Jenna Zebrowski, JD, MBA

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

I had no idea and changed my mind several times along the way. I thought I would do something communications-related, and I leveraged those skills into something even better. I didn't pick the career, I got educated and was prepared when the career picked me!

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

I was an athlete- the discipline, teamwork and time management skills have definitely helped me in my career. And it's something to talk about and helps with stress management as well. I also learned Spanish- a foreign language is ALWAYS a plus. Any "value-add" is worth it- I did some volunteering and freelance writing, as well. I even got published a few times.

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

I wish I had focused even more on the foreign language skills and devoted a better quality of time to academics- I got by because school was easy, then it was a lot harder to keep up in graduate school. I also wish I had worked harder to cultivate a network when I was in school- having a lot of contacts with a longer history would make a difference. I also wish I had traveled more or studied abroad more.

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

Bring paper and pen whenever you leave your desk- take notes on everything. I received this in an entry-level college class, probably from a professor or guest lecturer- I don't remember the class, but the advice was great!

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

Yes, there are always people with agendas trying to influence others. I have had so many people ask WHY I do what I do. I say, WHY NOT? They usually leave me alone after that. It takes all kinds of people to do all the different things in the world, you can't let other people tell you what to do- BUT, you should listen to wise people who are trying to guide you. It takes some practice to know the difference. Make things better as you go along, and the rest will sort itself.

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

I think starting my career in a foreign country in a foreign language was absolutely terrifying, but I'm so glad I did it. The only reason I have had the career I do is a direct result of that experience. How to overcome it: we fear the unknown. What's the worst thing that can happen (you die, then it won't matter)? Articulate your fears, then try to come up with a plan to overcome them. I was afraid I would fail, so I sold some things I wasn't taking to my new job, then saved the money in case I needed to buy a plane ticket home. It was tough, but I was in there, found some support, and eventually used that money towards a ticket home- to visit, then to go right back to work!

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

I read - a LOT. People have questions, they come to me for advice. I listen to their issue, I use my experience and knowledge (or go acquire it!) and provide them with some possible solutions and advice on what happens if they chose a particular solution. I am an advocate for my client- I act in their best interest, but I also act in the interest of fairness for everyone involved.