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Margaux, Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment: Advize Career Interview
Margaux's journey from volunteer work supporting youth in the court system to a Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment showcases a dynamic career path in educational technology.
The role involves multifaceted responsibilities, including client relationship management, internal team collaboration, technical problem-solving, and consistent communication.
A day in the life is filled with cross-functional meetings, software troubleshooting, and client updates. Success in this field requires strong organizational and communication skills, a passion for education, and adaptability.
Entry-level positions like project assistant or associate offer a pathway to client interaction and project leadership.
Margaux's undergraduate experiences in advocacy and community service directly contributed to professional success, highlighting the value of teamwork and leadership.
Furthermore, a strategic approach to seeking inclusive workplaces within the LGBTQ community is noted.
This inspiring career trajectory, emphasizing continuous learning and collaboration, provides valuable insights for students interested in educational technology and project management.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Margaux Nielsen
Senior Project Coordinator
Cambium Assessment
Georgetown University, 2015
Currently attending MBA program at UCLA Anderson
Ethnic & Related Studies
Education
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, LGBTQ
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Career Path Of A Senior Project Coordinator At Cambium Assessment
Margaux's career path began with volunteer work supporting "young people involved in the court system," leading to a program coordinator role at Seeds of Tomorrow. This experience transitioned into project management at American Institutes for Research, ultimately resulting in Margaux's current position at Cambium Assessment after their division's acquisition.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment
Margaux, a Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment, ensures smooth execution of a statewide client contract, which involves significant "client relationship management". This role also necessitates internal collaboration with technical and content teams to deliver a high-quality product, highlighting the multifaceted nature of project coordination.
A Day In The Life Of A Senior Project Coordinator At Cambium Assessment
A senior project coordinator's day at Cambium Assessment includes many cross-functional meetings to ensure everyone is "on the same page," along with troubleshooting software, "logging into the system and trying to break stuff," and consistently updating clients via email and phone calls. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the role, combining collaboration, technical problem-solving, and client communication.
Most Important Skills for a Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment
For a Senior Project Coordinator, "organization and attention to detail" are paramount, given the many moving parts in projects ranging from "a big Statewide contract" to smaller tasks. Strong communication skills are equally vital, as the role often requires mediating between internal and external teams, "translating" information effectively and positively.
Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment
Margaux enjoys the "complexity" of the Senior Project Coordinator role at Cambium Assessment, finding variety in the cyclical nature of project work from test launch to closure. A passion for education further enriches the role, allowing for interaction with US Departments of Education and a deeper understanding of standardized assessments within the school system.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment
Margaux's biggest challenge as a Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment is the technical aspect of working with a software product, requiring "learn[ing] the lingo" and understanding the software development life cycle. This highlights the adaptability needed in the role, demonstrating successful navigation of a learning curve without a technical background.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Technology Industry As A Senior Project Coordinator
Margaux, a Senior Project Coordinator in the education technology industry, finds the field's growth and new product development "very exciting," particularly given Cambium Assessment's focus on accessibility. This allows for continuous learning about how students with varying needs, such as "low vision students," interact with online tools.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The EdTech Industry According To A Senior Project Coordinator At Cambium Assessment
Success in this industry hinges on a blend of intrinsic motivation—"mission-driven" individuals passionate about the product, students, or clients—and strong organizational skills. Individuals who are "tactful and very skilled in communication," effectively managing numerous details without being overwhelmed, also tend to thrive.
What A Senior Project Coordinator At Cambium Assessment Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Education Technology Industry
Margaux, a Senior Project Coordinator, discovered the significant client-facing aspect of the role was underestimated; the realization that "how much you actually have to present...to your client" became a surprisingly enjoyable part of the job, unlike initial expectations focused solely on technical project details.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Senior Project Coordinators
Entry-level positions in Margaux's field, such as "project assistant" or "project associate," involve "more entry-level tasks," like updating user guides and creating tracking sheets. These roles allow for gradual progression to client interaction, internal team collaboration, and project leadership.
Significant Career Lesson from a Senior Project Coordinator at Cambium Assessment
Margaux, a Senior Project Coordinator, highlights the significant lesson of learning from colleagues, stating, "you can learn a lot from the people that you're working with," regardless of long-term career goals. This approach has proven rewarding, broadening Margaux's understanding of career possibilities through "hearing about what they have done in the past."
College Experiences That Helped A Senior Project Coordinator At Cambium Assessment Succeed
Margaux's undergraduate involvement in advocating for "Justice and peace studies" to become a major, "put[ting] together a report" and working with a team, developed crucial teamwork and delegation skills. Further leadership roles in community service, such as coordinating a tutoring program and mentoring other students, provided valuable experience applicable to "working with coworkers in the professional world."
How Identity Has Influenced A Senior Project Coordinator's Career At Cambium Assessment
As a career professional in the LGBTQ community, Margaux is "a little bit more selective" about employers, proactively researching diversity and inclusion initiatives and employee resource groups. This approach, combined with openly listing pronouns in communications and seeking feedback from current employees, reflects a strategic career navigation prioritizing a supportive and inclusive work environment.
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