Serena Thiede
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Professional editorial specialist prepared to excel in sports journalism field. Extensive experience leading editorial operations and crafting compelling sports narratives. Known for strong team collaboration and adaptability, consistently delivering high-quality content that meets changing needs. Proficient in editorial planning, content creation, and deadline management.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Resident Assistant
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
08.2024 - 12.2026
- Coordinate daily activities, outings, and community programming
- Practice conflict resolution and communication skills to maintain a safe environment
- Support an average of 80 residents daily
- Collaborate with university staff to support resident health, safety, and wellbeing
Athletic Communications Broadcast Assistant
Drake Athletics
Des Moines, IA
12.2023 - 12.2026
- Write content for the athletic department and assist with media operations
- Work high-profile sporting events including conference championships and Drake Relays
- Conduct athlete interviews and support behind-the-scenes media coordination
- Organize and research data for high-profile stories and previews
Sports Editor / Reporter
Times-Delphic
Des Moines, IA
08.2023 - 12.2026
- Write multiple sports stories weekly, including interviews, game coverage, and long-form features
- Provide consistent coverage of men’s and women’s athletics across print and digital platforms
- Manage a full newspaper section including editing, layout, and collaboration with staff writers
- Assist with production of print and online editions
- Cover special events including Drake Relays and team media days
Lead in Training
Adams Leadership Institute
Des Moines, IA
08.2023 - 12.2026
- Complete 16+ hours per semester of leadership development training
- Participate in leadership conferences and community engagement initiatives
Barista
BIGGBY COFFEE
Grand Rapids, MI
05.2024 - 02.2025
- Manage cash handling, sales tracking, and inventory
- Train coworkers on a 40+ drink menu
- Collaborate on social media content to increase community engagement
Team Lead
Panera Bread
Grand Rapids, MI
05.2021 - 02.2024
- Trained and supervised store personnel
- Assisted in onboarding and training 10+ new employees
- Balanced 40+ hour work weeks while maintaining academic excellence
Editor-in-Chief
Forest Hills Central Sports Report
Grand Rapids, MI
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Led a staff of 20+ writers and editors
- Edited and published stories within 24 hours of athletic events
- Managed award shows honoring top student-athletes
- Provided live social media coverage at state championship events
Sales Associate
Hallmark
Grand Rapids, MI
11.2020 - 04.2021
- Managed inventory and customer orders
- Resolved customer service issues during high-volume seasonal periods
Education
B.A. - Multimedia Journalism and Advertising, Writing
Drake University
Des Moines, IA12.2026
Master of Arts - International Communications
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05.2028
Skills
- Reporting & Interviewing
- News Writing
- Editing & Layout
- Multimedia Storytelling
- Broadcast Production
- AP Style
- Social Media Reporting
- Time Management
- Time management
- Supportive
- Relationship building
- Student leadership
Accomplishments
- New York Times Featured Journalist
- 2026 Drake University Wanda E. Everage Outstanding Peer Mentor Award Winner
- 2025 Pinnacle Award — Best Division II Weekly Newspaper Winner
- 2025 Pinnacle Award — Best Multimedia Sports Story (Third Place)
Timeline
Resident Assistant
Drake University
08.2024 - 12.2026
Barista
BIGGBY COFFEE
05.2024 - 02.2025
Athletic Communications Broadcast Assistant
Drake Athletics
12.2023 - 12.2026
Sports Editor / Reporter
Times-Delphic
08.2023 - 12.2026
Lead in Training
Adams Leadership Institute
08.2023 - 12.2026
Editor-in-Chief
Forest Hills Central Sports Report
09.2022 - 05.2023
Team Lead
Panera Bread
05.2021 - 02.2024
Sales Associate
Hallmark
11.2020 - 04.2021
B.A. - Multimedia Journalism and Advertising, Writing
Drake University
Master of Arts - International Communications
Michigan State University
PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIPS
- Sports Intern — NBC WOOD-TV8
- Grand Rapids, MI
- May 2025 – Aug 2025
- Supported sports reporters and producers with live and recorded broadcast coverage
- Conducted interviews, gathered footage, and assisted with scripting and editing
- Helped produce multimedia sports stories under daily newsroom deadlines
- Communications Intern — Iowa National Guard
- Des Moines, IA
- Jan 2025 – May 2025
- Assisted with internal and external communications for state-level military operations
- Wrote and edited digital content, press materials, and organizational messaging
- Collaborated with communications officers on public-facing campaigns