Jessica Gegner

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

I assist organizational change managers with communicating important internal operational changes affecting employees by analyzing employee sentiment data to determine what they know and how they feel about the changes to determine the best ways to get the message across in a simple, efficient, and effective manner with minimal disruption to their day-to-day operations and overall happiness.

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

I got my first big break through LinkedIn. I had recruiters reaching out to me through LinkedIn for contracting positions with USAA. I finally got a position as a contractor with USAA as a Senior Presentation Designer and had lots of success and opportunities to network. Making a great first impression and delivering consistent quality in your work speaks volumes and it's important to make meaningful relationships in the office and outside of the office. After almost two years as a contractor with USAA, one of the full-time employees I worked with referred me for a full-time position in USAA as a Business Advisor I (mid-level position), and I got the job thanks to many referrals from people my to-be boss knew well and trusted.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to speak up and try something new. Also, how you can sell yourself and your experiences in an interview and a resume will get you where you want to go. I have an Art/Graphic Design degree and a resume that is a laundry list of design positions. I was able to get a job as a Business Advisor through the relationships I built with fellow coworkers who saw what I could do and vouched for me, and I was able to talk about the experiences I've had in the interview that lend themselves to the role.

How did you start building your network?

I started building my network in college, even though I didn't get LinkedIn until later. Then, I added coworkers who could speak to my work and experiences to LinkedIn over the years. As a temporary contractor at USAA, I greatly expanded my network, always making sure to be friendly, respectful, and put my best foot forward. Remember that everyone is human and wants to make a connection and everyone has their own experiences, so "come from curious" and be empathetic and just take the time to get to know people. Everyone appreciates it in the end.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

I still am not sure how true it is, but it doesn't really matter what you get your degree in - just get the degree. Getting a Bachelor's Degree lets people know what you can endure and overcome, that you have enough basic knowledge and skills with research and formulating ideas to be dangerous, and that you're willing to put in the work. From there, the sky's the limit. And, to be honest, as someone who got a Bachelor's in Art with a Concentration in Graphic Design and was a Graphic Designer for years until finally becoming a Communications Consultant and Business Advisor, it's seeming to be the case.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

YES! My mom was always pushing me to go to college. To be honest, I didn't want to go to college. I wanted to be in a rock band, but my practical mind knew it would be a good idea to get a degree and that I could always pursue my passion for music on the side. When I finally decided I wanted to go to school for Graphic Design, my mom was disappointed and told me I would just be a starving artist. Now, I make almost 6 figures and probably make more than both of my parents ever have.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I had to overcome was starting my career in Japan. When I moved back to the United States four years later, I was able to prove my skill through my online portfolio and a knowledgeable, confident interview.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

My job gets tough when we get an influx of work/support requests but clients or leaders are uncooperative or unsupportive themselves. My job requires an initial collaboration and sync to understand the needs of the client, but it is also important for those clients to be responsive when questions or concerns arise, or for them to follow through after the product or recommendation is created.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Yes, I did some freelance art and graphic design for friends and family as I was honing my skills as a student and made sure to pick up an internship opportunity in the summer of my senior year which helped me understand how to apply my skills to an office environment and begin building my professional portfolio and network for future jobs.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I've always been creative and loved art and music. I had two teachers since middle school who suggested that I had an "eye for design" and a sense of detail that would make me a great graphic designer. I researched the job more in high school and I was confident I could learn how to be a designer. I also did some Post-Secondary Education that was offered by my state (Ohio) while I was in high school. I was torn between majoring in music, art, psychology, or communications, so I took one of each class to get a taste for what it would be like. That helped me set my path on art/graphic design and I even completed four years of art classes in high school, too, so I could begin focusing on that passion. Make sure you pick a career that you are passionate about and that comes easily and naturally to you. That helps ensure that you have a good foundation so that you can just continue to add new skills to your toolkit as you're in college or working.