Master’s Alum Finds Success in Communications at Y-12
Chancellor’s Professor Suzie Allard knew Amanda Andrews would find a way to achieve her career goals no matter what hurdles stood in the way.
Andrews was a student in Allard’s data science class while pursuing her master’s degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Communication and Information.
“Amanda came in and wanted to be challenged,” Allard said. “From the first time she registered for my class, I saw that she was adventurous and clearly knew in her mind what she wanted. I always appreciated her intellectual curiosity. She is creatively talented and a very driven person.”
Andrews, who graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 2009 with a degree in journalism, wanted to work for the federal government. She was able to obtain a few freelance jobs in the field until she got the big break she needed in 2017 when she was hired as the editor for the Homeland Defense & Security Information Analysis Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
After two years, Andrews became a Technology Transfer Information Specialist for the Y-12 National Security Complex Office of Technology Commercialization and Partnerships in Oak Ridge. It all led to the biggest jump of her career in 2020 when she joined the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Production Office, beginning her federal service duty, stationed at Y-12.
In May of this year, Andrews, 35, began serving as the interim Chief of Staff for the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). She helps the OCIO staff manage all operational, technical and administrative aspects of NNSA’s cybersecurity and information management program.
Previously, Andrews served as the Public Affairs Specialist for the NNSA Production Office for nearly three years. In that role, she was responsible for congressional and intergovernmental relations, special events and protocol coordination, emergency public communications, and oversight of the contractor public affairs program at two NNSA sites, the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.
“It’s the ultimate honor to be able to serve my country in any capacity. I absolutely love what I do,” Andrews said. “I really believe in the mission and the people I work with. It’s the best place I’ve ever worked. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Andrews entered college with a relatively shy personality but her communications education brought her out of her shell.
“It taught me how much I truly enjoy building and maintaining relationships,” Andrews said. “While at TTU, I realized I loved learning about and from people. UT taught me how to manage people and projects, and about the responsibility we each have to lead with integrity.”
Although she was a nontraditional graduate student at UT, Andrews still felt connected to the mission of the university.
“I see the Volunteer Spirit as the opportunity to forge your own path at any point you choose,” she said. “It’s knowing that other students and faculty are there to provide you with a sense of belonging and that mentors will be there to provide personalized guidance as you determine and work down that path.”
Andrews didn’t expect her career journey to have as many twists and turns as it did in the early going. But she never wavered from her intended destination and tried to grow from every situation.
“I said yes to every opportunity put in front of me,” Andrews said. “A big thing I tell people is to be loud and proud about your goals, because that is how people will know what your interests are.”
It may not always be comfortable to take chances, but Andrews encourages others to follow their intuition and not be discouraged by setbacks.
“I want people to realize there is absolutely no time at any point in your life in which you can’t stop and decide to do something else,” she said. “You can change your career trajectory. You are never too old or too anything to become who you are meant to be. There is no cap on what you can achieve.”
Andrews had a “full-circle moment” last month when she was working with a group of interns in her office. Exactly half a lifetime ago, Andrews was part of an ambitious group of high school students from across the country visiting Washington D.C. They took a photo on the steps below the Capitol, the building where she was currently touring with a group of OCIO interns.
“It just hit me that I was once one of them,” Andrews said. “A life goal of mine was to support the federal government and serve my country in some capacity, and here I am getting to do it and being able to give back to these interns in any little way. It just overwhelmed my heart.”
Written by Rhiannon Potkey
Master’s Alum Finds Success in Communications at Y-12 written by Hillary Tune and originally published on the College of Communication & Information site.