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Sam W.

Top Advice

"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."

Career path

Virginia Tech

Assistant Director of Young Alumni Engagement

From Jun 2026 to Present

Invited Clubs (University Club of Virginia Tech)

Membership Manager

From Jun 2021 to Jun 2023

- Lead Member Experience Strategy: Curate and enhance “ClubLife” through engagement, connection, and retention initiatives, including programming, communications, onboarding, and overall member journey management. - Develop & Execute Programming: Create relevant and engaging member events aligned with club identity and expectations, incorporating member and committee feedback. - Oversee Communications: Implement consistent, storytelling-focused communication across all channels (in-person, email, social media, app) to amplify the member experience. - Manage Membership Operations: Drive retention efforts (including ARMI), forecast membership trends, support administrative and sales tasks, meet with prospects, and assist with membership files and onboarding logistics. - Supervise Member Experience Team: Handle project management, budgeting, hiring, staffing, and training for the Member Experience Manager, Coordinator, and Concierge team.

The Inn at Virginia Tech

Various

From May 2016 to Jun 2021

Assistant Conference Planning Manager, Nov. 2020 - June 2021 - Responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all of the details involved in conferences and events and accurately communicating information to the Food & Beverage team, Lodging team, and Housekeeping team. Lead Reservation Agent, Dec. 2016 - Nov. 2020 - Accepted all reservations originating from the internal and external sources including the university, online booking channels, and the general public. Specialized in university reservations and special event weekends (such as graduation, football weekends and family weekends). - Cross trained on bell attendant, shuttle driver, and housekeeping duties. Reservation Agent, May 2016 - Dec 2016 - Accepted all reservations originating from the internal and external sources including the university and online booking channels.

About Sam W.

Key Experience

I am an alumna of Virginia Tech, and I knew that I wanted to give...

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.

Current Position

As part of the Central Advancement team, I plan and travel to...

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.

Main Motivation

I love my role because I get to travel and connect with fellow...

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.

Top Advice

You have acquired and honed key skills up to this point, so don't...

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.

Greatest Achievement

I am most proud of the connections that I have maintained...

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.