Resume

Personal Profile

A creative, optimistic, and self-driven individual who applies critical thinking to complex communication problems. I am passionate about telling stories through words or visuals to connect with people. I am always excited to find new opportunities that will develop personal or professional growth.

Career Highlights

• Worked with a 9 person team to write, design, edit, and publish the Washburn mass media department’s alumni magazine, the Mass Media Messenger, 2020
• McAlister’s Deli Period 7 and Period 9 Team Member of the Month, 2019
•  Notable brand collaborations include Gigi Pip, Vital Proteins, and Daniel Wellington, 2018-2019
• Accepted into rewardStyle, a platform for influencers to learn about strategic growth and build relationships with global brands, 2018
• Co-founded RONIN, a nonprofit organization and car club based in Topeka, KS, 2017

Skills

  • Leadserhip
  • Collaboration
  • Critical Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Organization
  • Creativity
  • Communication
  • Research

Application Knowledge

  • Adobe Suite, including Lightroom, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, & Workfront
  • Social Media, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, & YouTube
  • Microsoft Office
  • WordPress
  • DSLR Camera Operation
  • RewardStyle, Liketoknow.it
  • Canva

Education

The University of Kansas | Est. 2024

Master of Science Journalism, Integrated Marketing Communications

• Current GPA: 4.0/4.0

• Photographer for The University Daily Kansan

Washburn University | 2021

Bachelor of Arts, Double major in Communication Studies and Mass Media – Journalism

Minor in Psychology

        • Graduated summa cum laude

        • GPA: 3.8/4.0, Comm. GPA: 3.9/4.0, MM GPA: 4.0/4.0

        • President’s List (2018, 2020), Dean’s List (2017, 2019)

        • Member of Iota Kappa chapter of Lambda Pi Eta

Industry Experience

Advisors Excel - Jan. 2022 | Nov. 2022

Digital Intern 

Digital Marketing

  • Implemented pre-constructed, semi-custom digital campaigns for financial advisors on Facebook, Google, and other digital platforms.
  • Managed all implemented accounts, adjusting and updating to ensure the success of all digital campaigns.
  • Provided reporting on all managed accounts to the appropriate stakeholders.
  • Assisted in coaching clients on digital marketing strategies with the ability to act as a subject matter expert in multichannel marketing, web, and email marketing.

Web Design

  • Assisted web design team with the editing and development of various revision projects for Advisors Excel clients.
  • Was responsible for having a strong eye for design, organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Updated and maintained live client websites.
  • Converted websites to a new server.
  • Updated and edited corporate email designs to prepare for sending.
Kirk & Cobb, Inc. REALTORS - Oct. 2020 | Feb. 2022

Marketing Intern

  • Researched, developed, and implemented a social media strategy that increased brand awareness for Kirk & Cobb, Inc., Realtors in the Topeka area.
  • Managed Instagram and Facebook through creating and curating content that increased traffic and engagement with customers and prospects.
  • Created 100+ graphics. Filmed and edited “Happy Holidays!” campaign video for social media.
  • Monitored and measured site metrics, and suggested and implemented new strategies to recover or increase fields.
The Washburn Review - Mar. 2019 | July 2021

Copy Editor

 

  • Proofread incoming stories to ensure quality of grammar, spelling, style, accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
  • Wrote engaging and informative headlines for stories.
  • Used WordPress and FLO websites to edit and publish content.

News + Feature Writer

 

  • Published work can be found at https://washburnreview.org/staff_profile/sarah-buchanan/
  •  Created written content using AP Style, and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  • Collaborated on creative direction and development with the news team and editors.
  • Used interpersonal skills to facilitate conversation during interviews.
Washburn University - Jan. 2021 | May 2021

Athletic Communication Intern

  • Worked with local, regional, and national media in a professional matter at Washburn sporting events.
  • Wrote stories for the athletic department’s website. Published work can be found at https://wusports.com/
  • Photographed athletes during sporting events to use for stories, recaps, and graphics.
  • Assisted with video boards, scoreboards, statistics, and interviews during sporting events
Freelance Photography - Jan. 2018 | Present
  • Experience taking photos of individuals, couples, families, sports, automotives, and businesses.
  • Builds rapport with clients and remains flexible in order to tend to client needs.
  • Profound knowledge of digital photography techniques, equipment, and principles.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, and other photo industry applications.
  • Created a 20-page What to Expect Guide to prepare clients and enhance their experience.
Founder, Life + Style Blogger - July 2017 | Feb. 2021

Volunteer Experience

FBC Topeka, Tech Team - Jan. 2022 | Present

Camera Operator

RONIN Executive Committee Member - Sept. 2017 | Jan. 2020
  • Start-up: Filed as a non-profit organization through the state of Kansas and became certified to host events on public property.
  • Attended executive meetings.
  • Planned local automotive events.
  • Communicated with the City Clerk’s Office to approve all events.
  • Communicated with the public about upcoming events and additional news related to RONIN.
  • Used social media to enhance audience and spread awareness of RONIN.