Taking on a leadership role is not always planned, but sometimes, the best opportunities come unexpectedly. That was the case for Madelyn Oly, our VP of Professional Development, who stepped into the role after encouragement from friends and fellow AMA members." I knew it would be a great opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, gain leadership experience, and build valuable skills that would enhance my resume," she shares. But beyond that, she saw it as a way to grow personally and professionally while helping others do the same, a mindset that now drives her approach to professional development in AMA.
Creating Opportunities for Growth
Madelyn is aware that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to professional growth. She gets input from participants and customizes programs to meet their requirements to guarantee that they learn useful skills. "I design opportunities by focusing on areas members want to improve, networking, resume building, LinkedIn optimization, and personal growth. I strive to make our events both engaging and informative, so members enjoy the process of learning and developing their professional identities."
Lessons in Leadership
For Madelyn, taking on this role has changed everything. It involves more than just planning events. It is about developing relationships, being confident in oneself, and navigating a professional world."I have built long-lasting friendships with AMA members while developing leadership, time management, and teamwork skills. This role has also expanded my network, opening doors to new opportunities and future career growth."
Getting out of your comfort zone is her biggest piece of advice. "At first, I hesitated to attend campus events unless I had someone to go with, and it held me back. Joining the e-board pushed me to participate, plan events, collaborate with other RSOs, and engage more on campus. I have learned that being uncomfortable is the best way to get comfortable."
Supporting Members from All Career Paths
It might be challenging to balance the needs of everyone when AMA members have a variety of career paths, but Madelyn welcomes the challenge by identifying points of agreement."We focus on general professional development topics, networking, personal branding, and resume building while encouraging members to tailor their learning to their career goals. Gathering feedback is essential to making sure our events are as valuable and relevant as possible."
Madelyn's path proves the strength of moving beyond one's comfort zone by taking the initiative to lead and generating memorable experiences for AMA members. One thing is clear as she continues influencing Ferris AMA's career progress. She is not just preparing members for their careers. She is helping them grow in ways that will last a lifetime.
Making Moves in Real Estate
In addition to being an AMA leader, Madelyn is a licensed real estate agent with a focus on first-time homeowners at Apex Realty Group in Byron Center, Michigan. Through AMA, she jumped-started her career by networking with new clients and industry partners. She is now helping people locate their ideal houses while combining her love of professional growth. If you're looking to buy your first home, Madelyn is the agent to know!
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