Amanda V. Alampi

Have you found any advantages to being a part of the NYU Wagner alumni network?

The alumni network is my to-go place for any problem I'm having at work. Some days I need a good consult from a former classmate or a faculty member on a challenge I'm tackling. It is always the first place I look for hiring staff and consultants.

How did you find your first post-NYU Wagner job?

I actually worked full time and went to NYU Wagner so I was already working at a PR firm leading a "social media for social good" portfolio of clients. But Wagner helped fortify that I wanted to stay in digital advocacy. It was a new industry and I was able to build my expertise along with the industry. We essentially grew up together. But Wagner gave me those core skills and competency that help you run faster as an industry changes.

How did being in New York City impact your professional journey?

Being located in NYC was a critical part to my accelerated career. I could work for the biggest NGOs and consult on some of the largest events and campaigns in progressive activism. They were all headquartered here so I had the exposure really quickly by doing the work during the day and attending class at night.

How did your experiences at NYU Wagner prepare you for your career?

I once joked that Wagner is where you meet your future cabinet for when you are President. But in many ways that's true. I picked Wagner because of the opportunity to meet some of the most strategic and innovative thinkers in the public sector. Wagner isn't just about the time in the classroom but understanding the importance of building a network for tomorrow. From the faculty to staff to students, I knew Wagner was going to be the place where I met my partners in this work.