Varun Thota

I initially joined this startup to advice the founder on managing a web startup & develop a social media campaign to bring in new users & customers. In a month I had developed a social media campaign utilizing Facebook, Twitter, Google+ Paper.li & a few local social media sites such as Weibo & Tencent. I had also developed a branding & strategy campaign that would connect to local residents, while simultaneously setting up various company wide platforms to enhance communication. I also started work on various design updates on logos & the web platform.

My work at Ziba consisted mainly of helpdesk, network administration and end user support but also allowed me the freedom to exercise my technical and problem solving skills and background knowledge in web design.

I was able to start, manage and contribute to multiple projects in various fields in IT that included:
- Setting up and running servers
- Tested and implemented multiple cloud sharing solutions
- Developing a workflow and project plan to migrate existing mail server
- Finding and implementing HR recruiting application

- Set up, operated and ensured secure storage of a wide range of audio-visual equipment in support of the academic programs, including computing and other digital equipment

- Provided technical support of audio-visual services to meet the needs of the University including troubleshooting and supervising students in the use of digital media suites

- Worked with a full range of multimedia technical support for large-scale University events including event planning and organizing

Helping and contributing during its initial stages at Startup Weekend Portland, I interned at Mugasha with a focus on business development and marketing strategy. With a little help and guidance I eventually started learning and improving my skills in user experience and web design and quickly developed a fascination with how web applications look and work.

A few key skills I learned while at Mugasha:
- Wireframing
- Web design and functionality
- Social media strategies
- User interaction and experience
- Analyzing web analytics
- Marketing plans

- Served as a business development consultant for client. Did research and created various business models based on statistics of competition, target market and market segmentation

- Provided an in-depth analysis of the industry, with updated SWOT and competitor analysis

- Redeveloped business plan including outlining development and growth as well as identifying its purpose, goals and to define the firm’s operational and financial goals

- Provided detailed guideline of how to use Twitter as a social CRM

- Researched market demand for exclusive advertising

- Provided a comprehensive range of multimedia services ensuring successful organization and planning of events and conferences ranging from small business meetings to large scale corporate events

- Actively recruited prospective clients; provided quality assessment for new client presentations and improve marketing opportunities