Building Awareness
SDSU alumna Amelia Lukiman is looking forward to inspiring SDSU students who are still exploring their career goals during this years Women in Leadership conference.
“Expanding your professional network before graduation is not only a great way to gain real-world, professional knowledge but is also a step towards getting your foot in the door.”
San Diego State University alumna Amelia Lukiman (’06) currently leads U.S. product and brand communications at the social media platform TikTok, where she is responsible for building awareness of the TikTok brand and product through consumer-facing initiatives and storytelling.
“I work with cross-functional teams such as brand marketing, product development, community, and content partnerships to drive narratives about the impact TikTok has made on the lives of millions of people,” said Lukiman.
The senior manager of communications is one of three SDSU alumni participating in this year’s Women in Leadership conference, taking place Mar. 10-11.
The 2021 virtual conference will feature female innovators who have broken through the glass ceiling in the areas of digital technology, entrepreneurship, professional sports, media, and entertainment. This year’s conference is free and open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members. The deadline to register for the conference is March 10.
RELATED: Register for the Women in Leadership Conference
Lukiman is looking forward to inspiring “SDSU students who are still exploring their career goals” during this year’s conference. “I think it’s important for students to attend events like this because it can give them different perspectives on potential career paths.”
The SDSU News Team spoke to Lukiman about her current position at TikTok, her time at SDSU and how organizations can empower female leaders.
Are there specific skills you learned at SDSU, in class or otherwise, that helped you with your current role at TikTok?
The School of Communication at SDSU taught me how effective communication could enhance relationships with stakeholders and audiences. Learning how communication has been conceptualized and implemented at different organizations, from observation and research to analysis and execution, helped me to understand the value and importance of the communications function within an organization.
What can organizations do to empower female leaders?
Organizations can start by looking internally and gaining a deep understanding of where there might be issues and then forming a response to address the specific use cases. A couple of next step ideas could include helping to ensure that emerging female leaders receive the guidance and support they need to achieve their goals, from female-focused employee resource groups and professional networks to flexible schedules that allow women to balance work and home life.
How can women support other women in their organizations?
Women can support other women in their organizations by being sponsors and champions of women. Examples of what can be done in practice include elevating and amplifying fellow women in meetings, helping to build professional networks of women, providing opportunities to expand skills, or demonstrating leadership capabilities.
What advice do you have for SDSU students, regardless of their field, looking to jump-start their career and land their first job post-graduation?
Spend time researching and identifying professionals in fields of interest and reach out and connect with them. Expanding your professional network before graduation is not only a great way to gain real-world, professional knowledge but is also a step towards getting your foot in the door.
What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Being on the board of the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) chapter at SDSU really helped me hone in my interest in public relations It allowed me to meet and collaborate with PR students from other chapters and universities and young professionals.
How do you stay current and connected in your industry? What are some resources you use to help your career development?
I watch a ton of TikTok videos, keep up with news and headlines in a variety of traditional media outlets, and follow prominent business leaders I look up to on LinkedIn.
What are ways outside of the classroom that students can help launch their career paths?
Reaching out and connecting with professionals in industries of interest. Oftentimes, people are interested and willing to help other people and an invite to a coffee chat could never hurt.
