College Experiences That Helped a Sr. Curriculum Development Manager at Code.org Succeed
Amy's undergraduate success stemmed from two key relational aspects: an "incredible advisor" who fostered their boldness and creativity, leading to a role as school paper editor, and strong friendships providing ongoing support throughout their career. These relationships, rather than solely focusing on work, fueled their success by creating a solid foundation of mentorship and personal connection, proving that "there are more important things than just your work".
Mentorship, Networking, Communication, Resilience, Relationship Building
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Amy Berkhoudt Woodman
Sr. Curriculum Development Manager
Code.org
Point Loma Nazarene University - 2009
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - MA in Education Policy & Leadership
Creative Writing, Journalism
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Cultivate strong relationships with mentors and advisors who believe in you and can help you grow professionally. Amy highlights her advisor, Dean Nelson, as instrumental in her development.
2. Develop strong professional networks and friendships that provide support and encouragement throughout your career journey. Amy emphasizes the value of her college friendships in sustaining her work-life balance.
3. Seek out leadership opportunities, such as editing a school paper, to develop skills in teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. Amy notes that her role as editor significantly impacted her skillset and confidence.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I think one of the most important things I did, both relationally, was having an incredible advisor. His name is Dean Nelson. He's still the dean of Journalism at the school I went to.
He was the first person who really believed in me and saw me for who I was. I was a person who would walk into a room or a story and call BS when I saw it. I think he appreciated that about me and fostered that in me, and that helped me a lot.
I went from being pretty introverted and quiet, just a thinker who stayed in their own little space, into somebody who was bold, creative, and put themselves out there artistically. Being the editor of our school paper was a really important process for me because I learned so much.
The second relational thing is the friends I made in college, who are still my friends today. The thing about work, especially remote work, is that you're just in it. But then I have all these friends around me who I've had my entire life, who check in on me.
Life stuff happens even while you're at work. The only fuel I have some days to carry on is the fact that I have so many people who care about me and are checking in. I hope that even though I am somewhat of a workaholic, that other people have relationships and mentorship. I still try to keep those aspects of my life really solid.
They're more important than just your work, and those things help fuel you to be a better worker later on.