Meet Emily Bovan | UniSound Program Coordinator and TRYPO Marketing Assistant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Bovan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As someone who graduated from college during the pandemic, I entered the workforce with the rise of hybrid working styles. While I enjoy working from home and having the flexibility to work around my schedule, it becomes hard to establish healthy boundaries about work-life balance. As I spent more time working, I quickly realized that I had to set special rules to ensure I wasn’t always checking my email notifications.

When I take time off, I ensure my notifications are turned to “Do Not Disturb”. I don’t message co-workers back after I am off the clock. I put more value on ensuring my hours off are spent focusing on other things I enjoy instead of work. When your office is already your living room, it can be hard not to “take work home with you”, but these boundaries have helped me establish a system that works for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So far in my career, I’ve only had one job in arts administration since I graduated with my bachelor’s degree which is my current role as UniSound Program Coordinator and TRYPO Marketing Assistant. When I graduated, it was tough to find a job because the arts industry was shut down due to COVID and as someone with an Arts Management degree, I felt a lot of anxiety about getting hired.

My work ethic set me apart and helped me get the job that I have today. In college, I wanted to gain as much experience as possible so I worked as an intern for three different companies over the four years. Not only did I gain hands-on experience of what it is like to work with a team of people, but I also networked with as many people in the arts industry as possible. Forming those personal connections essentially helped me find my current job.

One of the most important lessons I have learned in my professional life is to keep learning. Our industry is constantly changing and staying on top of those changes and learning the latest trends is the only way to adapt and stay current. I’ve also learned not to get stuck in routines. If a process or tool is no longer working effectively, change it up.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Pittsburgh is an awesome city to visit with diverse opportunities that will appeal to anyone’s interests. I would start by doing some of the more touristy things with my friend by visiting Mount Washington to take in the view of the city and shopping in the Strip District. Pittsburgh’s Cultural District has a vibrant range of restaurants and top-notch performers. Depending on the person’s interests I would take them to see a show at the Benedum or hear the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra perform at the historic Heinz Hall after a fun meal at Meat and Potatoes.

We would have to spend some time visiting the four Carnegie Museums around the city along with a walk through Schenley Park. Finally, Pittsburgh is a big sports town so it wouldn’t be right to visit without attending a sporting event. My favorite team is the Penguins so I would take my friend to a game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Lindsey Nova, the Executive Director of Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO), has been my biggest mentor since I accepted the position of UniSound Program Coordinator and TRYPO Marketing Assistant. I am thankful she took a chance on hiring a recent grad amid a pandemic. I have spent the last three years constantly growing and learning in my role and Lindsey has helped teach me important lessons along the way such as advocating for myself and growing my confidence as a professional. I would not be where I am today without her guidance and support.

Website: https://unisound.us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_bovan_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-bovan/