É«ÀÇÉçÇø

Today we meet Amanda Ciavarella, digital content strategist and production coordinator with Strategic Planning & Management, whose focus is the School of Osteopathic Medicine. Amanda joined É«ÀÇÉçÇø September 2017. 

 

My role here at the University covers a wide range of responsibilities, from strategizing website improvements to tracking and analyzing traffic statistics to creating visual content. On a daily basis, I spend most of my time developing solutions to recurring website issues and meeting with individuals and departments to provide guidance on how to improve their websites.

 

Do your Research. Start by Listening. Bring Solutions. – Groups come to me for help with their websites. Typically, before our first meeting, I do a full review of their site, taking notes on information architecture, content quality and quantity, brand messaging, and overall purpose. I almost always have a list of areas that need improvement. However, I don’t present this list at the onset of our first meeting. Instead, I ask them to share what they like or don’t like, and what ideas they have to make their website better. This allows us to collaborate, and for me to take into consideration any nuances I may have overlooked in my initial assessment. Once we’re in a conversational space, I share some of my thoughts on their website, and suggest a few solutions that will address their issues. I find these steps to be helpful in building our relationship, which is key in providing excellent customer service.

 

I would say that, regardless of your title or role, you should never be hesitant about bringing your voice to the table. At my very first job after college, I approached my supervisor with an idea on how to improve a process he developed. I was nervous about speaking up because I did not want to overstep my boundaries or offend him. After listening to my idea, he paused with a serious look and said, “If you think it’s your responsibility to critique my work… you are absolutely right.” The subsequent conversation affirmed that, in any healthy work environment, thoughtful, well-intentioned contributions of all varieties are welcomed and respected among colleagues. Now, if I have an interest in a project or an idea to share, I go for it.

 

I love the variety of challenges I have to tackle in my role. I am a slightly more-than-casual player of board games and Magic: The Gathering, so my problem-solving skills are always being tested. At work, struggling through tough problems helps keep me engaged and motivated. I like to learn new skills and fiddle around with new technology - my job lets me do just that.

 

Share one thing you love about working at É«ÀÇÉçÇø. 

In general, I love working in higher education because I can contribute to improving the student experience. At É«ÀÇÉçÇø in particular, there are so many wonderful colleagues to collaborate with, and I find comfort in knowing that we all are working hard for the students. The larger picture of student success helps inform our decisions and guide our actions, so even on the most hectic and stressful of days, it’s easy to keep in mind that our work is helping people and changing lives.

 

Share one thing you wish people knew about your department. 
If you’re ever hungry, feel free to stop by our office because Carol Primas-Young and Michele Gallagher keep us stocked with candy and baked goods at all times. I’m serious. Please come eat this food!

 

Yes! In a past life, I participated in and coached NCAA DIII field hockey and track & field. I am a huge fan of our PROFs and try to catch as many home games as I can. Recently, I attended the women’s basketball Pink Game for the annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration. I also had the opportunity to cheer on the field hockey team last semester as they won the NJAC Championship game 2-0 over The College of New Jersey. GO PROFS!

 

High-five, low-five and around the back!