With each year that passes there are more and more BIC graduates doing great work all over the world. Each year we publish brief Alumni Updates where our alumni can tell us some about their post-BIC lives. In addition to these annual updates, we post interviews with our alumni. Today we are excited to post an interview with Amanda Roark (’08). We hope you enjoy, and if you are interested in being interviewed for a future blog post, email us at BIC@baylor.edu.
What year did you graduate from Baylor? What did you study?
I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration.
Tell us some about your career and journey since graduating from Baylor.
I am a senior analyst in the corporate communications division at Toyota, providing support and counsel to Lexus product communications, advertising and brand initiatives.
I began my marketing communications career at Great Wolf Resorts in Grapevine before taking a senior communications role at the Madison, Wisconsin headquarters. After this role, I moved back to Texas to work on media relations and brand strategy with the Allison+Partners Dallas office. Working with clients in B2B and B2C industries such as automotive, technology, public affairs and healthcare, I also completed my Accreditation in Public Relations with the national PRSA Accreditation board.
I am currently in the process of pursuing a Master of Science degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. I live in Denton with my husband, two children and dog, Molly.
How has your BIC education influenced your life and/or work since leaving Baylor?
It provided a good foundation for critical thinking used in the real world. I’ve also maintained relationships with people I met through the BIC program now that we have pursued various paths after undergrad.
Do you have any favorite memories from your time in BIC?
I enjoyed the field trips freshman year to the mosque and Hindu temple. The world religion courses helped with a foundation for understanding of those with different backgrounds and life experiences.
Do you have any advice for current BIC students?
Focus on the big picture. It’s easy to get weighed down by a major assignment or Plato’s cave. Remember to bring it back to current events and other big ideas to build on the connections. The combined courses in BIC help to provide a solid foundation for any career you choose.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Build the relationships with those around you, and be open to different careers and industry changes once you graduate. Best of luck this semester!
