My Resume

Esther Robards-Forbes
robardsforbes@yahoo.com

Summary:
--Reporter with a strong track record for producing informative, concise and accurate articles under tight deadlines.

--Strong interviewing and interpersonal skills coupled with research and investigative skills.

--Proven track record of launching successful start-up publications and organizations that stand the test of time.

Experience:
Staff Writer
Nov. 2006-Present--The Charlotte Observer--Charlotte NC
--Conducted numerous enterprise reporting and general assignment projects for the regional sections of the Charlotte Observer.
--Wrote a weekly entertainment column for Features called "On the Loop" about the best events going on around Charlotte.
--Contributed stories and commentary to Features, Metro, and Business sections.
--Administered the Observer social networking efforts on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more.
--Maintained and contributed to CharlotteObserver.com on a daily basis.
--Was chosen to team that compiled and launched online events database events.charlotteobserver.com. I continue to manage the site.
--Launched occasional series profiling military personnel.
--Awarded three in-house awards for outstanding writing.

News Editor
Sept. 2005-Sept. 2006--Postgraduate Magazine--Edinburgh, UK
--Selected to team of Napier University grad students to create a new magazine targeting current and prospective graduate students throughout Scotland.
--Managed a staff of 10 reporters and photographers.

Education
Master of Science in Journalism 2006, Napier University, Edinburgh UK.

B.S. in Journalism 2005, Texas A&M University, College Station TX.

Certified in Shorthand, 100 wpm.

Other occupations unrelated to Journalism:

Cowgirl
1987-2005
--Worked on ranches with my father. Primary duties included bovine and equine care, herding, fence building. Developed particular skills in horsemanship and horse training.

Martial Arts Instructor
2001-2005
--I hold a black belt in American Karate and specialize in teaching self defense.

Girl Scout Camp Councilor
2002-2003
--Worked as a full-time councilor for two summers at Camp Mitre Peak near Alpine TX. Became a certified archery instructor.

Electronics Sales
2004
--Worked one summer selling computer components for Fry's Electronics in Austin, TX. Learned to build a computer from scratch.

Horsemanship Instructor
2005
--Worked for several months for Idlewood Stables in Austin TX as a Western and English horsemanship instructor for children and adults.

Lingerie Sales
2006
--Worked as a sales associate for La Senza Lingerie on Edinburgh's Prince's Street.

Professional Monster
2008
--Worked at Carowinds theme park, Charlotte NC, during Halloween season. Starred for 6 weeks as the Alien Queen, the final, climactic monster in the Alien Anihilation maze.

Writing Samples and References:

Writing samples can be found on this site and are available by request. References are available by request.