Riley Madden

Here's a note from Riley telling them more about herself for the Entry Level Communications Associate position:

Tell Us More About You

I recently graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration, and I'm eager to channel my passion for communication and relationship-building into a career in this field. What draws me to communications is the intersection of understanding people and crafting messages that resonate—something my psychology background has really prepared me for.

One thing that sets me apart is my hands-on experience building and managing a social media presence. I've grown my Instagram and TikTok accounts to over 20,000 followers, which has taught me so much about creating engaging content, understanding audiences, reading analytics, and adapting my approach based on what resonates. I love the creative challenge of figuring out how to tell stories in ways that connect with people and drive engagement.

During my HR internship at Viant Technology, I discovered that I really thrive in roles that combine communication, organization, and collaboration. I redesigned job postings to be clearer and more engaging, coordinated internal events, and worked cross-functionally with different teams. That experience showed me how powerful good communication is in driving results and building relationships—both internally and externally.

I'm naturally detail-oriented, a quick learner, and someone who genuinely enjoys the fast-paced energy of working in dynamic environments. I'm not intimidated by tight deadlines or shifting priorities; honestly, that's when I do my best work. I'm also a strong collaborator who values teamwork and believes that the best outcomes happen when everyone's voice is heard.

What really excites me about this role is the opportunity to learn the communications and PR industry from the ground up while contributing my creativity, work ethic, and fresh perspective. I'm based locally in Hermosa Beach, so I'm ready to be fully present and engaged with the team in Culver City from day one.

I'm eager to bring my enthusiasm, adaptability, and genuine passion for communication to your team and grow alongside experienced professionals who can help me develop my skills. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves, learn everything I can, and make meaningful contributions from the start.

Thanks for considering my application—I'd love to discuss how I can support your team's communication goals!

Best,
Riley Madden

Here's a summary of Riley's professional experience:

Summary of Professional Experience

I'm a recent Psychology graduate from Loyola Marymount University with diverse professional experience spanning HR, customer service, social media, and team coordination.

Most recently, I completed an HR internship at Viant Technology where I sourced candidates through LinkedIn (increasing qualified applicants by 20%), redesigned job postings for better clarity and engagement, and coordinated internal hiring events. This role taught me how to manage multiple priorities, work cross-functionally, and communicate effectively with both candidates and internal teams.

In retail, I worked as a Sales Associate at Beehive Clothing where I built strong customer relationships, managed Instagram direct messages to drive store traffic, and optimized merchandise organization. This experience honed my ability to read people, provide personalized service, and translate digital engagement into real-world results.

My restaurant experience includes working as a Cashier/Expo at Rabano and as a Hostess at Zane's Restaurant for nearly two years. Both roles required thriving in fast-paced, high-volume environments, coordinating between different teams, handling multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining composure during peak periods—all while delivering excellent customer service.

Beyond formal employment, I've built and manage social media accounts with over 20,000 followers, demonstrating my ability to create engaging content, understand audience analytics, and build genuine community connections.

I've also volunteered with the Lovejoy Foundation and coached at Mira Costa Basketball Camp, which developed my leadership skills and reinforced my passion for mentoring and community engagement.

Throughout all these experiences, I've consistently been recognized for my strong communication skills, ability to build relationships, attention to detail, and positive energy in team environments.

Here's a summary of Riley's most relevant education:

Summary of Most Relevant Education

I graduated from Loyola Marymount University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration, maintaining a 3.4 GPA. This combination gave me a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, interpersonal dynamics, and organizational systems—skills that directly translate to communication, team collaboration, and relationship building in professional settings.

During Fall 2024, I studied abroad at Queen Mary University of London, where I focused on Psychology and Liberal Arts. This international experience enhanced my adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and global perspective while demonstrating my independence and willingness to step outside my comfort zone.

My psychology coursework emphasized communication theory, group dynamics, research methodology, and data analysis—all of which have proven valuable in understanding audiences, crafting effective messages, and making data-informed decisions. My business administration minor provided practical knowledge in organizational behavior, marketing principles, and management fundamentals that complement my psychology background.

I also graduated from Mira Costa High School in June 2021 with a 3.5 GPA and was a member of the basketball team for two years, which taught me teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

This educational background has equipped me with both the analytical skills to understand people and behavior, and the business acumen to apply those insights in professional contexts—making me well-prepared for roles that require strong communication, strategic thinking, and relationship management.