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NISHITA PATEL

Clermont FL, 34711 | (352) 449-2372 | [email protected]

Skills

· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, showcasing advanced management skills and a planning-driven approach.

· Enthusiastic leader with dedication to organized and efficient work environments, complemented by strong problem-solving abilities.

· Fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, facilitating effective communication and collaboration within diverse teams.

Education Lake-Sumter State College Leesburg, FL

Bachelors in Strategic Leadership- Project Management Expected: December 2024

Related Courses: Human Resource Management Intro. To Project Management Advanced Business Communication Marketing for Managers

Certifications

CNA Certified December 2020

Experience

CO-Owner and Photographer

Sai Photography- Montverde, FL January 2021- Current

· Collaborated with clients to solicit feedback on selecting, uploading, and retouching family portraits

· Managed bookkeeping and other clerical duties consisting of expense reporting and scheduling shoots.

· Established best practices for at studio photo shoots involving effective lighting and right exposure with the help of camera equipment that reduced the time to complete shoots by 22%.

· Responsible for designing albums, wall-art, editing images, set preparation, wardrobe, and backdrops.

Marketing and Communication Intern

Habitat for Humanity- Eustis, FL May 2024- August 2024

· Clicked images for the volunteers who came to build houses.

· Created a dignitary list for Lake and Sumter County them to invite for big events.

· Social Media Posts, Marketing emails for Third party fund-raising.

Patient Care Coordinator

Advent Health- Kissimmee, FL November 2021- November 2022

· Provided customer support for patients over the phone daily as well as solved any immediate queries.

· Accountable for pre-surgery patient scheduling in the most efficient manner giving precedence to patient needs, staffing and hospital's capacity with reference to master calendar.

· Qualified to study patient surgery charts to assist nurses with questions and medical history.

Honors/Awards

· Represented school at district and state level volleyball tournament. (2017-2018)

· Distinction Australian National Chemistry Quiz.

· Academic competition held by National & Science, Cyber Olympiad Foundation & International Mathematics Olympiad

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My academic journey has been full of ups and downs, beginning when I moved to the United States after graduating high school in India. During a year-long gap, I discovered a passion for photography and pursued a course with the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP). Transitioning to the U.S. was challenging, as I had to adapt to a completely different education system.

Initially, I aimed to become a nurse and spent two years studying for it. However, I eventually realized that my true interests lay elsewhere, leading me to switch my focus to Business Administration. After earning my associate's degree, I was unsure whether to continue with my studies or devote myself full-time to the photography business I run with my dad. After taking a semester off, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in Project Management at Lake-Sumter State College. The fully online program allowed me to continue working while expanding my knowledge. Throughout this journey, I have studied subjects such as Organizational Behavior, Financial Management, Advanced Business Communication, Legal Ethics, Introduction to Organizational Management, and Marketing Management.

Assess one’s personal management and leadership styles and formulate an ongoing developmental plan to build on strengths and address any weaknesses.

The Organizational Behavior course offered an in-depth exploration of the dynamics that influence the behavior of individuals and groups within organizations. Through the course, students gained a comprehensive understanding of how organizational culture, structure, and processes affect employee motivation, performance, and overall job satisfaction. The curriculum emphasized the significance of effective communication, decision-making, and leadership in fostering a productive work environment.

In addition to these core topics, the course delved into the intricacies of organizational culture and how it shapes the behavior of employees. I examined different types of organizational cultures and the implications they have on management practices, employee engagement, and organizational success. For instance, I applied a collaborative culture by fostering open communication and encouraging creativity by discussing. This allowed my dad and I to brainstorm ideas for unique photoshoot themes, such as our latest new project of photographing 40 women over 40. The course also explored the concept of power and politics within organizations, providing a framework for understanding how power dynamics influence decision-making and organizational behavior. In my photography business, I implemented this knowledge by adopting a more democratic leadership approach, which gave my team the confidence to contribute ideas on client interactions and marketing strategies, ensuring more balanced and inclusive decision-making processes.

Program Outcome #2

The marketing pitch plan assignment significantly enhanced my understanding of business operations, especially under budget constraints. This project was not just a learning experience but a transformative one, offering deep insights into how businesses can thrive despite limited resources. I learned the critical importance of maximizing impact with a tight budget, a vital lesson for anyone starting a new venture. The assignment highlighted that strategic planning and resourcefulness are key to building a strong business foundation when financial resources are constrained.

For instance, focusing on cost-effective marketing strategies and leveraging every available resource can lead to successful outcomes, even with minimal funding. This approach involves prioritizing essential actions and making the most of each dollar spent rather than attempting to cover all aspects of the business at once. The experience emphasized that with thoughtful planning and targeted execution, a small budget can still achieve significant results.

This lesson is particularly relevant for me and my business, where managing costs while striving for growth is crucial. By applying the insights gained from this assignment, I can make informed decisions that align with our financial limitations and optimize our marketing efforts. This involves being strategic about allocating resources, focusing on high-impact activities, and leveraging our strengths to build a strong brand presence. The skills and knowledge acquired from this assignment will guide me in navigating budgetary challenges effectively, ensuring that my business can achieve its goals and thrive in a competitive market.

Program Outcome #3

Employ relevant technological tools and demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate resources when researching issues and formulating viable alternatives.

For example, in my photography business, I can better manage working capital by closely monitoring client invoices and offering clear payment terms. Doing so ensures that I have enough liquidity to cover operational costs like rent and equipment maintenance. Additionally, managing inventory levels for photo-related services, such as printed albums, helps balance the business’s short-term cash flow needs.

Another essential takeaway is the time value of money (TVM). TVM refers to the idea that money received today is worth more than the same amount received in the future. This concept is particularly relevant in photography, where clients often pay in advance for future services. By understanding TVM, I can reinvest this cash flow into improving the business, such as by upgrading equipment or enhancing my studio, which can increase future revenue.

Capital budgeting, another significant concept, involves evaluating long-term investments and ensuring that they align with the business’s growth strategy. For instance, if I were to invest in a new photography studio or higher-quality equipment, I could use financial evaluation methods such as net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) to determine whether the investment would contribute positively to my business's long-term success.

In conclusion, understanding financial management concepts like working capital management, the time value of money, and capital budgeting enables me to make more informed financial decisions in my photography business. These strategies will help me maintain liquidity, make smart investments, and ensure the overall sustainability of Sai Photography.

Program Outcome # 4

Exhibit context-appropriate management and/or leadership and when needed, serve as a change agent within one’s organization and community.

This assignment stood out because it challenged me to explore ethical complexities within educational institutions and how these issues translate to real-world business environments. By analyzing the perspectives of students, the professor, and the university, I gained a deeper understanding of fairness, justice, and transparency. The professor, as a key figure in the academic setting, plays a crucial role in shaping ethical decisions and practices. I found the concepts from Chapter 9, which focused on 'Corporate Social Responsibility,' particularly useful in understanding the broader impact of ethical decisions. The chapter emphasized that organizations must not only focus on profitability but also consider their responsibilities to the community and all stakeholders. A rich literature on corporate social performance suggests three reasons that corporations should care about social responsibility: a pragmatic reason, an ethical reason, and a strategic reason (Trevino et al., 2010).

From Chapter 9, I also learned that businesses should actively contribute to societal well-being, which aligns with my efforts to support local events and charities such as the events hosted by South-Lake Chamber of Commerce- Teachers Appreciation, First Responders, Annual Gala through volunteering photography services. This assignment helped reinforce that ethical conduct and social responsibility are crucial for long-term success, whether in an academic or business setting. By understanding and applying these moral principles, I can create a business culture that values integrity, fairness, and social impact.

Applying frameworks like utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and the categorical imperative allowed me to critically assess the decisions made by each party and understand the importance of maintaining consistency and fairness. This is something I can implement in my own photography business. For example, I ensure transparent communication with my clients and fair pricing, which helps build trust and a positive reputation. Additionally, like Professor Young, I establish clear expectations from the beginning, whether for new clients or subcontractors, to avoid misunderstandings later on.

Use critical thinking and apply personal and professional ethics when making managerial or leadership decisions.

I gained some excellent knowledge from an internship in Organizational Management. "Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply conceptual knowledge learned in an academic context to real-world business settings, offering tangible benefits not only to students but also to the organizations that host them" (Degravel, Hertz, & Koutroumanis, 2012, p. 31). My internship at Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter this past summer was a transformative experience that allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from my studies in a real-world setting. The course accompanying the internship was designed to provide structure through preparation and weekly reflections, helping me track my progress and develop critical skills. The first part of the course consisted of five EDGE modules, which were completed before the internship began. These modules covered essential topics like time management, professional goal setting, and communication in the workplace. They provided a solid foundation, preparing me for the responsibilities I would undertake during the internship.

Throughout my internship, I contributed to various aspects of social media marketing. One of my primary tasks was to create and schedule posts for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I focused on crafting compelling narratives highlighting Habitat's mission and its positive impact on the community. A particularly successful project involved a social media campaign promoting an upcoming fundraiser. The campaign combined photos from previous builds with quotes from families who benefited from Habitat's work, significantly boosting online engagement and donations. This success showcased the importance of strategic content creation and timing in digital marketing and made me feel deeply connected to the community we were serving. My work with the communications team taught me valuable lessons about audience engagement and compelling storytelling.

In addition to social media marketing, I also contributed by writing a blog post about one of the families receiving a new home through Habitat for Humanity. This experience was enriching because it allowed me to blend creative writing with real-life impact. I interviewed the family, took their portraits, and wrote a narrative capturing their homeownership journey. The blog post featured on Habitat's website was more than just a piece of content. It was a bridge that connected the audience with the family's story, fostering emotional connections and promoting Habitat's mission. This experience taught me how important it is to convey authenticity and personal stories in marketing, especially for organizations that rely on community support and donations.

One of my goals for the internship was to observe how a non-profit organization operates and understand its business model. Habitat for Humanity relies heavily on volunteer work, donations, and retail sales from its ReStore shops. Unlike traditional businesses, the organization sustains itself through community engagement and fundraising events. This insight gave me a deeper understanding of how non-profits maintain their operations while staying true to their mission. I observed the importance of diversifying revenue streams and building strong community relationships to ensure long-term sustainability.

My experience at Habitat for Humanity also allowed me to apply what I learned to my photography business, Sai Photography. The social media strategies I developed during the internship were directly transferable to my business. For example, after learning how to create engaging content for Habitat, I applied similar techniques to my photography social media accounts by posting client testimonials and behind-the-scenes footage. These posts helped me connect more personally with my audience, resulting in increased inquiries and bookings.

Demonstrate global awareness and explain how these impact individuals, groups, organizations and communities from our different perspectives (online is included for any business venture).

In "An Introduction to Project Management," I learned that effective project management involves applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet project requirements. It is essential for managing various constraints like scope, time, cost, and quality while ensuring stakeholder satisfaction (Schwalbe, 2021). One key takeaway is setting clear project goals and continuously aligning them with stakeholder expectations. I also discovered that every project faces uncertainties, and a project manager's role is to manage risks effectively. These insights apply to large-scale projects and smaller business operations, like my photography business.

Project management's core concepts, such as defining clear objectives, scheduling tasks, and managing resources, can be applied directly to my photography business. For instance, when managing a photo session, I must set clear goals, like the number of shots or the types of poses required. This would fall under the project scope, crucial to managing client expectations. Managing time and costs efficiently is also vital, ensuring I can meet my client's deadlines while staying within budget.

One concept I implemented in my photography business is risk management. In my field, unexpected issues like equipment failure or poor weather can disrupt a project. However, by applying the project management practice of risk identification and contingency planning, I can significantly minimize these disruptions. As Schwalbe emphasizes, project managers need to 'anticipate risks and prepare responses' (Schwalbe, p. 10). For instance, I can create backup plans, like having additional equipment on standby or scheduling buffer time in case of delays. By managing risks proactively, I cannot only ensure smoother project execution but also enhance customer satisfaction and maintain a strong reputation in the market.

In conclusion, my exploration of the fundamentals of project management has significantly broadened my perspective on managing both personal and professional projects. By integrating risk management into my photography business, I can offer a more reliable and efficient service to my clients. This, in turn, leads to higher customer satisfaction and business growth, demonstrating the tangible benefits of applying project management principles in a small business context.

Communicate effectively, in oral and written forms, and exhibit active listening skills.

I gained many essential skills in my Advanced Business Communication class, from professional communication in a digital, social, and mobile world to applying and interviewing for employment. These lessons emphasized the importance of collaboration, interpersonal communication, and business etiquette, particularly when navigating communication challenges in a diverse, global marketplace. Understanding how to plan, write, and complete business messages—including routine, positive, negative, and persuasive messages—has already impacted how I communicate with clients in my photography business. For instance, writing persuasive messages helps me craft compelling proposals for potential clients, while my knowledge of visual media and social media allows me to enhance my marketing strategies by creating engaging posts and showcasing my portfolio in a more effective way. Furthermore, learning how to develop presentations with slides and visuals will be helpful when I present my work to corporate clients or during consultations. Several technological and social factors are contributing to the increasing use and importance of visuals in business communication. The process of creating and working with visual elements used to be the domain of experts with complex and expensive tools (Bovee & Thill). Lastly, insights into building careers, writing résumés, and interviewing for employment will support me as I expand Sai Photography, especially when hiring team members or diversifying my services.

One of the assignments that stood out to me in this class was the group project, where we chose to focus on Starbucks, a well-known U.S.-based company. We were tasked with analyzing its strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations for improvement. I thoroughly enjoyed the research process, which allowed us to explore what Starbucks is doing right—such as its commitment to sustainability and customer experience—and identify areas for improvement, like labor practices and global expansion. Collaborating with my peers made the project both engaging and insightful. Another assignment I loved was creating a PowerPoint on the culture of India. The task required us to condense our information into 8 to 10 slides, teaching me the valuable skill of writing key points instead of entire paragraphs. Recording myself presenting the slides was a great exercise in public speaking and visual communication. These projects enhanced my skills and gave me practical tools to apply in my photography business, especially when creating client proposals or delivering presentations. When I received a wedding photography inquiry, I scheduled a pre-consultation appointment to discuss her specific requirements and understand exactly what she was looking for. After our conversation, I presented her with my various photography packages, tailoring them to her needs. She was confused between our Diamond and Platinum packages, as both offered similar features with just a few slight differences, and I guided her what would be the best for her with her requirements.

Analyze the various legal and social issues which impact an organization and formulate socially responsible approaches that balance the concerns of stakeholders.

My studies in Human Resource Management (HRM) have underscored the pivotal role of HR in bolstering organizational success. This involves overseeing key functions such as job analysis, recruitment, performance management, training, and compliance with legal standards. HRM's role is to ensure employees are well-supported while adhering to relevant employment laws, thereby fostering a balanced environment for employee engagement and organizational efficiency.

Job analysis and design, a central HRM function, is strategic in nature, tailoring roles to align with both organizational needs and individual skills, thereby fostering productivity and satisfaction. Similarly, staffing and recruitment are not just tasks, but strategic processes, as HR identifies candidates whose skills and values align with the company's culture and objectives. Performance management then ensures that employees not only meet their targets but feel recognized and motivated. Effective HRM also involves training and development, which prepares employees to meet the organization's changing needs while encouraging personal growth. Compensation plays a pivotal role in employee retention, especially when aligned with fair and transparent policies.

A key aspect of HRM is compliance with legal standards. These laws cover employment discrimination, benefits, and workplace safety, among other areas. As Northeastern University's “federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) ensure that employees are treated fairly in the workplace” (Northeastern University, 2023).

One concept I plan to implement in my photography business, Sai Photography, is a strong emphasis on training and development. Given the rapid advancements in photography technology, we must remain updated on the latest tools and techniques. Regular exercise will improve our technical skills and enhance client satisfaction, as we'll be able to deliver top-notch services. As noted by Factorial HR, “with such a vast array of legal requirements, it can be easy to overlook the importance of staying informed and adapting workplace guidelines on a regular basis" (Factorial HR, 2023 ). By incorporating structured training into our business model, I aim to foster continuous improvement and keep our business competitive.

One of the most enlightening projects during my HRM course involved comparing HR practices in the US and India, specifically for a hypothetical expansion of Target into India. This project underscored the unique challenges and opportunities in adapting HR practices to different cultural and legal landscapes. For instance, the US prioritizes individual performance, while India emphasizes collective success. This comparison deepened my understanding of HRM's adaptability in global contexts and emphasized the importance of a customized approach in international expansions.

Use an assessment and tell which one and what your results were and apply it to a real example.

The 16 Personalities assessment, inspired by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, helped me uncover valuable insights about myself as a Protagonist (ENFJ-T). As Medical News Today describes “Briggs and Myers created the MBTI based on their understanding of Jung’s theories and their own observations”(Sherrell, 2024, para 6). Protagonists are known for their empathy, enthusiasm, and natural leadership qualities, driven by a desire to impact others positively and are committed to making the world a better place. This resonates deeply with my work in photography, where connecting with people and capturing their true essence is a central part of my approach.

In my photography business, I am focused on delivering high-quality images rather than creating a meaningful experience for each client. One of my recent projects, a 40 over 40 portrait series, is a perfect example of how my Protagonist qualities come to life in my work. This series aimed to celebrate and empower individuals over 40, highlighting their unique stories, strengths, and beauty. Before each session, I tried to get to know each client, understanding their journey and what they hoped to express in their portraits. This approach created an environment where clients felt comfortable and valued, allowing me to capture authentic, powerful images.

Being an ENFJ-T, I naturally find fulfillment in encouraging others and building connections, which enhances my photography process. The Protagonist's strength in fostering empathy and inspiration aligns perfectly with how I approach each photoshoot, ensuring clients feel seen and appreciated. Through this process, I can create portraits that reflect my client's outer beauty and capture their inner confidence and resilience, making the experience genuinely impactful for them. This assessment helped me recognize these qualities as strengths that enrich my work, driving me to make a positive difference through every photo session.

Share your overall experience in college (good and difficult) but beyond that what did you learn from it (and this can include other assessments if they created more knowledge on how to work in a group. Share real experiences. Then share how it has created new ideas for your workplace and share a real example of the experience and possibly different outcomes.

My college experience was both rewarding and challenging. Moving from India to the US and adapting to a new education system introduced a unique set of difficulties, especially early on. Initially, I pursued a nursing degree, which I eventually found was not my true passion. Shifting to business administration and, later, to strategic leadership enabled me to align my studies with my evolving interests. I learned to navigate team dynamics, enhance my leadership skills, and develop effective communication techniques through various courses, including organizational behavior and advanced communication.

Working on group projects taught me invaluable lessons about collaboration and time management. Our team initially struggled with meeting deadlines in one project, as everyone had other commitments. We ultimately set internal deadlines, a strategy that improved our workflow and ensured timely completion. This experience reinforced the importance of establishing clear communication and accountability in collaborative work. One article notes, “Effective teamwork requires the ability to manage time, communication, and responsibilities, especially in environments with competing priorities” (Smith, 2023, p. 14). This insight closely aligns with my own experience in college, where learning to manage these factors proved essential for success.

This understanding has influenced my approach to teamwork in my photography business. For instance, I’ve applied this strategy by setting clear project timelines and open communication channels with clients and collaborators, significantly improving project efficiency. In a recent portrait project, establishing these practices enabled my team and me to navigate tight schedules and specific client needs smoothly. This approach improved project outcomes and built stronger client relationships, showcasing how academic experiences can translate into practical workplace benefits.

Through my academic and professional experiences, I’ve identified key strengths in strategic leadership and project management and areas where growth would enhance my adaptability and team effectiveness.

Strengths:

1. Strategic Leadership and Collaborative Management:

Through my studies in Organizational Behavior, I developed a good understanding of how different leadership styles influence team dynamics. In managing my photography business, I emphasize a democratic leadership style, which encourages open communication and collaborative decision-making. This approach has proven beneficial across academic and professional settings, For example, in our 40 Over 40 project, team brainstorming sessions helped us create unique, meaningful client experiences. My focus on ethical collaboration and inclusivity strengthens team morale and builds stronger client relationships by emphasizing transparency and mutual rspect.

2. Project and Time Management:

Effective project management has been crucial for both my studies and business. In Marketing for Managers, I learned to align strategic goals with operational tasks, a skill I apply by setting pre-deadlines and planning contingencies. During college group projects, setting timelines for each task reduced conflicts. It ensured timely submissions, while in my business, these skills allowed me to prepare for client projects by anticipating potential disruptions.

Weaknesses:

1. Adaptability in High-Pressure Situations:

Despite solid planning skills, I sometimes struggle with rapid adaptation in high-pressure scenarios, such as unexpected weather changes affecting a shoot. Although I managed to adjust plans and complete the shoot, this experience showed me the value of improving my ability to stay calm and flexible under sudden changes. Building this skill is essential, especially in dynamic work environments with frequent unexpected shifts.

2. Delegation and Team Empowerment:

Another area for improvement is delegation. My tendency to handle most tasks independently can be limiting when managing more significant projects. While this approach ensures quality control, it can hinder team development and overall efficiency. My internship with Habitat for Humanity illustrated how effective delegation can boost team performance, foster innovation, and allow individuals to take ownership of their roles. Learning to trust my team more fully with responsibilities would reduce pressure on myself and encourage team members to contribute their strengths, creating a more balanced workload and diverse perspective.

After graduation, I plan to fully dedicate myself to my photography business with my father, Sai Photography. Currently, I hold a managerial role overseeing both the creative and operational aspects of our business. My goal over the next 1-5 years is to transition into a lead strategist role, where I can focus on expanding our client base and innovating our service offerings to solidify Sai Photography as a go-to choice for portrait and event photography in our region. In doing so, I aim to drive our business to new heights and strengthen our reputation within the community.

For my professional development, I will focus on two key areas: advanced digital marketing and leadership development. My goal in digital marketing is to master the latest social media strategies and content creation techniques to increase our online presence and attract a broader audience. To achieve this, I plan to enroll in a specialized digital marketing certification program, such as one offered by Google or HubSpot, by the end of next year. This training will help me learn how to leverage social media analytics, optimize our website for search engines, and create compelling visual content.

Regarding leadership, I aspire to strengthen my team-building and project-management skills. I will pursue training in project management frameworks, such as Agile and Lean, to streamline our workflow and improve client satisfaction. By enhancing my leadership abilities, I can foster a collaborative team environment where every member feels empowered to contribute creatively and operationally. These professional development goals are essential to my vision of transforming Sai Photography into a resilient, innovative, and customer-focused business.

Two paragraphs are sufficient to wrap up your college experience and training!

Completing my degree in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in Project Management has been a transformative experience. The program has equipped me with critical knowledge and practical skills, particularly in organizational behavior, advanced communication, marketing, and financial management. These courses deepened my understanding of effective leadership, ethical decision-making, and strategic planning—all essential in today’s dynamic and diverse business environment. My internship at Habitat for Humanity further solidified these concepts by allowing me to apply classroom theory to real-world challenges. This hands-on experience strengthened my confidence in making informed decisions, handling complex projects, and contributing positively to community-oriented initiatives.

Moving forward, I am eager to bring these competencies into my photography business, Sai Photography, which I run with my father. With a strong leadership, time management, and digital marketing foundation, I am ready to drive our business growth while ensuring client satisfaction. Additionally, I am committed to continuous learning and pursuing advanced digital marketing and project management certifications to enhance our services further. The knowledge and experiences gained during my academic journey have prepared me to take on professional challenges and inspired me to strive for excellence and ethical impact in all aspects of my work. These accomplishments and ongoing professional development will enable me to reach my goals and make meaningful contributions to my business and community.

Bovee, L. C., & Thill, V. J. (2021). Business communication t oday (15th ed.). Pearson.

Degravel, D., Hertz, G., & Koutroumanis, D. A. (2012). Internships as a strategic tool for small business: A conceptual study.  Small Business Institute Journal, 8(1), 30-46.