Annalee, Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan: Advize Career Interview

A career journey starting with an English Literature degree and volunteer work led to a "dream job" as a Membership Experience Manager at the University of Michigan, managing access to the world's largest social science data archive.

This multifaceted role blends marketing, sales, and operations, encompassing communication with internal staff, 800 member institutions, and global audiences.

A typical day is dynamic, involving emails, meetings with high-level executives, presentations, and project work, demanding strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly adapt to shifting priorities.

The most rewarding aspects are the phenomenal team, the impactful mission of empowering data analysis, and the constant drive for improvement within the education industry.

Success in this field requires adaptability, embracing new problem-solving approaches, and building strong professional relationships.

Entry-level opportunities include internships and data curator roles, prioritizing practical experience and initiative.

A key lesson learned is the importance of treating everyone well, fostering a positive work environment, and aligning career goals with desired work environments.

Financial struggles during college instilled a strong work ethic and resilience, proving invaluable throughout the career.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Annalee Shelton

Membership Experience Manager

University of Michigan

California State University Northridge, 2006

Pepperdine University, MA Social Entrepreneurship and Change

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

English

Technology

Sales and Client Management

Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School

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Career Path of an Engagement Manager at University of Michigan

Annalee's career journey, beginning with an English Literature degree and volunteer work, evolved through roles with Greenpeace and the Red Cross, focusing on "working with people and supporting people through the hard times in their lives". This led to positions at Pepperdine and UCLA, culminating in their current remote role as a Membership Experience Manager at the University of Michigan, managing access to the world's largest social science data archive, a position described as "a total dream of a job".

Career Path of an Engagement Manager at University of Michigan

Main Responsibilities of a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan

Annalee's role as Membership Experience Manager at the University of Michigan involves multifaceted communication strategies, encompassing internal staff, 800 member institutions (with a 1500-person team), and global audiences seeking data; this includes managing a $4 million annual membership portfolio and collaborating across departments on initiatives like "Love Data Week," demonstrating a career blending marketing, sales, and operations within a large academic institution.

Main Responsibilities of a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan

A Day In The Life Of A Membership Experience Manager At University Of Michigan

A Membership Experience Manager's day is "a moving target," encompassing email, meetings (including those with C-suite executives and external partners like USC), presentations, and project work such as video development and data analysis using tools like Google Analytics. The role also involves managing tasks in a workflow system, handling invoices, and dedicating Fridays to solely wrap up the week's work.

A Day In The Life Of A Membership Experience Manager At University Of Michigan

Most Important Skills for a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan

Annalee, a Membership Experience Manager, emphasizes the critical need for "highly organized" skills to manage "multiple projects and multiple task types" with predetermined deadlines, using tools like ClickUp for workflow management. The ability to "quickly pivot," prioritize tasks based on shifting strategic priorities and urgency, and keep everything moving is equally vital to success in this role.

Most Important Skills for a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan

Favorite Parts of Being a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan

Annalee's favorite aspect of her Membership Experience Manager role at the University of Michigan is the "absolutely phenomenal" team and the impactful mission. The work empowers individuals to critically analyze data and discern facts, a crucial skill in today's world, providing "facts to people" in a time when trust in information is paramount.

Favorite Parts of Being a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan

Biggest Challenges for a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan

Annalee's role as Membership Experience Manager at the University of Michigan presents significant challenges, primarily juggling "so many different needs across the organization" simultaneously, from technical issues to academic data analysis and financial tasks. A key challenge involves persuading stakeholders to utilize raw data for research, a hurdle overcome when assisting students with impactful social issue research, making the demanding work "all worth it".

Biggest Challenges for a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan

Favorite Parts of Working in the Education Industry As a Membership Experience Manager

Annalee, a Membership Experience Manager at the University of Michigan, finds the education industry deeply rewarding because of "a striving to do more" and the pervasive feeling that "things can be better." This constant drive for improvement, coupled with the opportunities for continuous learning, makes it the most fulfilling career path Annalee has experienced.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Education Industry As a Membership Experience Manager

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Higher Education Industry According To A Membership Experience Manager At University Of Michigan

Annalee, a Membership Experience Manager at the University of Michigan, identifies adaptability as key to thriving in her industry, emphasizing that "there's never a day that is the same as the day before." Success requires an open mind and the ability to embrace "new ways" of problem-solving within collaborative environments.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Higher Education Industry According To A Membership Experience Manager At University Of Michigan

What a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry

Annalee, a Membership Experience Manager, discovered significant on-the-job learning was required, exceeding initial expectations. The role demanded mastering new systems and navigating the unique intersection of "a tech company within an education organization," requiring Annalee to learn different project management approaches.

What a Membership Experience Manager at University of Michigan Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry

Entry-Level Membership Experience Manager Jobs University Of Michigan

Entry-level positions in Annalee's field include paid summer internships offering "very hyperspecific projects," and roles like data curator, requiring data cleaning and organization skills. The University of Michigan also values practical experience over specific degrees, seeking candidates who can demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills, such as "increasing social media margins by 35%," showcasing adaptability and a willingness to learn.

Entry-Level Membership Experience Manager Jobs University Of Michigan

Significant Career Lesson From A Membership Experience Manager At University Of Michigan

Annalee, a Membership Experience Manager at the University of Michigan, emphasizes the significant career benefit of treating everyone well, citing instances where former interns become superiors and collaborative interdepartmental work opens future opportunities. The impact of positive professional relationships, "opening doors" in a large interconnected institution like a university, far outweighs the potential risks of negative interactions.

Significant Career Lesson From A Membership Experience Manager At University Of Michigan

College Experiences That Helped A Membership Experience Manager At University Of Michigan Succeed

Annalee's undergraduate experience taught her the importance of identifying desired work environments and aligning them with career goals; this clarity, exemplified by prioritizing "a humorous workplace," helped Annalee successfully navigate her career, leading to a fulfilling position where the work environment matches her preferences.

College Experiences That Helped A Membership Experience Manager At University Of Michigan Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced a Membership Experience Manager's Career at University of Michigan

Annalee's financial struggles during school, requiring "student loans to pay for tuition" and juggling work and volunteering, forged a strong work ethic and resilience, proving invaluable in navigating a successful career; this experience shaped their ability to handle challenges and build strong relationships, leading to a fulfilling career path and a position where they now mentor others.

How Identity Has Influenced a Membership Experience Manager's Career at University of Michigan

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaleeshelton