Amanda Schroeder
Amanda Schroeder
Digital Project Manager / Writer / Editor
San Francisco, CA
www.heyitsamanda.com
instagram @aammaaanndddaa
instagram @sulkypigeonceramics
linkedIn
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I work as a digital project manager and web content manager. ”
Right now, I'm working on a site operations team in e-commerce, so my job involves a lot of managing web application releases and updating site content. I’m also a writer and editor and currently run a small magazine and help out at a few others. Pre-covid, I picked up ceramics and after a quarantine-induced hiatus, I’ve been able to pick it up again. My dream is to one day buy a house in the countryside where I can make pottery full-time, but for now I’m posting my learning process on Instagram and am working on my first collection, which I’ll drop on Etsy.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’m an early career professional (class of 2020)! I studied English literature in college because I never felt like math or computer science was for me. I wasn’t sure what I wanted in my career, so I graduated a year early to start figuring it out as soon as possible. Right out of college, I interned in project management and connected with the company's web editor. I realized I loved what she did and dove in head first into the world of web design and web programming. I’ve been learning and growing in the field since.
How do you stand out in your field?
I’m super process and detail oriented - I’ll always be the person making a schedule for the whole team when embarking on a new project. I also think I’m a fun person to work with and always like to learn something new. I’ve also been told I have a very calming presence. I don’t feel calm, but I’m glad it comes across that way.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m always working on writing projects - I have a few in the works at the moment, including a collection of poetry. I’m also super focused on developing a digital magazine I started this year called F3LL Magazine. And as I previously mentioned, I’m working on pottery a lot in my freetime these days.
I’m also trying to take the leap into digital product design, so I’m working on some online coursework and building a sample portfolio at the moment. There’s nothing I’m ready to share yet, but I’ll be adding it to my website as soon as I am!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love products designed with minimalism in mind, but add a lot of personality. I think Notion is a good example - it’s so simple that there’s almost no limits to where you can take it.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Definitely digital product and UX design!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Time management has been hard recently. I have a ton of different projects I’m working on and obligations I’ve signed myself up for- and I’m so grateful - but it’s also hard to prioritize everything while also keeping enough time for myself just to chill out on the couch.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Going through my email and unsubscribing from all the spam. Or doing my taxes.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could’ve told myself to take more opportunities in college. I was always turning stuff down because I wanted to graduate debt-free, so I was working over 40-hours a week. I wish I could’ve told myself that a little debt is okay in exchange for more experiences.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to talk to more freelance writers on how they got their start. Luckily, the internet makes that process way more transparent.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I plan on moving into product design and would love to work for a company designing software/an application as opposed to a website. I love web design, but I think it would be so fun to make or enhance an application.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I’d say my ideal job would also give me my free-time. I think a big tension point for me in a role is when you waste a lot of time doing menial tasks or sitting in meetings where you aren’t contributing. I think my ideal role would be in a company that appreciates all you contribute and challenges you, but also respects your boundaries with your time.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
Molly Young, a New York Times writer, encourages me to write. Her work is always interesting and witty and surprising. She’s an absolute delight to read. She also used to work full-time as a copy writer while writing for elite publications. That’s where I would like to see myself in the next few years.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at amanda.schroeder@comcast.net! I’ll also respond to Instagram or LinkedIn DMs, but I check my email way more often.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Create even when I don’t want to.
This member profile was originally published in March 2021.