Amanda Quick ’14, G’16 thrived at Syracuse by finding a balance between being open to new experiences and ideas and keeping true to her core motivations.
When Amanda Quick ’14, G’16 enrolled in Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, she intended to follow the trail blazed by renowned broadcasters like Dick Clark ’51, Bob Costas ’74 and Mike Tirico ’88—and she had a four-year plan mapped to help her achieve that goal. But just a few weeks into her first semester, Quick attended the Involvement Fair—where students learn about student organizations and other opportunities on campus—and found herself drawn to a range of activities that were not part of her plan. “I realized there was so much available to me at Syracuse University—so many things I wanted to participate in—I decided to be flexible and open to opportunity.”
Quick studied with Syracuse Abroad in Asia for a semester—an experience she says both took her out of her comfort zone and remains one of the most valuable of her life.
Spontaneous commitment to the Division I women’s rowing team is just one of many opportunities Quick embraced during her time at Syracuse. She also added minors in marketing and Chinese studies, interned at the Olympics in London, studied abroad in Hong Kong, traveled the country to interview young entrepreneurs and earned a master’s degree in a new field. Ultimately, Quick’s Syracuse experiences helped her launch a rewarding career working for Fortune 500 companies—a professional trajectory she could not have imagined when she first stepped on campus, but one that perfectly reflects the balance she found between being open to new experiences and ideas and keeping true to her core motivations.
Reflecting on all she learned in the process, Quick, who was recently celebrated with the Generation Orange Award and induction onto the board of Newhouse Emerging Leaders, shared some of the valuable takeaways.
Take Advantage of Professional Opportunity Through Alumni Connection
Quick credits the Orange network for helping her gain professional experiences and launch her career. Now an active and engaged alumna, she has been recognized at the Syracuse University Alumni Awards for her support of current students.
From the start, Quick—a broadcast and digital journalism major—sought to gain professional experiences. She joined a student-run radio station as DJ and business development director and participated in multiple internships.
Quick first experienced the supportive community of the Orange network during her internships. She relished interning with BrandYourself, a reputation management company founded by three Syracuse alumni (and which later appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank). Her connection with Syracuse also helped her secure three summer internships with NBC Sports, where she worked with alumni who ensured she had diverse and meaningful experiences. “This is really where the Syracuse connections come in. The Newhouse alumni I met made sure I had extraordinary access. I got to sit on set, meet the talent—it was amazing,” she says.
Focus on What You Love Doing More Than Job Titles
Quick’s professional experiences helped her clarify and refine her goals. “At first, I was focused on becoming a reporter and anchor. But I came to understand that at the core, my passion is storytelling. When I focused on that, rather than a particular job title, I found so many creative ways to tell stories,” she explains.
One of the projects Quick found most meaningful entailed research on college-aged entrepreneurs. “I was awarded funding through the Renée Crown University Honors Program and traveled to universities across the country to meet incredible students who were building companies and startups right from their dorm rooms,” she says. “The project also allowed me to tap into new mediums and platforms in exciting ways. I was telling stories, but not from an anchor desk.”
Diversify Your Skills for a Competitive Edge
At Syracuse, Quick realized her passion for storytelling, a discovery that has shaped her career in rewarding ways.
Quick’s interest in entrepreneurship and technology led her to pursue a master’s degree in information management (now information systems) from the School of Information Sciences (iSchool), where she was a Kauffman Fellow. Quick researched at the intersection of journalism and data science and appreciated learning within the iSchool’s diverse and international community.
When Quick entered the workforce, she found that her varied skill set made her a strong candidate for a range of positions. “From my undergraduate degree in Newhouse, I had writing, communications and presentation skills. The iSchool helped me round these out with a tactical and analytical approach. I also gained skills in writing for business and working with clients,” she explains. “Those skill sets together gave me an advantage.”
Be Open Minded and Open Hearted
Quick’s willingness to be open to opportunity helped her establish her professional track. At a career fair, a Syracuse alum working at KPMG US reached out to Quick and encouraged her to apply. Quick accepted an offer at KPMG US, where she worked for six years on a trajectory of expansion and growth.
To really connect with people, you have to learn their ‘why’—their story—and share your own, as well.
Amanda Quick ’14, G’16
Quick, now senior manager at American Express, says she draws on all she learned at Syracuse to thrive in her career. Storytelling, especially, is central in many aspects of Quick’s life. It shapes how she engages with clients and colleagues—and it’s been personally important, as well. Several years ago, Quick was diagnosed with breast cancer. She joined the board of directors for The Pink Agenda, an advocacy and awareness agency, and now shares her story to help other young women who are living with breast cancer. “What I’ve learned—both in my work and through personal experience—is that everyone has a story. And to really connect with people, you have to learn their ‘why’—their story—and share your own, as well,” she says. “Connection comes through emotion and vulnerability. When we connect on that deeper level, people feel welcomed, diversity is fostered—and we make the spaces we engage in better for everyone.”
