shaping 18 university students aged 17-28 for three months of rehearsals. This also involved leading a
team of over 40 students in production roles such as set design, costume, music composition, lighting,
etc.
- Was the co-president of the University of Auckland drama club, Stage Two for the 2014 University year.
Duties involved leading a club of 350 students, creating and organizing regular club activities and
productions, communicating with all club members via email and social media, being in charge of
budgeting and earning club money, being approachable and knowledgeable about the club as well as
university in general.
- Have worked in cafes, restaurants, canteens, and bars, learning to cash handle, make coffee, and
develop admirable communication skills
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts Feb 2013 — November 2017
University of Auckland
Major in English and minor in Psychology.
Other papers have included Film and Media Studies, Anthropology, Statistics, Dance, Sociology,
Philosophy, and Drama.
Psychological papers have a focus on personality studies and social cognition.
English papers range from Shakespeare to contemporary to creative writing.
College 2008 — 2011
Macleans College
Skipped a year in 2008.Completed A levels. Gained NZQA scholarship in both Drama and English in
2011.
INTERESTS
Creative Writing
Film - both production and appreciation
Youth Mentoring - young girls from disadvantaged homes
Outdoor activities such as tramping, water sports, camping, etc.
Playing the Violin (have played for 18 years), and singing on a casual basis for weddings and small
events
Cooking and Baking
Animal Care - fostering kittens, volunteering at shelters or vet clinics
REFERENCES
References available upon request.
