Why I Work in Higher Ed: Amelia DeRynck, Grants Program

The “Why I Work in Higher Ed” series features people working in higher education to get an inside perspective of what they do and what inspires them.

Amelia DeRynck began her career in higher education in April 2020 at the University of Iowa. She served as a Financial Aid Counselor and Scholarship Coordinator for three and a half years in the Student Financial Aid office, then transitioned to be an Academic Records Specialist in the Office of the Registrar for 1 year. She recently moved to Minnesota and now works for the University of Minnesota as a Grants Program Coordinator at the Institute on the Environment, where she started in October 2024. She holds a bachelor’s in social work from the University of Illinois and a masters in public affairs from the University of Iowa.

Can you give an overview of your career path that has led you to where you are today?

I have always known I wanted a career to be in the public sector and that I wanted to help people, though I didn’t always have a clear vision of where that would take me. I graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in social work and after a few years working in the direct service field, I landed a position as a grants manager with a community foundation. While I loved the role of administering funds to organizations to carry out community projects, I knew I wanted to pursue a graduate degree and departed from that position after being accepted into the masters of public affairs program at the University of Iowa. I acquired a disability as a teen which disqualified me from driving, so I sought a full-time position on the campus that would enable me to attend classes during the day and not have to miss extra work due to travel.

I began working as a financial aid counselor, helping students access financial support for their postsecondary education. After 3.5 years, I shifted to working with academic records in the registrar’s office for a year before moving out of state. I am currently working at the University of Minnesota in the Institute on the Environment as a Grants Program Coordinator, which brings together some of my greatest passions and strengths! I love administering awards to ambitious teams within the university community who thoughtfully design competitive research projects with the goal of honing their knowledge around sustainability and furthering environmental justice within Minnesota and beyond.

What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in higher education?

The knowledge and experiences I gained while concurrently studying and working at the University of Iowa were what sparked my interest in pursuing/continuing a career in higher education. With my role of helping students navigate the intricate, often perplexing financial aid environment while struggling through my own graduate courses, I began reflecting on my career path. I knew my future was advocating for acceptance and accessibility for all, but I began to realize that I wasn’t giving myself that same grace I wanted for others.

I didn’t disclose having a disability, and thought working twice as hard to get half as far as my peers was just a harsh reality I had to accept. I did not seek disability accommodations that would enable me to be prosperous in my educational and career aspirations. Thus, I found myself needlessly burnt out and ready to give up on my goals.

As I reflected, I realized it wasn’t sustainable to continue disregarding available support and reached out to access accommodations to set myself up for the success I knew I was capable of. Higher education strives to be inclusive and accessible to employees and students alike. The acceptance, support, and sense of community fostered on college campuses have inspired me to preserve the same spirit for others by continuing in this realm of work.

How would you describe the main responsibilities and challenges you face in your current role?

Although I am still learning the duties of my new role, the biggest aspect of my work will be managing the institute’s granting portfolio, including all aspects of a large annual granting program during the spring semester and a smaller-scale granting program that awards once a semester. Having past experiences in student financial aid and community grant making, I can expect that not all applicants receiving an award for their educational experiences will be a challenge. Another challenge will be identifying ways within these programs to build a robust portfolio that emphasizes inclusive, engaged scholarship and environmental justice.

What are the most satisfying and fulfilling aspects of your job?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is knowing that the behind-the-scenes work I do is positively impacting the research and educational aspirations of my community, both on campus and within the Twin Cities. I appreciate the autonomy I’m given in this role that allows me to manage projects, build working relationships with colleagues and students, creatively solve problems, and do fulfilling work that I am genuinely excited about—that is, lifelong learning and environmental sustainability!

Is there any advice you received early in your career that has stuck with you and influenced your approach to work?

Someone once said to me, “Work smarter, not harder,” and I think that has stuck with me through the years! As a disabled employee, I have had to find unique ways to maintain productivity with each new task more than nondisabled peers may have to. Because of this, I have become an expert at finding creative solutions to complete my work which has involved embracing technological changes and building efficiencies. Another influential piece of advice is a quote by Gandhi that has stuck with me since an advisor recited it in social work school— “be the change you wish to see in the world.”  This has influenced my commitment to public service and has strengthened my approach to problem-solving (which is crucial in the ever-changing higher education landscape) by providing constant motivation to adapt and overcome challenges that impact my community.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your career journey that we haven’t covered yet?

Never sell yourself short. Don’t underestimate your own abilities, and certainly don’t forget your worth. It is important to stay humble but realize the value you bring to every situation and don’t minimize what you’ve achieved.

For years I avoided applying to work at a higher education institution because I doubted myself and my abilities to contribute to an intellectual environment. It’s hard sifting through all the mixed messaging society throws at us, especially if you identify as a member of a marginalized group. However, after joining the vast community of higher education professionals, I realized how dynamic and diverse the people and roles are and regretted not jumping in sooner! If you think you might be interested in joining this field, I encourage giving it a try! 

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