AYLA CONNELL 4363 North Kenmore Ave., Apt. 606 Chicago, Illinois 60613
Telephone: (815) 572-1341 Email: arconnell12@gmail.com
SUMMARY Creative, dynamic and team-oriented marketing graduate with marketing, customer service and promotion experience. Exceptional time management, data research/analysis, writing and interpersonal communication skills. Proficient in MRI and Nielsen databases, along with advanced skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook). Academic studies, advertising campaign practicum and practical experiences include:
Marketing & Promotional Campaigns Brand Marketing & Social Media Market Identification & Capturing Event Planning & Coordination
Creative, Media & Business Writing Traditional & Online Visual Messaging Market Research & Consumer Trend Analysis Multi-Media Advertising & Communications
EDUCATION COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO
B.A. Marketing Communications, 5/2015 • • • • • •
Graduated with a 3.7 GPA Concentration on Advertising Recognized nearly all semesters on the Dean’s List of Honor Students Member, Alpha Delta Sigma Advertising Honor Society Student Member, National Advertising Federation (NAF) National Champion of the NAF 2015 Competition
Featured Curriculum: > Advertising Production > Advertising Copywriting > Interactive Advertising > Consumer Behavior
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Promotional Marketing Brands & Branding International Advertising Entertainment Marketing
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Social Media & PR Strategies Semiotics in Pop Culture Special Events & Promotions Public Relations Writing
Academic Highlights: * Advertising Campaign Practicum, completed a one-year program working with fellow students in a simulated advertising agency, complete with copywriters, media planners, researchers, photographers and other specialties. Performed secondary research and competitive /market trend research, and handled a large volume of quantitative data. Team won the largest regional district in the U.S. by developing a 360 ad campaign for a global pizza restaurant chain. * Advertising Workshop, member of team which selected a struggling/receding brand to revitalize with a new advertising and branding campaign. Developed tactical activities using social media to promote the use of a household lotion brand as a social activity. Activities: – Promotions & Public Relations Tutor – Columbia College Advertising Club – Classroom Raised $6,500 for Charities – Columbia College Gospel Choir – Junior Chearleading Coach (First Place) – Kankakee Jaycees Community Reach
AYLA CONNELL PAGE TWO
EXPERIENCE LIONSGATE FILMS
3/2014 to 5/2015
Publicity & PR Intern Researched and segmented audiences for feature films, including The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, The Age of Adeline, The Divergent Series: Insurgent, The Expendables 4, The Quiet Ones and Mordecai. Responsible for driving growth in awareness, engagement and enthusiasm among targeted markets via promotional events and activities. • Established contacts among business stakeholders and social media influencers to distribute movie tickets, swag bags and other items for contests and giveaway promotions. • Planned and organized college events and movie screenings, secured college press outlets and handled press during press junkets; coordinated special actor appearances at local venues. • Tracked and prepared reports concerning promotional partners, activities, feedback surveys and audience reactions; managed ticket inventory for movie premieres. • Provided a high level of support to cross-functional marketing teams to cultivate movie premiere awareness throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. PURE EXHIBITS
5/2013 to 6/2014
Exhibitor Summer Intern Provided a high level of administrative and operational support to out-of-town clients, including Oliver McMillan, Ramco Gershenson and S&D Coffee and Tea. • Assisted clients at National Restaurant Association, Choice Hotels and other industry events. • Ran errands and delivered trade show materials for client exhibits.
EMPLOYMENT P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO, Chicago, Illinois
3/2014 to Present
Lead Hostess / Hosting Supervisor TOPPERS PIZZA, Chicago, Illinois
Food Prep Supervisor, Trainer, Cashier
10/2012 to 3/2014