Finding Your Place

An Unexpected Path

After studying biology as an undergraduate, Amber began her career with an internship at Zynx Health that soon turned into a full-time role. Over nine years at Zynx, she earned her master’s degree and advanced to become a technical support lead before an unexpected opportunity set her career on a new trajectory.

When the company needed someone to help manage their Salesforce account, Amber decided to help fill the gap. What began as an interim need quickly became something she genuinely enjoyed and an area she wanted to build on.

By 2023, Amber was ready to continue growing her Salesforce expertise somewhere new. She was drawn to higher education and wanted to work someplace that had a strong purpose, which ultimately brought her to USC Advancement.

Finding Her Place Within Advancement

As a CRM business analyst, Amber serves as a bridge between our colleagues who use Salesforce and the technical teams that build and improve it. But as the only person with her role, finding her footing at USC took more than learning a new system.

Amber made a point to reach out, ask questions and build relationships with colleagues across Advancement Information Services. Those connections not only helped her deepen her knowledge of Salesforce, but also helped her find her footing and a sense of belonging within the community.

Now, Amber is helping create that same sense of connection within throughout the AIS team. One of her proudest contributions has been establishing more regular opportunities for colleagues to come together, share what they’re working on and better understand how their work connects.

Amber’s Advice for Colleagues

Amber’s own career has taught her that growth can come from being willing to try something that wasn’t part of the original plan. “If you see something that’s available, just try it and see if it’s something you like,” she says.

She also encourages colleagues to seek out opportunities to keep learning. At USC, Amber has taken advantage of trainings and continues to build skills that support her work.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the teams I’ve worked with. So many people want to learn and grow, which makes me want to learn and grow. I’m really honored to be around so many smart people who care about doing good work at USC.”