Honors B.A Strategic Communications
@ The University of Minnesota
A multidisciplinary communicator driven by curiosity, creativity, and a deep respect for data-informed storytelling. As a dual-degree student in psychology and strategic communication, I explore how people think, connect, and create meaning across various industries and audiences.
My research experience across departments at the U has sharpened my analytical lens, while my editorial and media roles have expanded my creative toolkit. From leading Buttercup Magazine as editor-in-chief to supporting a wide variety of media efforts in pediatric health communications at Gillette Children’s, I’ve built a dynamic foundation in visual strategy, brand voice, and inclusive messaging.
I have a special interest in roles that allow me to work at the intersection of my skills, balancing my experience and knowledge in both research and creative endeavors.
Project Index:
001
Buttercup Magazine
002
Gillette Children’s
003
Pathos
004
Nyhavn Zine
005
Golden Magazine + MNFW
006
Orlo Copenhagen
007
DIS
008
Radio K
009
Assorted Creative works
0010
Assorted marketing works
Buttercup Magazine
002
Gillette Children’s
003
Pathos
004
Nyhavn Zine
005
Golden Magazine + MNFW
006
Orlo Copenhagen
007
DIS
008
Radio K
009
Assorted Creative works
0010
Assorted marketing works
Check out my LinkedIn
or contact me at Annazindren@gmail.com
or contact me at Annazindren@gmail.com
Building the project from the ground up, I gained hands-on experience in graphic design, social media marketing, brand strategy, interviewing, media outreach, and project management.
As the team expanded from just two people to over 60, I developed skills in creative leadership and team management, guiding contributors through each stage of the production process.
The inaugural issue, themed “Creative Community and Artful Resistance,” is a 120-page A5 print-only magazine featuring 11 in-depth interviews and personal reflections from artists, writers, and community-driven businesses.
To celebrate its release, we partnered with local St. Paul gallery After Hours, hosting an opening event that drew a large audience and sold over 250 copies of the magazine.
001
Buttercup Magazine: Co-Founder + Co-Editor In Chief
Relevant skills:
Creative Leadership
Project Management
Account coordination
Brand Planning
Magazine Design
PR and Media Outreach
Print Media Production
Social Media Marketing
Graphic Design
Check out this series of pitch decks I made:
Goru Kits X Buttercup Proposal
(outreach to a professional organization)
General recruitment proposal:
Goru Kits X Buttercup Proposal
(outreach to a professional organization)
General recruitment proposal:
002
Gillette Children’s: Marketing and Communications Intern
Relevant skills:
internal Communications
SEO blogging
SEO Optimization
Canva
CapCut
Patient Education
Sprout Social
SmartSuite
Event PR and Media Outreach
video assets
Event Planning
Children’s Healthcare Communications
Graphic Design
Photoshelter
Corporate Social Media Management
At Gillette Children’s, I currently work as the sole intern in the Marketing and Communications team. There, I assist with the design, promotion, and execution of events for staff, researchers, patients, and families. I consistently contribute to the hospital’s multi-platform social media and online presence, as well as internal communications, such as the Vibe Live magazine, and in-person events within our Child Life department. Additionally, I support corporate partnerships with notable organizations, including the Minnesota Twins, Target, and Dairy Queen.
Projects have also included asset organization, long-form patient education blogging, competitive market research, and SEO optimization.
Here, I have been able to tailor my skills to healthcare marketing, understanding the value of clarity and access in design.
Projects have also included asset organization, long-form patient education blogging, competitive market research, and SEO optimization.
Here, I have been able to tailor my skills to healthcare marketing, understanding the value of clarity and access in design.
See our pitch deck, which we presented to 4 startup incubators and a panel of 5 investors across Copenhagen and Stockholm.
MVPs I made to demonstrate what a box’s content might hold, tailored to each investor.
003
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Europe Practicum
Mock Startup Incubator
Relevant skills:
Startup Strategy
MVP development
Investor Pitching
Business Modeling
Market research
Customer Discovery
Presentation design
Outcome Forcecasting
To gain a deeper understanding of the business side of marketing and advertising, I joined a summer Entrepreneurship Practicum that took me across Scandinavia. Immersed in a fast-paced incubator environment, I collaborated with a team to build a mock startup from the ground up. Together, we pitched our concept to three startup incubators and a panel of four investors representing major Scandinavian firms.
Throughout the practicum, I developed MVPs, crafted pitch decks tailored to different audiences and time constraints, and led presentations that balanced creative storytelling with strategic clarity. I conducted market research, facilitated customer interviews, and projected business models and outcomes—all while adapting to the demands of international collaboration and rapid iteration.
004
Nyhavn Zine
Relevant skills
Magazine Design
Project Management
Editorial Design
Interview Writing
Art direction
Reflective Essay Writing
Portrait Photography
Canva
Nyhavn is an interview-based zine project I created as a final project for my Philosophy of Rock Climbing course at the University of Minnesota. The project consists of four interviews, as well as a self-reflection that explores Thi Nguyen’s essay on rock climbing as an art form.
All aspects of the project, including interviews, writing, photography, and zine design, are my own work.
Take a look at the whole issue 005
Take a look at the whole issue 006
Read up on the Golden X MNFW show
Take a look at the whole issue 006
Read up on the Golden X MNFW show
005
Golden Magazine: Production Assistant and Makeup Artist
+
Minnesota Fashion Week: Event Producer
Relevant skills
Account coordination
Project management
Talent coordination
Run-of-show development
Makeup artistry
Event planning
Event decor
Vendor communications and bookings
At Golden, UMN’s fashion editorial magazine, I worked within production and styling teams. Through my experience, I contributed to the planning and oversight of twelve editorial shoots, scheduling locations, times, and dates for a team of over 100 magazine staff members and models. Additionally, I created various makeup looks for models of all complexions for several editorial shoots.
I was also selected to represent Golden through their MN Fashion Week show. I attended castings, scheduled fittings, and represented the organization at press events, while also being responsible for various logistics, including coordinating live music and decor.
006
Orlo Copenhagen: Visual Marketing Intern
Relevant Skills:
Art Direction
Visual Brand Strategy
Cross-Functional Collaboration
At Orlo, a purpose-driven, affordable luxury watch brand based in Copenhagen, I served as a visual marketing intern. Key responsibilities included the planning and execution of model and product photoshoots, developing a consistent brand image across social media channels and website UX design, and creating a bulk of assets for social media, website, and blog formats
Check out this campaign and social media deck
and brand guidelines created for future interns:
007
Discover In Scandinavia (DIS) Student Writer + Media Team
Relevant skills:
Blog Writing
SEO writing
Travel journalism
Narrative voice development
Organizational storytelling
Editorial planning
Photography
Cross-cultural communication
Deadline management
As one of ten selected Student Writers for the Discover Scandinavia (DIS) program, I contributed weekly long-format blogs that explored the study abroad experience through a personal and reflective lens. Each post was assigned a thematic focus—ranging from cultural immersion to academic life—and challenged me to develop a distinct narrative voice while offering insight into life abroad from a student’s perspective.
In addition to writing, I joined the media team in a secondary role, contributing photography that was featured across DIS’s social media and digital platforms.
My work with Radio K has enabled me to explore various aspects of independent media and music journalism. In addition to hosting as a DJ, I represented the station through event sponsorships on the marketing committee, fostering connections with the local music scene, and strengthening existing partnerships with venues. I also contributed as a concert photographer and show reviewer, documenting and writing about live performances by artists including Blondshell, Alex G, Nilüfer Yanya, Kate Bollinger, and Kitty Craft.
008
Radio K KUOMV: DJ, Marketing Committee Member, Show Reviewer, Show Photographer
Relevant skills:
DJing
Broadcasting
Music Marketing
Music Journalism
Music Photography
Event Booking
Community Fundraising
Nonprofit Marketing
Relevant skills:
Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Express, Lightroom)
Campaign and branding
art direction
Asset sourcing
Magazine Design
Graphic Design
Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Express, Lightroom)
Campaign and branding
art direction
Asset sourcing
Magazine Design
Graphic Design
009
2025 Media design portfolio:
In this course, I developed a portfolio of various graphic design and branding projects utilizing Adobe Suite tools, including Photoshop and InDesign. This course provided me with a more formal education on the rules and guidelines of effective design for advertising, journalism, and marketing efforts.
Dive deeper into
Kodak Podcast Branding + Campaign
The Twin Magazine: Solutions Journalism Zine
010
Assorted marketing campaigns and research projects
001:
Hers Case Study and Campaign
002:
AAA24 Campaign pitch deck: United for Independent
003:
AD RESEARCH:
Beers, Bros, and the Ballot: How Algorithms and Influencers are Reshaping Conservative Political Advertising.
(Literature review)
004:
Erewhon Case Study: Psychology of Advertising
005:
AD RESEARCH:
research study on individual factors of conversation-related advertising belief formation and affective response
*Confidential as it is submitted for publication*
(original research)
006:
AD RESEARCH:
Examining the role of digital trust and perceived control in consumer skepticism towards online behavioral advertising
*In progress*
(Thesis dissertation)
007:
Finding the pulse: Assessing Job Satisfaction in Healthcare Professionals
(Literature review and professional recommendations)
Finding the pulse: Assessing Job Satisfaction in Healthcare Professionals
(Literature review and professional recommendations)
010
Relevant coursework in strategic communications and psychology
Strategic Communication Coursework:
1001: Media In a Changing World
3004H: Information for Mass Communication
3005: Media Effects
3201: Principles of Strategic Communication
3251: Research and Analytics
3261: Media Planning
3275: Digital Strategy
3279W: Professional Writing for Strategic Communication
3321: Principles of Media Design
4251: Psychology of Advertising
4274W: Advertising In Society
Select I/O Concentrated Psychology Coursework: Relevant in data collection, insights, and analytics + Workplace/Team psychology.
3711: Psychology in the Workplace
1052: Research & Creative Experience (X2)
5501: Self, Society and Health - What's Work Got To Do With It? / Peissig
5993: Research Lab in Psychology (X2)
3001W: Intro to Research Methods
4994V: Honors Research Practicum / Fletcher
Research Experience & Honors:
3 Semesters working as a research assistant with Professor Segijn (Strategic Communication). We currently have a study submitted for publication with the AAA, co-written by me and another research assistant.
3 Semesters as a research assistant in the I/O psychology department.
2 Semesters as a research assistant in the cognitive psychology department as a DFRACS scholar
Current Co-departmental thesis under the direction of Dr. Segijn (Strategic Communications) and Dr. Peissig (I/O Psychology).
Resumé
High-achieving, entrepreneurial college Senior with substantial experience in academic and market research, account coordination, production, creative marketing, and healthcare industry communications. Seeking to join agency or internal teams focused on communications, advertising, or public relations. Special interest in positions and projects that balance data and creative strategy.
Education, Skills & Awards
Education
Awards
SKILLS
|
McGill University — Montréal, Canada Attended: August 2022– May 2023 B.A. in Psychology GPA: 3.87 University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, MN Expected Graduation: May 2026 Cumulative GPA: 3.97 Honors B.S. in Psychology (Concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology) Major CGPA: 4.0 Honors B.A. in Strategic Communications Major CGPA: 4.0 * Dean’s First Year Scholar * College of Liberal Arts Study Abroad Merit Scholarship * Dean’s List recognition 5/5 semesters * Undergraduate Research Program Grant 4 semesters Technical & Research Skills Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, Qualtrics, MRI Simmons, SPSS, Meta Ads Manager, Sprout Social, Hootsuite, R, Mailchimp, SharePoint, WordPress, Canva, Cap Cut, Doximity, UX/UI Design, Radio Broadcasting. Strategic & Analytical Skills Market Segmentation, Consumer Research, Campaign Strategy, Data Interpretation, Competitive Analysis, SEO Optimization, Empirical Research Design & Reporting, Audience Insights, Brand Positioning, Media Planning, Grant Writing. Communication & Creative Skills Creative Direction, Copywriting, Social Media Management, Media Outreach, Internal & External Communications, Healthcare Industry Communications, Nonprofit Marketing, Magazine Design & Production, Project Management, Investor Pitching, Photography, Graphic Design. Legal certification in French fluency. |
WORK AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Gillette Children’s, Marketing and Communications Intern, Minneapolis, MN June 2025 – Present
· Support multi-functional marketing and communications for a pediatric hospital specializing in complex and rare disorders.
· Experience in SEO blogging and optimization, event planning, promotion, and public outreach; sports and community partnerships, graphic design, internal communications, and social media management.
University of Minnesota October 2023-Present
Strategic Communications Department, Research Assistant, Minneapolis, MN February 2024 –Present
· Strategic Communications research assistant specializing in the effects of algorithmic advertising on consumer beliefs and emotions.
· Designed and conducted a cross-cultural quantitative and qualitative survey experiment. Wrote grant proposals, IRB materials, and theoretical framework related to online behavioral advertising, e-eavesdropping, and dataveillance.
Visit Office, Undergraduate Visitor Coordinator,
Minneapolis, MN October 2023 – May 2025
· Served as a campus representative for the University of Minnesota, leading tours and presentations for prospective students, families, and educators, with emphasis on clear, professional, and crisis-responsive communication.
I/O Psychology Department, Research Assistant,
Minneapolis, MN February 2024- December 2024
· Conducted large-scale surveys, meta-analyses and literature reviews on workplace performance and organizational culture.
· Analyzed predictors of success, performance, and counterproductive work behaviors using quantitative and qualitative data.
Buttercup Magazine, Founder and Editor-in-Chief,
Minneapolis, MN July 2024 – Present
· Recruited and led 60+ staff members, managing all stages of production for the inaugural 120-page print issue.
· Led client partnerships and events, including a formal gallery exhibition, where more than 250 copies of the magazine were sold.
Chromatic Vintage, Social Media Manager,
Minneapolis, MN November 2024 – Present
· Manage and maintain Instagram presence (25.4k followers) and related content across platforms.
· Expanded the network of the store, including event production and external marketing towards sports partnerships with organizations like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Fire FC, and Minnesota Loons.
Celsius, Collegiate Marketer,
Minneapolis, MN July 2024- December 2024
· Represented Celsius through producing campus activations, sponsorships, and content creation targeted at college audiences.
Orlo Copenhagen, Visual Marketing Summer Intern,
Copenhagen, Denmark June 2024- August 2024
· Produced weekly brand photoshoots and managed visual marketing assets for an affordable luxury watch company.