We’re excited to highlight alumna Caroline Avolio! Caroline graduated from Miami in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a co-major in Arts Management & Arts Entrepreneurship. During her time at Miami, she was involved in assistant directing and directing several Theatre Department productions. She also studied abroad in London and completed the Butler County Donut Trail—soaking up all that Oxford had to offer during her senior year!

What’s your current role? How did the AMAE program prepare you for it?

I currently serve as the Assistant Director, Special Events and Travel at the Art Institute of Chicago. My time in the Arts Management program gave me leadership opportunities that equipped me to lead large-scale events with multiple stakeholders. I use the vocabulary, communication skills, and collaborative spirit we practiced in school in my current position daily.

How did AMAE help you find your creative voice as a leader?

Working on real-world projects for clients during my time at Miami helped me gain confidence to work in a professional setting right out of college. Very quickly, I was entrusted to make decisions, manage a budget, and work directly with vendors and donors, all due to my previous experience in the Arts Management program.

What’s one thing you learned in AMAE that you didn’t expect to love?

I loved learning about social media marketing and advertising. I still use some of the copywriting skills that we learned when I write event invitations!

What is your favorite memory from your time at Miami?

Spending time with my best friends, in some capacity, almost every day. We live all over the country now and are lucky if we see each other once a year. That said, when we get together, it’s like no time has passed—we still have the best time together.

What does being a Miami graduate mean to you?

Being connected to professors, classmates, and other alumni who care about you and your professional success, even after graduation! I’m so grateful for the network that Miami has given me.