Hello! My name is Amanda Oelke and welcome to my work and life time capsule. I want my site to act as a place for the projects I am proud to have developed over the past few years, in undergraduate journalism school and internships, to collect and be displayed. Each piece shows a time throughout my professional growth that I find important to keep on this site in order to tell my story.
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communications, where I obtained a degree in Strategic Communications. The journalism school allowed me to work hands on with real clients to learn necessary skills and build passions toward my future career. Through this opportunity I developed a love for strategically thinking about and logistically executing digital communication and social media plans. In my journalism courses I strengthened my skills with strategic campaign development, Adobe Suite, database sites and teamwork.
To expand my execution and creative skills I took classes in digital and film photography, along with Adobe production classes and graphic design. This allowed me to complete the Studio Art–Graphic Design/Photography certificate and strengthen my creative curiosities.
Finding my passion for digital communications only continued through the completion of the Digital Studies Certificate, where I was able to critically analyze how the use of digital platforms came about and effect our lives. Not only did I work hands on with the same Adobe tools, but I came to understand their importance for connection and access.
Prior to working in any offices, I embraced the outdoors as a YMCA camp counselor. I bring this up because it was an important time for developing leaderships skills as a role model and facilitator to groups of young kids. Leadership was something I continue to advance through reflecting on the UW–Madison Leadership framework.
Summer of 2019 brought new experiences with my role as a marketing and editorial intern at Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). IFAI allowed me to work with the marketing team on whole campaigns while simultaneously writing marketing materials, proofreading and editing magazine articles.
During my senior year at UW I worked at the Morgridge Center for Public Service (MCPS) as the Marketing and Communications intern. This opportunity pushed me to practice the process of developing editorial content, as well as viewing my work in an equity and inclusive lens. My role in marketing at the MCPS allowed me to grow critical verbal and written communication skills and organizational tools.
Throughout college I was fortunate to meet and hear from so many confident professional women in communications, as a part of the student organization Association for Women in Communications (AWC). AWC provided me with an outlet to discover new opportunities, find confidence, network, connect with other women in my future career line and take on responsibility as a leader. In my final two years, I served as Vice President and Secretary of the organization. My worked to help new members discover their passions and careers that fit them, by organizing guest speakers and networking trips.
Amanda Oelke 