College Experiences That Helped A Senior Manager, Long Range Planning At Patagonia Succeed
Jenny's undergraduate experience, while initially feeling "like running around like a chicken with its head cut off," ultimately equipped them with adaptability and a diverse skillset by pursuing passions in renewable energy and public relations, despite lacking a direct career path. This approach, characterized by intentional decision-making even without knowing precise outcomes, fostered a deeply engaged and fulfilling career journey, culminating in their current role at Patagonia.
Career Exploration, Adaptability, Passion, Risk-Taking, Intentional Decision-Making
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jenny Tang
Senior Manager, Long Range Planning
Patagonia
University of California, Berkeley
MBA & M.S. Business Analytics at Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Environmental & Related Sciences
Apparel, Beauty, Retail & Fashion, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Finance
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Pursue your passions: Even if it seems unconventional or doesn't have a clear career path, follow your interests. Jenny's diverse experiences in renewable energy and public relations, despite a science background, contributed to her adaptability and fulfillment.
2. Develop valuable skills: Focus on building skills that are transferable across various fields. While Jenny's undergraduate path wasn't linear, she intentionally developed skills that proved useful in her current career.
3. Embrace risk and step outside the conventional path: Don't be afraid to take chances and explore different opportunities. Jenny's willingness to try new things and step outside her comfort zone led to a fulfilling and engaging career path.
Transcript
College ideas for success
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
During undergrad, it sometimes felt like I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. In retrospect, I didn't follow a specific path. I identified types of work and topics I thought I would be interested in, though I didn't know for sure.
I also recognized skill sets I wanted to develop. I tried to build those, without knowing their future job applications. I was grateful that I was courageous enough to pursue what I was passionate about, even if it was unconventional.
I was interested in renewable energy and understood the importance of building collective movements. I got involved with clubs and took classes related to energy. I also joined a public relations firm, which had little to do with my science background of pipetting chemicals.
All of that helped me become an adaptable and diverse person, able to live an interesting and fulfilled life. It taught me not to be afraid to take risks and go outside the conventional path. This wasn't the most direct route to a finance career, but it made me more engaged in my current path.
Every decision I made has been intentional. Even if I didn't know the outcome, it was always intentional and engaged.
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