Her Story
About Amber
Amber Holmes has spent 14 years in higher education, currently working in academic operations at the University of Illinois in the Champaign-Urbana area. She began her career path in veterinary medicine but transitioned after an unhealthy workplace experience, joining the university's online program office where she discovered a passion for assisting students from various backgrounds and organizing academic programs. Her work now centers on strategic scheduling for over 300 classes, supporting faculty research and teaching loads, aiding doctoral students, and restructuring office processes to improve efficiency without overtime. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology and completed her master's degree while pregnant. Amber is starting a certificate program at the College of Education this fall to continue her learning. She recently joined UPCEA to connect with peers in continuing education and attributes her success to her parents' work ethic, her husband's supportive coaching, her family, and supervisors who encouraged her professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amber
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents for establishing a good work ethic and my mom going back to school, my husband as cheerleader and coach who pushes me, and supportive family including in-laws. Also supervisors who helped me develop professionally. I find it hard to advocate for myself so having people who do that for me contributes greatly.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be easy on yourself. Not even adults have it all together. You're running your own race, do not compare yourself to others because comparison is the thief of joy. It's okay to not know who you are right now, allow yourself to figure it out and grow. Keep your goal in mind and know that any path to get there adds to your life experiences.
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