Bronco Spotlight: Ashley Mahler
SEO Analyst at Havas
I work in search engine optimization and content strategy for an international advertising agency.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
I just started, but I'm in love. I was able to move to Chicago and dive in to city life.
What experiences impacted the choice of your career path?
Being an Ad major was such a rewarding experience. The major is very tight-knit, and the professors (Dr. Lancendorfer and Professor Gerfen) really individualize your experiences that way you enter the professional workplace fully prepared. Advertising is a healthy balance between my business side and my artsy side, and it made my time here relevant and fun. I also joined AdClub to connect with other students and get to know employers. AdClub really opened my eyes to agency life and affirmed my decision to be an Ad major.
What advice would you offer students to help them decide on a career path?
Internships and networking are the best ways to achieve success. Build your experience early on, and it will only help you in your later classes! I wish I had been a bit more social with people in my major because everyone is friendly, connected, and have similar interests. You will build lifelong friends and strong professional connections as an Advertising major.