Amy Radochonski, BA '01 (education studies); MEd, '02 (education leadership)
Vice President of Programming for College Living Experience

Part of the Daily Emerald "Alumni Take Flight" Series

As soon as Amy Radochonski graduated from the University of Oregon in 2002 with a degree in Educational Leadership, she immediately began her career in the field, recruiting students in educational programs at UO. She is now the VP of Programming for College Living Experience, where she engages with instructors across the U.S., helping plan programs for students with disabilities who are attending higher education. The skillset she gained from her time at UO can be attributed to her effective methods of critical thinking and problem-solving when tasked with individualistic, student-based needs. Amy also serves on the Board of Directors for the UO Alumni Association.

In what ways can students demonstrate their critical thinking skills as they begin searching for jobs? What about in the workplace?

Applicants entering the workforce can show that they are thinking critically by paying attention to the details in every role that they’re looking at. This is a great way for students to showcase their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Just the initial phase of reviewing the job description thoroughly and taking that time to really think about each duty of the job or even the organization is beneficial. Think about how your skills and strengths apply to each and every detail there. It shows that you’re thinking about where you can lend your own expertise and background to a role, and why you can be a positive contributor to the organization. It’s also important to really dig deep during your interview preparation. Appraise your own strengths, assets and shortcomings as well. As for in the workplace, critical thinking just starts with active listening. You have to listen and reflect upon the information that you’re taking in. Reviewing it will help build up your confidence with that information, and within your role too.

Have you ever experienced a time when your career path was uncertain? How did problem-solving help you in overcoming this?

I have absolutely experienced job uncertainty. During my graduate year, I was not positive I wanted to use my degree in the same way I ended up using it. I had envisioned my role as a classroom teacher for about the entirety of my time at UO, but in my graduate year I really pivoted, wanting to use my background and experiences within the College of Education to take on a different type of role instead. I really thought about what aspects of my experiences and training at UO I wanted to take forward with me, and which classes and threads I wished to continue. I also sought out mentorship through my professors, who are always willing to talk—and through my workplace mentors, who I continuously received career advice from.

Since no single curriculum provides everything necessary to be effective in your first occupation, in what ways can students teach themselves to be competitive?

Career readiness is a totally different area than academic success. You can easily be a successful student and not be ready for your workplace experiences. Build awareness and take the initiative to start learning about yourself, workplace cultures and leadership skills that you can take with you into new settings, and show that you’re always looking to continuously improve.

What do you know now that you wish you would’ve known while you were a student at UO?

You don’t have to have an immediate answer to what your career path is going to be. Very few people who I went to college with stayed within their degree paths once they entered the workplace. I wish I knew that I should have allowed my experiences to guide me in making decisions about my interests, as those are going to change throughout your educational experience and career. So, you can have a guide for yourself, but it doesn’t have to be absolute.



Written by Skylar Anderson, Daily Emerald Reporter