Madelaine Base
I am the base connection.
A little backstory – I have always been a creative storyteller. As a child, I often entertained myself by creating stories through art. As I became older and moved on from drawing on every surface I could find, I became enthralled with film. I was active in the media club within my school and was enrolled in a class that allowed students to film, edit and create a news-style television show that aired weekly. After getting into college and being accepted into the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications and thinking I would end my college career with a degree in Creative Media Production, I found myself sitting in a class that examined all of the majors within Gaylord. Our assignments conducted small-scale works based on each major, and this is where I found my love for advertising.
2021 had been several leaps ahead of where I thought I would be the year prior. In that year I had completed two advertising internships and was on my third working for the NBA as a Communications Intern for the Oklahoma City Thunder (which I would have laughed at had I been told that’s where I would be, feel free to ask me why). I then served not only as a member of Lindsey + Asp, the University of Oklahoma’s prestigious hub for youth culture and advertising agency but also as its research director.
Both of these positions alone are ones I did not have skills for the year prior. However, upon training, listening, and learning, I excelled at the skills required for these roles and like to think I was more than adequate for these positions. I am an individual who is open and honest about what I do not understand, but what makes me stand out is my willingness and enthusiasm to learn what I do not know. We are creatures in search of knowledge, and I believe that the only way to grow and achieve what we want is to chase after that which we do not already know.
I am a charismatic individual who is a hard worker and a great communicator, a leader, and an individual with an eye for art. I pick up skills as easily as one might change their clothes and it’s something that I always thought was strange but have come to learn is a valuable skill in the workplace. I believe my experiences will take me to great places in the workforce, wherever I go, whether that is continuing down the line with the NBA or if it’s taking on the advertising agencies of New York. Who knows what the future holds, but I am optimistic and ready to take a leap of faith.
Work Experience
January 2021 - December 2022
June 2022 - August 2022
October 2021 - May 2022
May 2021 - August 2021
July 2020 - May 2021
September 2019 - April 2020
August 2018 - September 2019
Research Director at Lindsey + Asp
Gaylord's student-run agency is the crown jewel of my work experience. I first came in through the internship and was taught valuable advertising skills with a focus on creative activation, and then was selected to move up within the agency as a creative. After working on the Lindsey + Asp Restructure account, I proved that I was very knowledgeable about Gen Z and culture trends and was given the role of Research Director on our leadership team. I oversee our Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse account and am still aiding in the development of the future of
Lindsey + Asp.
Publisher Development Intern at DMi Partners
This Philadelphia-based affiliate marketing company gave me great insights into what kind of company culture I wanted to work for – one that valued its employees and created an environment full of expression and community. During my online internship, I learned how affiliate marketing works, specifically how a company like DMi can partner with brands and publishers. For the most part, I focused on social listening, influencer recruitment, and distributing coupons from brands to their respective affiliates.
Communications Intern with the Oklahoma City Thunder
The wildest job I have ever had thus far. First off, I knew nothing about the NBA, much less basketball when accepting this job. However, it was one of my greatest learning experiences and gave me different skills like thinking on my feet, how to social listen, what sports media looks like hands-on, and of course what the game of basketball is.
Marketing Intern at Land Information Services
After developing graphic design skills during my internship with Lindsey + Asp in the spring, I was offered a position as an intern with a local oil and gas software company, Land Information Services. I learned a lot about local businesses and developed much of their print and social advertising.
Nannied
The pandemic struck during the spring semester of my freshman year, and unfortunately, the University had budget cuts that affected my job as a student worker. My cousin had a friend who needed a nanny during weekday mornings, and I was more than happy to help.
Student Assistant at Western History Collections
I followed my older sister's footsteps as a student worker at the WHC, a job that was every book lover's dream – working in an old library with all kinds of cool books and archives. I learned many organizational skills and how to wake up early for an 8 am shift.
Barnes & Noble Bookseller
My love for books extends from my English teacher of a mother's own love for books. This was my first real job and was one I am severely thankful for. I was taught valuable people skills, learned about different genres and cultures of book readers, and developed my caffeine addiction all at the same time.
Professional Endeavors
February 19, 2022
AAF Oklahoma ADDY Awards
After accepting the role of Lindsey + Asp's Research Director, I was asked to attend the Oklahoma ADDY awards to represent Gaylord College. While supporting fellow peers' achievements, I also had the opportunity to witness local agencies brilliant work with many local and national businesses alike.
February 25 - 26, 2022
Lindsey + Asp Gen Z Research
Workshop
Because I had been in Debbie Yount's Account Planning class, worked within the Restructure account, and had recently been appointed Research Director, I was asked to speak to many advertising professionals across the country in a two-day workshop that focused on our Gen Z research and how we could further develop said research into an organized deliverable.
May 16 - June 4, 2022
Gaylord College London Study Abroad Program
I was lucky to be accepted into Gaylord's British Media Studies program which allows students of varying media-focused degrees to visit London, England, and tour different agencies, newsrooms, film sites, and more, all while learning about British culture. This was one of the best experiences I had in college as I not only made many friends I wouldn't have otherwise met within Gaylord, but I also got a first-hand look at the similarities and differences between American and International media.
October 19 - 23, 2022
Gaylord College New York City Immersion Trip
In the final semester of my college career, I was invited by Debbie Yount to visit many different advertising agencies across New York City. As this is the place I hope to one day live and work, I was privileged enough to attend this trip and be able to create new relationships with many professionals as well as be able to look into agency life within New York.
This trip gave me the final push in my decision to pursue my advertising career in New York. Gaylord College has given me the tools and resources to be a successful professional, and I am even more thankful for the opportunities they have provided us students with.
Achievements
October 12, 2022
AAF Oklahoma JAC Scholarship
In the spring of 2022, I was encouraged by Armand McCoy to apply for the AAF Oklahoma JAC Scholarship award, as he had observed my skills and believed I would be a great applicant for this scholarship. After submitting several projects I had created, asking for some recommendations from trusted advisors, and finally writing an essay on the future of advertising, I was gifted this award by my professors Armand McCoy and Ray Claxton while amongst my peers during my senior capstone. To say I am still surprised I received this award is an understatement. Being surrounded by astounding and brilliant peers who are more than worthy of this award can sometimes be intimidating, but when looking back on this moment I feel as if maybe I've done something right along the way.
Professional Endeavors
Out of Office
