Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Referees
Timeline
Generic
Donna Olsen

Donna Olsen

Journalist
Palmerston North,MWT

Summary

I am a journalist with more than 20 years' experience in print, news directing, digital, software implementation and support, and web design.

I am an experienced user of Genera (Super User), Adobe Suite comprising InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and most other Adobe programmes. I am a proficient user of Composer, CQ, and Newslink.

I have an active role within the print team as a print producer, but also fill in as production editor - responsible for the entire print team and publications, quality and deadlines.

I also have experience as a news director, editing and publishing for digital and print.

I have been a graphic designer within the company responsible for graphics, masthead skyboxes and InDesign page design.

I have been closely involved in software training and support roles. These days, I am a senior journalist in the print team and am responsible for editing and laying out pages in multiple print mastheads.

I have been a trainer and in a supportive role for most software roll-outs over the years.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Print Producer

Stuff, Stuff.co.nz
01.2018 - Current
  • Responsible for editing and laying out the Manawatū Standard and various other titles in an evening shift.
  • Regularly take on extra workloads and juggle these responsibilities into one shift.
  • Fill in as night production editor when needed. Have learned skills to gently direct other print producers towards deadlines, stepping in when help is needed.

Sub Editor

Stuff Media/ Fairfax Media
01.2012 - 01.2018
  • Reapplying for my job after working on Australian publications, I applied and was successful obtaining a role with the AgriMedia team.
  • Was responsible for laying out and editing all weekly rural Stuff publications.
  • Learned how to milk cows.
  • Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
  • Worked closely with editors, designers and writers around New Zealand.

News Sub Editor

Fairfax Media/INL
Palmerston North, Manawatu
11.2005 - 01.2012
  • Early morning news bench sub editor, laying out and responsible for breaking news and the morning's first edition.
  • Being the sole person experienced with InDesign, once put out the entire edition by myself (when faced with a server meltdown).
  • Quickly took on a training position as a "Genera Super User".
  • Taught other people how to become proficient users in a new software programme.
  • Prepared, rewrote and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
  • Was part of the team designing and testing the change from broadsheet to compact.
  • Took on added responsibilities as graphic designer working on the daily mastheads, sports, features and news graphics under the designer team until seconded into the Australian titles.

Features Sub Editor

INL
Palmerston North, Manawatu
11.2004 - 11.2005
  • Applied knowledge of production to create high-quality images.
  • Completed in-depth product design tests with help of different software, models and design systems.
  • Worked with Atex, InDesign, Photoshop and Genera systems.
  • Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.

Sub Editor Cadetship

Ashburton Guardian Ltd
Ashburton, Canterbury
01.1998 - 01.2004
  • Prepared, rewrote and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
  • Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy and compliance with quality standards.
  • Wrote, edited, researched and published a weekly explainer feature and puzzle pages for young adults.

Web Designer

Ashburton Guardian Internet Ltd
Ashburton, Canterbury
01.1997 - 01.1998
  • Built and maintained more than 400 business, education and community websites.
  • Taught groups in email and internet use.

Education

Small business management

Journalist cadetship, [Ashburton Guardian Ltd
01.1997 - 04.1998

School Certificate

Avonside Girls" High School
Christchurch
12.1983 - 04.1997

Referees

Kylie Walker, Production Editor, Stuff Print Team. Phone: 021 02734867. Email: kylie.walker@stuff.co.nz

Matthew Dallas, Regional Editor, Manawatu. Phone: 027 8369009. Email: matthew.dallas@stuff.co.nz

Timeline

Print Producer

Stuff, Stuff.co.nz
01.2018 - Current

Sub Editor

Stuff Media/ Fairfax Media
01.2012 - 01.2018

News Sub Editor

Fairfax Media/INL
11.2005 - 01.2012

Features Sub Editor

INL
11.2004 - 11.2005

Sub Editor Cadetship

Ashburton Guardian Ltd
01.1998 - 01.2004

Small business management

Journalist cadetship, [Ashburton Guardian Ltd
01.1997 - 04.1998

Web Designer

Ashburton Guardian Internet Ltd
01.1997 - 01.1998

School Certificate

Avonside Girls" High School
12.1983 - 04.1997

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