Amy Watson, M.T.S. ‘06, exemplifies the idea of living out faith in multiple arenas. As a managing director at NTT DATA, Watson thrives in acquisition integration, mentoring young professionals, and navigating complex challenges.
Beyond her corporate work, she actively serves in ministry, including on the Parish Ministry Fund board for the Western North Carolina Conference and volunteering extensively with Charlotte-Mecklenburg public schools. Watson’s bivocational life reflects a seamless integration of faith and service beyond traditional church roles.
A Passion for Consulting and Community
Watson’s career in consulting began before her time at Duke Divinity pursuing a Master of Theological Studies and has continued to flourish. “One of the personally rewarding aspects of my career is the opportunity to interact with recent college graduates who begin their careers in consulting. Creating an environment for others to be successful has been very rewarding,” she says.
Her work allows her to engage in variety, problem-solving, and teamwork, elements she finds deeply fulfilling.
One of the unexpected joys of Watson’s career has been encountering another seminary graduate on her consulting team, she says, a unique connection displaying the diverse paths that seminary graduates can take.
Discovering Bivocational Ministry
Watson’s academic journey at Duke Divinity began with an unusual choice: Readings in Ecclesiastical Latin Literature. Despite not realizing the course involved studying Latin, she embraced the challenge, crediting the experience with inspiring her to pursue her degree.
“Chatting with the instructor one night, I learned that he had also started his career in consulting and worked part-time during his Divinity degree for my current employer. It was the first time I’d come across anyone else who had a foot in consulting and another one in Divinity School,” she recalls. This encounter encouraged her to explore further into a Divinity degree and how she could balance work with study.
Watson was then introduced to the concept of bivocational ministry during an elective with the dean at the time, L. Gregory Jones. The transformative idea of living out two callings—one within the church and one outside of it—resonated deeply. “It helped me embrace the experience at Duke, even while my paid employment has remained outside the church,” she says.
This framework allowed her to integrate her theological education with her professional career, enriching both spheres of her life. It also informed her volunteer work, including her role with the Parish Ministry Fund and her 11-year commitment to public schools.
“Duke gave me a more nuanced view of seeking out how to ‘live a life that becomes the Gospel,’ as the United Methodist baptismal liturgy says,” she says.
Watson highlights the dynamic learning environment created by faculty, preceptors, and students, which provided a rich context for engaging with faith on a deeper level.
Watson has been pleasantly surprised by how much her time at Duke continues to influence her life, from the friendships she formed to her participation in local Duke alumni events. “Being part of a connected community is a desire that grew at Duke,” she says.
An Invitation to Explore
For those considering Duke Divinity School, Watson emphasizes the importance of the community and the breadth of opportunities available. “The people—both the amazing faculty and the engaged student community—are what make Duke special,” she says.
She also encourages prospective students to embrace the full depth of Duke’s offerings, from core classes to unexpected electives. New hybrid opportunities and online courses, she notes, have made the Divinity School’s resources more accessible to curious learners who need flexibility.
Whether mentoring young consultants, advocating for ministry funding, or volunteering in public schools, Watson embodies a life of learning, service, and faith. Her story is a powerful reminder that ministry can take many forms.