Amanda Eller’s favorite aspect about her job, as academic advisor for the School of Polytechnic Studies, is working with students.
“I enjoy when I can help students find a major that fits their career goals and interests,” Amanda said. “It is very satisfying to help a student work through making the important and sometimes difficult decisions concerning their college education, and after they make the decision, it is one they are happy with.”
Even the day-to-day interactions are fulfilling for Amanda. “It makes your day when a student has a problem that you helped solve and they are now happy with the result,” she said. “Sometimes students come in upset, and it is great when they leave happy and appreciative that someone took the time to help them.”
A typical day for Amanda includes assisting and advising current, transfer and prospective students, coordinating and facilitating tours of the facilities to groups of students and adults interested in the School of Polytechnic Studies and speaking to current and prospective students about the about the various programs offered.
Amanda visits high schools recruiting future students, develops various recruitment materials and organizes special events for prospective students.
Being able to enjoy the interaction of her job helps Amanda outside of work too. “Since I enjoy my job, I’m able to enjoy my time at home with my family, not stressing about work.”
Amanda’s little girl, Madison, who turned one on Valentine’s Day, and her husband, Ben, occupy most of her free time outside the School of Polytechnic Studies.
They enjoy spending time in Cape Girardeau as a family. Having received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Southeast Missouri State University, Amanda has had time to get to know the best shopping and eating spots in town, and takes pleasure in showing them off to friends and family who visit the area.
Amanda also hosts parties for her friends and family for both special occasions and everyday get-togethers. “I love to entertain and host parties,” she said. “We’ve hosted a few luaus that were fun and Super Bowl parties. I like to cook up new recipes to serve and decorate to fit the theme of the party.”
Amanda is especially looking forward to the next theme party she is planningᾰMadison’s first birthday. “She’s having a ladybug theme, homemade ladybug invitations and all!” Eller said.
Eller wants current students to enjoy Cape Girardeau and Southeast as much as she does. She tells students to get involvedᾰeither in a student organization, a campus job, in the community or just making friends in your classes and doing things outside of campus. Eller feels the best way to enjoy your experience as Southeast is to get involved. “It can help you make friends, give you great experiences, and can even help get you a job,” she said.
Eller started out as a student worker on campus her freshman year. “It was my experience working in our advising office that led me to my career path,” she said. “I really enjoyed working with students and trying to share what the School of Polytechnic Studies had to offer them.”