Twice annually, we have the wonderful opportunity to celebrate and recognize employees that have been promoted into a new role. And did you know that studies show the best way to get to know an organization is to learn about their employees? Well, I’m here to make that easy for you with #ProtivitiPromos – our month-long series that enables you to get to know our promotes from around the world.
Today, we meet Consulting magazine Rising Star , Jenna, who was just promoted to Managing Director! Jenna got her foot in the door at Protiviti through expert networking. The Dean of Accounting at her alma mater connected her to a fellow alumnus who worked at Protiviti, and the rest is history. When she’s not working, Jenna spends time traveling, seeing movies, and watching college football with her husband, Matt. She says the thing she enjoys most in life is being a mom to her three sons, William, Everett, and Colin. “They keep me on my toes, but it is the best! I enjoy the small moments like mastering a new puzzle with my 2-year-old, hiking in the woods, or going for ice cream.”
When it comes to building your career, what piece of advice would you offer?
“Be flexible, have a willingness to learn, and participate on a wide variety of engagements. Early on in my career I did a little bit of everything. I worked on credit risk reviews, treasury management, application life-cycle management, and liquidity management, model risk governance, and fraud, to name a few. And, I had the opportunity to experience engagements in an internal audit capacity for clients as well as in risk management advisory roles.
Some of the projects were more interesting to me than others, but I was able to learn something new from all of them that helped me in the future. And I learned about many topics, which made me adaptable, so I was put on a multitude of projects when needs arose.”
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on at Protiviti?
“That’s a pretty tough question. I’m not sure I can pick just one. I really enjoy working on longer engagements and working with a team for a while, so I can get to know people, watch them develop, and help see clients through complex problems. For example, spending two and a half years working in a banking institutions anti-money laundering audit space was a very meaningful engagement for me. I met so many people in that firm and felt like I was able to contribute to our account engagement team and help build a strong culture.
There are a number of other projects I have really enjoyed through my years. And that’s one of the reasons I love consulting. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many different clients, colleagues, and a variety of risk areas across the country in my time here. There is usually something good about every project.”
Tell us about a memorable career moment or memory that stands out for you.
“On a project in 2012, I had the opportunity to work on a fairly high-profile engagement where we interacted directly with regulators to provide results of an independent review that we performed.
I helped lead the regulators through our results during the wrap-up meeting, and it’s a memory that will always stick with me. First, because I felt like we delivered a really strong work product and second, I was evolving in my career and being viewed as a leader who was knowledgeable enough to lead discussions with the regulators. I received positive feedback from my Managing Director’s and from the regulators, and it’s a moment that still gives me confidence on other challenging projects and tasks.”
At Protiviti, we love a little inspiration. What are some words of wisdom that have been impactful to you throughout your career?
“You’re in the driver’s seat and can help shape your path here. It’s up to you to determine what you want your path to look like, so we can help you get there.”
Congratulations, Jenna! We look forward to watching you continue to thrive.
