About Me

I am Carson Schalk, and I recently graduated from Purdue University, where I studied Psychological Sciences. I am now pursuing my Master’s in Communications with a focus in Branding and Marketing.

I currently work as a marketing fellow with Big Shoulders Fund. Prior to this role, I worked as a photographer and have a background in research. I aim to use my creative experience and skills to build a career in social media and digital marketing.

Experience

Marketing Fellow

Big Shoulders Fund - Chicago, IL

  • Create weekly social media content to increase awareness of under-resourced Chicago-based schools

  • Design and produce marketing pieces such as flyers, posters, brochures, and banners

  • Work closely with schools to organize, coordinate, and photograph school-related events and programs

  • Update and support school website and social media pages on behalf of school administrators

  • Canvass school neighborhoods to promote brand awareness and community connection

Photographer

Inter-State Studio - Crown Point, IN

  • Product high-volume, brand- consistent photographs for preschool through 12th-grade institutions

  • Collaborate closely with school administrators and internal teams to coordinate production schedules

  • Apply visual communication principles to create engaging, consumer-focused imagery

  • Edit and organize large batches of images using industry-standard software to maintain quality

  • Manage equipment setup and on-site logistics to support smooth execution of projects

Research Intern

The George Institute - Sydney, Australia

  • Led preschool-aged lab participants through various experimental play sessions in school environments

  • Synthesized complex research findings into structured written and visual content

  • Designed structured data extraction tables and visual systems to improve clarity and accessibility

  • Assisted in participant recruitment and session coordination, demonstrating project management skills

  • Collaborated cross-functionally to ensure content accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project goals