MBA Candidate & Media Professional

Lauren O'Connell

Business & Media Professional

Bridging creative vision with data-driven strategy at the intersection of media planning and design. Born to collaborate. Built to deliver.

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MBA In Progress · SUNY Oswego
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3.76 GPA Magna Cum Laude
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NCAA Captain Division III · CSC All-District
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Who I am

Where creativity
meets strategy

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, I'm a recent marketing graduate pursuing my MBA while working full-time as an Assistant Media Planner/Buyer at Mower Agency. I've developed hands-on expertise with major Ads Manager platforms alongside proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.

"Giving me a unique ability to operate where creative and technical marketing intersect."

When I'm not working or studying, you'll find me on the soccer field, out on a run, painting, or deep into a competitive card game. I believe in kindness, collaboration, and bringing genuine energy to every team I join.

Lauren O'Connell

Experience

Career Journey

Mar 2025
Present
Assistant Media Planner/Buyer Current
Mower
Mower Agency · Buffalo, NY · Hybrid
  • Manage media planning and buying operations across client accounts at a full-service, employee-owned agency.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally on integrated advertising campaigns spanning digital, print, and broadcast media.
  • Handle billing operations across multiple client accounts using Strata.
Clients: Ford, Novatek Health, Northwest Bank
Jan–Dec
2025
Digital Media Intern 2025
Allied
Allied Global Marketing · Remote
  • Trafficked ad creatives across multiple ad manager platforms, ensuring accurate setup and timely campaign launches.
  • Monitored campaign pacing across platforms to optimize budget allocation and delivery performance.
  • Built detailed performance reports using pivot tables to analyze key KPIs and year-over-year trends.
Clients: Callaway Gardens, Dollywood, Pink Jeep, Silver Dollar City, Adventure Aquarium, Vancouver Aquarium, Newport Aquarium
Jun–Aug
2024
Media Intern Summer 2024
Merkley
Merkley + Partners · New York City · Hybrid
  • Supported development and execution of integrated advertising campaigns on cross-functional agency teams.
  • Led creation of a comprehensive mock media plan for Sun Bum, presenting recommendations to executives.
  • Assisted with media planning for CPG and pharmaceutical brand clients.
Clients: Florida Natural, BIC, Pharma
Jun 2023
Jan 2025
Social Media & Student Athlete Representative 2023–2025
SUNY Oswego
SUNY Oswego · On-site
  • Oversaw consistent social media content for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, increasing engagement and visibility for student athletes.
Jan–May
2024
Marketing Intern Spring 2024
SUNY Oswego
SUNY Oswego Athletics · On-site
  • Planned and executed game-day promotions and event productions to enhance fan engagement and attendance.
  • Designed promotional graphics and in-game content using Adobe Photoshop.
  • Created interactive game-day elements: contests, giveaways, trivia, and in-game activations.
All varsity athletic programs across SUNY Oswego

Creative Work

Design Portfolio

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Academic Background

Education

Graduate
Master of Business Administration
SUNY Oswego · Jul 2025 – Jun 2026 (Expected)
Business Administration & Management
In Progress Beta Gamma Sigma
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
SUNY Oswego · Aug 2021 – May 2025
Minors: Graphic Design & Finance
Magna Cum Laude Beta Gamma Sigma Chi Alpha Sigma 3.76 GPA

Credentials

Certifications

Assess for Success: Marketing Analytics & MeasurementGoogle · 2026
Section ProAI: AI ProficiencySection · 2026
Think Outside the Inbox: Email MarketingGoogle · 2026
Foundations of Digital Marketing & E-commerceGoogle · 2026
Google Analytics Individual QualificationGoogle Digital Academy
Attract & Engage Customers with Digital MarketingGoogle · 2026
Digital Marketing Track (Parts 1 & 2)Global Career Accelerator · 2023
Adobe InDesign (3 Certifications)LinkedIn Learning · 2023

Toolkit

Skills & Tools

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Media & Advertising
Media PlanningMedia Buying Facebook Ads ManagerGoogle Ads Disney Campaign ManagerSpotify Ads Search Ads 360LinkedIn Ads TikTok AdsInstagram Ads CM360Strata
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Digital Marketing
SEOSEM Email MarketingA/B Testing Content MarketingSocial Media Mgmt EcommerceInfluencer Marketing Brand AwarenessKPIs Data Analysis
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Design & Technical
Adobe PhotoshopAdobe Illustrator Adobe InDesignPremiere Pro FigmaHTML CSSVS Code
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Analytics & Data
Google AnalyticsPivot Tables Data StorytellingROI Analysis Performance Measurement Spreadsheet SoftwareContent Analytics

Recognition

Awards & Community

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Outstanding Marketing Senior Award
SUNY Oswego Honors · Feb 2024
Awarded to a graduating marketing senior who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and excellence within the marketing program.
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NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Captain
SUNY Oswego · 2021–2025
Served as team captain for four seasons. Named CSC All-District Team Honoree for exceptional athletic and academic performance.
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Volunteer Reader
Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service · 2025–Present
Creates and delivers accessible audio readings for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have print disabilities.