Soojung Paek, Candidate for Director of Communication
Graduate Degree Program: Master’s student, Arts Management, College of Visual and Performing Arts (full-time student)
Expected Date of Graduation: May 2024
Campus of Academic Department: Mason Square (Arlington)
Campus(es) of Classes, Work, and/or Residence: Mason Square (Arlington)
Biography and Candidate Statement
As a passionate advocate for the arts, community engagement, and cultural diversity, I am excited to run for the position of Director of Communications for the Graduate and Professional Student Association. My educational background in Arts Management, combined with my extensive work experience in PR, marketing, and cultural planning, has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to lead efforts in engaging graduate and professional students through effective communication strategies. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in PR and marketing, Project management, event management, social media, and education. I have worked as a marketing manager for the Changwon Exhibition & Convention Center, PR Manager for the Changwon Performing Art Group, and Cultural Planning Director for Handeulsandeul social cooperative. I have also served as a freelance arts educator and cultural reporter for various public organizations. My passion for art and community engagement has led me to volunteer at the Mason Exhibitions campus galleries and the Korean American Children’s Harmony, where I am involved in promoting public value through art. As a candidate for the Director of Communications position in the Graduate and Professional Student Association, I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to promote the greater good of the community. I would like to use my skills in PR and marketing to help engage graduate and professional students through effective communication efforts. In addition, I will use my skills in project and event management to develop professional development programs for graduate students. By building a stronger graduate community that promotes personal and academic success, we can increase Mason’s competitive edge and improve the graduate experience for all. I am fluent in Korean and have experience in cross-cultural communication, which I believe will be invaluable in promoting cultural diversity within the graduate community. I am committed to enhancing the graduate experience, and building a stronger graduate community that promotes personal and academic success. If given the opportunity to serve as the Director of Communications for GAPSA, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the voice of graduate and professional students is heard and that we build a stronger, more connected community.
Availability and Commitment to the Time and Expectations of the Position
I am confident that I will be able to meet the time commitments and expectations of the position. During the 2023-2024 Academic Year, I plan to take 9 credits each semester, which will allow me to balance my academic responsibilities with my role as Director of Communications for GAPSA. In addition, I will continue to volunteer at Mason Exhibitions and Korean American Children’s Harmony once or twice a month. I understand that the position may require additional time commitments during certain periods, and I am willing to make adjustments to my schedule to fulfill these obligations.