Discovering Career Purpose and Opportunities: Assistant Director of Communications, Lindsey Amick's Journey with UCF
For Lindsey Amick, returning to the University of Central Florida (UCF) wasn’t just a career decision—it was coming home. A proud UCF alumna, Lindsey’s career path was filled with pivotal moments and valuable lessons that she now shares to inspire prospective candidates looking to join the UCF community.
Finding Direction: From Uncertainty to Opportunity
As a student at UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media, Lindsey initially gravitated toward public relations. “I wasn’t exactly sure what public relations was at the time,” she admits. “But I knew I wanted to be working with the media, hosting events, telling stories.” Like many students, her understanding of her chosen field grew through experiences, particularly through the Nicholson School of Communications’ Advertising / Public Relations program. It was here that she began to uncover her passion for communications and marketing, areas that would shape her future career.
The Journey of Growth: From PR to Higher Education
After graduating, Lindsey’s career path took some exciting turns. She dove into public relations, gaining experience at an advertising agency that would prove to be one of her most formative career moments. “Working at the agency early on was crucial,” Lindsey reflects. “It taught me the foundation of creativity and innovation, and I worked with a diverse portfolio of clients, which allowed me to adapt to different industries and environments.”
Her adaptability proved especially important when her husband’s career in the Air Force took them across the country. Lindsey transitioned into freelance work, managing social media accounts, writing advertorials and various communications and collateral pieces and consulting on marketing strategy for clients in the higher education and health care spaces. Her experiences in marketing and communications led her into an Account Executive role, where she worked primarily with clients in the education sector—a role that would prepare her for a future in higher education.
Coming Back Home: Why UCF Was Always the Goal
While Lindsey’s career was thriving, her heart was always set on returning to Orlando. “When my husband and I decided to move back, I had a very short list of employers I was willing to move for, and UCF was at the top,” she says. Her belief in UCF’s mission and the power of higher education made joining UCF Advancement a perfect fit. After patiently watching for the right opportunity, Lindsey found her way back home to UCF, where she could combine her skills and passion for education in a meaningful way.
Advice for Future Candidates: Explore, Learn, and Adapt
One piece of advice Lindsey offers to prospective candidates is to try different environments early in their careers. “Whether it’s corporate, nonprofit or higher education, diversifying your experiences helps you understand where you best fit,” she explains. This adaptability has been key to her success, and she encourages others to explore various sectors to discover their strengths and passions.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Vision for UCF
Today, Lindsey’s vision for the future is to foster collaboration between UCF’s various colleges and partners. “I want to help continue the good work already being done to build a unified, cohesive communication strategy across UCF, and really explore all the ways in which UCF Advancement can help our fellow college and unit communicators reach their goals and dreams” she shares. For her, being part of UCF’s growth and contributing to its mission is more than a job—it’s a personal calling.
Lindsey Amick’s journey is a testament to the power of exploration, adaptability and finding your true purpose. For anyone considering a career with UCF, her story is a reminder that UCF is more than just a workplace—it’s a community where you can grow, thrive and make a lasting impact.
