I am an alumna of Virginia Tech, and I knew that I wanted to give back to the university that gave me so much once I graduated in some way. I graduated with a Poli Sci degree in 2016, but wasn't ready to come home (D.C. area) yet or join the campaign trail, so I decided to remain in Blacksburg. I spent 5 years at The Inn at Virginia Tech in various roles, then left in 2021, to join the opening team of the University Club of Virginia Tech in Lane Stadium. My original intention was to become a political campaign organizer, so the pivot to the hospitality industry wasn't too surprising. After many working holidays and missed family events, I decided it was time to bring my family back to my hometown. I thought that my journey with Virginia Tech would end with the move, but I found an Advancement job listing through personal connections in the summer of 2023. Luckily, the role was fully remote with priority to be in the D.C. area! I am a true Hokie through and through and hope to remain that way for many years.

As part of the Central Advancement team, I plan and travel to events in 5 key alumni areas - the greater Washington D.C. area (where I am based); Richmond, VA; New York City; Charlotte, NC, and the N.C. Research Triangle (Raleigh area). Each event registration incorporates a gift component; these gifts support the area's alumni chapter scholarship fund, benefitting students who were recently accepted or currently attending Virginia Tech. The young alumni programs are designed to engage alumni where they are, continue to build a culture of philanthropy, and cultivate Virginia Tech's donor pipeline.

I love my role because I get to travel and connect with fellow alumni, and learn about their lives/journey since graduation. I like hearing about what alumni want to see from the university, what we're doing well, and how we can grow attendance at local alumni events through brainstorming conversations.

You have acquired and honed key skills up to this point, so don't sell yourself short! Almost every job skill is transferable, it's all about how you frame it.

I am most proud of the connections that I have maintained throughout my professional career. I still have strong ties with previous mentors, supervisors, and coworkers. Relationships are key when moving throughout the professional world - it's important to check in to keep them strong.