Career Development Blog

October 4, 2023

Meet Alumna Dr. Sarah Boehm ’11, Associate Director for Education and Outreach

Name: Sarah Boehm

Class Year: 2011

Title: Associate Director for Education and Outreach

Organization Name: Center for Nanoscale Science, Pennsylvania State University

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I manage the educational and professional development portfolio for a large materials research grant that consists of roughly 20 faculty and 35 graduate students and postdocs.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

With both the encouragement of Holy Cross faculty and the knowledge of career opportunities that a higher degree would afford me, I decided to pursue a doctorate degree in Chemistry. In graduate school, I attended the American Chemical Association’s Leadership Development Institute where I met a future colleague at BASF who introduced me to the company and their Leadership Development Program for new PhD scientists. This connection helped me to gain acceptance to the rigorous program that consisted of three 8-month rotations across the US in various roles. One of my rotations involved technology scouting and university collaboration development in Boston, where I learned about roles in academia for scientists outside of the lab. This experience ultimately reinforced the fact that I enjoy working in the academic setting and led me to seek out opportunities to utilize my skills beyond industry. Networking and relationship building led me from one position to the next, directing me to my current role where I find fulfillment mentoring students and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

Cheerleading, Chemistry research, Chemistry lab teaching assistant, Physics Workshop tutor, Physics grader

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a chemistry major with a physics minor. As an undergraduate I was fairly certain that I wanted to work as a scientist and learned that obtaining a PhD would provide me with the career growth opportunities that I was interested in. I truly started to explore my options in graduate school where I learned about the varied roles PhD chemists play in industry, academia, policy, government, and beyond. Having a degree in chemistry expanded my options and allowed me to shift careers from industry to academia because I have the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills necessary to be successful.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Holy Cross was a safe space for me to learn to ask for help. It’s not always comfortable and it takes confidence. In all my roles since graduating I have needed to gather resources and identify collaborators to build effective teams. I recognize that I need help in areas outside of my expertise and bring in people with varied and complementary skill sets to round out the team. Building confidence in my own abilities is also key to feeling comfortable acknowledging my limits and knowing when to ask for help.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

There are three main components in any job, internship, or graduate research lab – your boss, your work/project, and your coworkers. Before committing to any new endeavor, assess how you feel about each component. Will you be supported by your boss? Will you get along well with your coworkers? Will you enjoy the work? I suggest that you should feel positively about at least two of the three to be happy and successful in that role.

October 4, 2023

Meet Alumna Sara Guay ’22, Research Technician at Massachusetts General Hospital

Name: Sara Guay

Class Year: 2022

Title: Research Technician

Organization Name: Massachusetts General Hospital

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I work together with post-doctoral fellows to conduct experiments related to breast cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

My mentor, Professor Findlay, helped me connect to the science industry by guiding me through an independent research project. During my last year on the Hill, a primary investigator from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) reached out to the biology faculty in search of prospective graduates interested in becoming research technicians. I learned this job was a good fit for me by talking to an alumnus of this MGH lab, who also happened to be an alumnus of the Findlay lab. His emphasis on the health of the workplace community convinced me to accept the offer.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was involved in undergraduate research with the Findlay Lab where I acted as a research mentor for first years. I aided students as a peer tutor in both Biobuddies and the Writer’s Workshop. As an upperclassman, I served as the Co-President of Students of Color in STEM (SOCS). I also enjoyed participating in the Spring Break Immersion Program as a volunteer during my first and second years.

4. What was your major, and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a biology major with a concentration in biochemistry. I became interested in careers involving research and medicine by studying these disciplines.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Reading and understanding primary scientific literature is a skill I developed at Holy Cross that I use in my work.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Do not be afraid of taking a gap year before you matriculate into a professional program. These past 9 months, I have had the space to examine myself and shadow scientists, medical doctors, and physician-scientists. The decisions I make for my future have become informed and clear thanks to this concrete foundation. Additionally, it is important to consider to what extent your identity will be connected to your job. How important is it to you that your profession reflects who you are? People fall somewhere on a spectrum between living for their work and working to live. I believe happiness can be found anywhere on this scale as long as you know what your values are.

October 4, 2023

Meet Alum Jonathan White ’96, Managing Attorney at Jordan & White, LLC

Name: Jonathan White

Class Year: 1996

Title: Managing Attorney

Organization: Jordan & White, LLC

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

My job entails transforming the lives of our clients who come to us seeking something better through the legal services we offer and fostering the best firm culture for my team to grow and enhance themselves.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

I accidently found myself going to law school after Holy Cross. I really wish I could say it was by design or that I always knew that I wanted to be an attorney, but that just would not be true. But I learned it was a good fit for me about halfway through my first year as I watched many of the students around me struggle. I found that my experience as a student-athlete at Holy Cross set me up for success by providing the exact skill set I needed to make my way through law school. With that confidence, I was able to focus on what I was studying and absolutely fell in love with it.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

On campus, my focus was on the hockey team, which then led me to community service opportunities with my teammates.

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I double majored in Classics and History. Studying law just seemed like the next logical step from there.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Without hesitation, I know that the smaller class sizes I had in the Classics and History departments developed my ability to speak in public with confidence. Similarly, the Socratic method that my professors had so often used developed my ability to communicate my thoughts and ideas clearly. These are the main skills I employ daily with my team, my clients, and my colleagues, as well as the chief skills in my marketing efforts.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

My advice for students on campus today is to never let fear decide your fate. Everything you want lives on the other side of fear and 90% of the things we worry about never transpire.

October 4, 2023

Meet Alumna Wendy Morris ’90, Latin Teacher, World Languages

Name: Wendy R. Morris

Class Year: 1990

Title: Latin Teacher, World Languages

Organization Name: Lincoln School, Providence, RI

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I teach all levels of Latin (I-VI) to both middle and upper school (high school) students in conjunction with a colleague.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

I knew I was interested in teaching from the time I was in third grade although I always thought it would include French since I am half French and attended a French Catholic school where I learned the language early on. My uncle taught science, my grandmother – Latin, and my aunt – Language Arts/French; you could say that teaching is in my blood. I was fortunate to have amazing Latin and French teachers throughout high school, one of whom allowed me to independently teach Latin I to a fellow student who was unable to fit the course into her schedule; she received full credit for the course, and I began to realize that teaching was my vocation. I took a lot of history courses in high school including a foreign policy course; I also attended the Close-Up program in DC which focused on US Government. For a while, I considered going into foreign policy or working as a translator, but I could not ignore the teaching bug. Various events kept reminding me of that gift and calling. Holy Cross and the amazing professors and experiences I had there helped me to fully discover that calling.

I visited and then applied to Holy Cross at my aunt’s suggestion; I fell in love with it as soon as I stepped on campus. Though I started out as a French/Classics double major freshman year, taking French at the Advanced Comp and Con level, a reading course in Latin and Intro Greek as well, I realized by the end of my sophomore year that taking three languages a semester, though I loved them, was too much of the same thing as I still harbored those other interests of history and political science.

The Classics Department, then as now, is one of the best in the country, and there were some pretty amazing professors at the time, one of whom was my advisor, Dr. Ziobro. He, along with Dr. Nagy and several other professors, taught some pretty intensive classes that helped me further advance my analytical skills and brought my writing to the next level. Because of this, I chose to focus solely on Classics. I studied abroad junior year through the Stanford program in Rome, another transformative experience. Once I returned, I applied to both PhD and MAT programs since I wasn’t sure if I wanted to teach college or high school. After receiving acceptances to both types of programs with all tuition and expenses covered (thanks again to my amazing professors, their recommendations, and a lot of hard work), I chose the MAT program at UMass, Amherst.

I first taught in Prince William County, VA, at large middle and public high schools, initially as an itinerant teacher and then as a stationary one at a high school with 2,500 students, 300 of whom took Latin. Once our family moved back to Massachusetts, I stayed home with our children and worked part-time at their small Catholic school as a PR and Development specialist where I focused on starting their first newsletter, auction, and media campaign. After a decade, a serendipitous, though tragic happening, led me to Lincoln School eleven years ago where I have been teaching since. It is a small, private, Quaker all-girls school that runs from kindergarten through grade 12. It also offers co-ed infant care and pre-school. This is the exact opposite of where I began. With the small class sizes, I am able to develop more meaningful relationships with my students and mentor young women one-on-one. Both types of teaching have their rewards, and there are countless opportunities to make an impact whether in public or private teaching institutions.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

Dorm Rep, Co-Pres of Classics Club, Captain in Kimball, Fitness Classes, Campus Ministry, Folk Group

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

Classics: I chose Classics because I knew I wanted to teach languages. It didn’t affect my choice of career, but because of my close relationships with these professors, it opened doors to achieve my goals within the field of education.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Critical thinking and writing; I cannot emphasize enough how important these skills are for any career

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Get involved and explore things that interest you. HC offers so many amazing opportunities. Get to know your professors; this is one of the greatest things about Holy Cross. Most of them have chosen Holy Cross because they love teaching and want to make a difference in your life. Go to office hours, just to chat, even if you don’t need academic help. I am seeing this now with my own son who is currently a freshman. He just received a grant to do research next summer with his psychology professor who not only personally reached out to him but then sat down with him for two hours to help him fill out the grant that is funding this opportunity. There aren’t many places where you have these opportunities as a freshman. The people at Holy Cross are what make it such an interesting and special place. Get to know as many of them as possible.

September 13, 2023

Meet Alumna Diane (McDonnell) Pickles ’89, Program Director at Additional Ventures

Name: Diane (McDonnell) Pickles

Class Year: 1989

Title: Program Director, Project Singular

Organization Name: Additional Ventures

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I lead a direct to participant genetic sequencing study of patients with single ventricle heart disease and their immediate family members to fuel research to find curative solutions for this rare, complex disease.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

My first job after college was in substance abuse prevention education which led me to tobacco control policy work. I worked on local policy change efforts for several years and then served as Executive Director of a statewide coalition that spearheaded the successful 2004 campaign to make all workplaces in Massachusetts smoke-free. From there, I moved to a policy advocacy consulting firm where I spent more than a decade working for non-profit organizations helping them advance their mission through policy change. My passion for advocacy was largely fueled by the unexpected and life-changing experience of having a child born with a rare, complex, life-threatening condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome for which there are no curative treatments, only palliative interventions. I found it unacceptable that I could bring my sick child into a family restaurant and have someone light up a cigarette at the next table. Moreover, I had to learn how to be an advocate in so many ways, in so many places, and on so many issues – with the healthcare system, insurance companies, the school system, and employers. Having a sick child who required three open heart surgeries before the age of 2 and ongoing medical interventions also dramatically impacted my career choices in terms of when, where, and how I was able to work. I needed to take several years off from my career and then could only return part time. Even after I was able to return full-time, work was a challenging juggling act and required understanding and accommodating employers combined with a great deal of hard work and commitment. Throughout these years, I volunteered on several congenital heart disease initiatives because it felt essential to try to turn my family’s experience into something good for others. Approximately 4 years ago, I decided to make a radical career shift and move away from policy advocacy and into the field of cardiovascular research. For the past 2 years, I have been able to combine my personal passions with my professional skills and work for a nonprofit research foundation dedicated to finding treatments that will enable normal longevity and quality of life for patients with single ventricle heart disease like my son.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was a Student Alcohol Advisor (I believe now called SWEET Peer Educators) for two years. I also worked off-campus at a Worcester law firm as a legal secretary.

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a Psychology major because I found it really interesting, but it honestly didn’t impact my career decisions (please don’t quote me to my parents or professors!). I really thought I would go to graduate school or law school, become a lawyer or a teacher or a child psychologist – but life had other plans. However, I do know that it provided me with a solid educational foundation for understanding human behavior and motivations, learning to problem solve effectively, and enjoying research and inquiry.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Writing: I arrived at Holy Cross thinking I was a pretty good writer, but I had a lot to learn. It’s a skill I continue to hone, but I know it was strengthened tremendously at Holy Cross.
Hard work and persistence: While this may not fit into the “skills” bucket, I believe this is one of the things I learned a great deal about while at Holy Cross. More than anything else, my drive to work hard and be persistent have enabled my successes in both my personal life and my professional life, giving me what I needed to overcome the most difficult challenges.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

My father liked to say, “If you want to give God a good laugh, tell him your plans.” My life has not at all gone in the direction or along the path I envisioned, but I cannot imagine my career having progressed any differently. Each step of my career prepared me for the next, and I learned so much along the way. My advice is to dream big but don’t let your dreams prevent you from taking and learning all you can from where you are. You can’t necessarily plan what’s around the next corner, but if you dedicate yourself to what you’re doing right now, you will be prepared for the next opportunity. Work hard, be kind, and trust in yourself and your abilities.

September 13, 2023

Meet Alumna Claire Luke ’10, Program Officer at The U.S. Department of State

Name: Claire Luke

Class Year: 2010

Title: Program Officer

Organization Name: The U.S. Department of State

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I manage or co-manage the State Department’s 40 federal grant awards globally that strengthen rights for workers.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

My career is a result of natural progression of following my passions and purpose. I was a journalist through my 20s, living in various countries and in DC reporting on international development, human rights- specifically labor rights- and shining light on abuses along supply chains. At HC, I knew I wanted to pursue the path of international affairs and journalism and acquire different experiences in various countries that would build a strong foundation of knowledge to then parlay into higher level policy and programming. My internship in NBC’s political unit during the Washington Semester program taught me I was interested in more global vs domestic reporting, and more socio-political vs traditionally political. I used the HC alumni network to help build journalism contacts, and while stringing for the Boston Globe in Boston I was accepted to work as a journalist abroad for the principal newspaper in Cambodia, opening the door to a journey of intense and immersive learning at the grassroots level in the international and communication fields! After further reporting in Nicaragua, Burma and Eastern Europe, primarily on labor rights, I then gravitated away from reporting on labor rights and working on a deeper level to address them directly through programming. Graduate school in DC allowed me to hone in more to technical assistance programming and labor expertise, resulting in working with the World Bank, UN, social enterprises focusing on labor rights and supply chains, and ultimately to my current role (and dream job!) with the State Department, where I promote labor rights in accordance with US democratic principles to the most marginalized workers most egregiously exploited in the global trade system in the most challenging of operating environments around the world.

There was a bit of trial by error in the first steps of this journey. After HC graduation, I wanted to try living in Boston to be near networks, and worked at a PR firm found through networking. While I loved the city, the work itself was meaningless and shallow to me, and I realized that I did not wish to spend another day of this finite life without devoting my skills, passion and life force to mission-oriented service work, the global epicenter of which lies in DC. This was an invaluable lesson- to listen to the gut more than anything and not fake or force; I believe we all have our gifts that align with our purpose and shouldn’t have to ‘fake it til you make it’ to any unsettling extent.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

Cross country and track; dance team; Philosophy Student Advisory Committee; writing and editing for two newspapers (Crusader and Advocate) and the HC Office of Public Affairs; Washington Semester program; Kenya study abroad program; tour guide, Appalachia Spring Break program, Manresa; Summer Internship Program (financial journalism in NYC)

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

Philosophy major (focus on political and ethical) and peace and conflict studies, which was the closest thing at the time to international affairs!

I initially wanted to study journalism, but am ultimately glad we received the well rounded liberal arts education that served as a fantastic foundation in the field of journalism, the technical skills and mechanics of which one can learn through the job but the deep understanding of political and economic structures came through the HC education.

The social justice and service-oriented mission and drive to make any sort of footprint of positive change that translates to real people and their lives on any significant scale that flourished at HC definitely translated into my career journey and current role. And spiritually, upholding the dignity, value and rights of each and every human life and worker who are the backbone of the global supply chain that I do in my work now is rooted in my faith that was able to exist alongside my studies at HC.

I say if you can think well, you can do anything! Philosophy honed our skills in writing, debating, logic, dissecting arguments, deciphering fact vs fiction, and contemplating the structures behind what we see. HC’s excellent philosophy department, especially Professor Lawrence Cahoone as advisor on my DC thesis on ethics of humanitarian intervention who encouraged me to pursue this path, and Prof Maria Granik who served as an example of a strong, brilliant woman in political philosophy, fundamentally enriched my journey.

For political science, Professor Judith Chubb was strongly instrumental in leading an interest into international development! The Kenya study abroad program she developed was my first time traveling abroad, was an immersive awakening to poverty, and gave students a structural understanding of social injustice on the global scale. Profs Maria Rodriguez and Cass Loren also fed the interest in international economies, development and inequality.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

The awareness of inequalities and pursuit of ensuring the human aspect and rights of every person are recognized and represented at the highest levels possible.

Strong writing skills and presenting information thoughtfully, initiative in thinking beyond what is presented but proposing ideas out of the proverbial box.

Also, Spanish! I kept up with language courses at HC and use the Spanish in my work on Latin America.

From my HC track and cross country coach- that there are no shortcuts to hard work. That you want to ultimately be proud of the person you see in the mirror. That playing small doesn’t serve anyone and to lead by example. That teamwork is important, as is respecting different ideas and everyone has something to say. To not waste energy on overthinking events in anxiety but be present.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Get involved in as much as you can while you have the rich exposure to multidisciplinary resources in order to help hone down your interests. This is your time to explore and intentionally form your identity and future possibilities! Have fun and enjoy these four years and don’t be afraid to play around with interests in trial by error. Remember to follow your heart and think about how you want to use this life in accordance with your skills and interests versus what other people may think. Know that there are many options for non-traditional career paths and that you can indeed make a stable, lucrative career out of helping others. For women especially- to not over-compromise or over-accommodate to others in your pursuits as an individual.

September 12, 2023

Meet Alum Brandon Brito ’20, Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion

Name: Brandon Brito

Class Year: 2020

Title: Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion

Organization Name: Meadowbrook School of Weston

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

My role is difficult to capture in one sentence, but essentially, I serve with our Director of Equity and Inclusion in implementing all equity and inclusion initiatives and programming. I work with all of our affinity group leaders which include our Meadowbrook Students of Color (MSOC), ETC. (our LGBTQIA+ affinity group,) and our Jewish Affinity Group (Kehillah.) Furthermore, I take a lead role in planning and implementing AWARE (All Working at Racial Equity) curriculum for our Junior Kindergarten to 8th grade. Finally, I also serve on our Admission Committee to help recruit and retain our students.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

I couldn’t have landed where I am without the incredible support at Holy Cross. From my professors like Ginny Ryan, Kendy Hess, and Danielle Poché to the Center for Career Development and mentors like Chris Holguin, Kasey Catlet, and Amit Taneja. Covid had just hit as well and so I was doing a lot of this work at home but I knew I had a team in my corner ready to support me. I remember hopping on numerous zoom calls with Ben Cannon as he mitigated my many fears and anxiety. He was the one that reminded me that it’ll all fall into place… and it did. I started in higher ed and realized quickly, I wanted to work with a k-12 population. 3 years later, I couldn’t be happier than to be in my current role supporting students, faculty, families, and alumni.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

At Holy Cross, I was a first-year RA, an orientation leader, a member of ACT, LASO, and worked with the Chaplains, the Office of Student Involvement, Coolbeans, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a double major in English and Theatre. I always knew I wanted to get into education and originally, I wanted to become a Drama teacher. While that didn’t happen, I found other areas of passion in education.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Asking for help! This one took me years to finally grasp. It was in my senior year that I finally realized the impact asking for help had. Holy Cross has such a great network and I’ve been able to utilize it as a resource. In my role, I’ve learned the power of saying, “I don’t know” and reaching out to colleagues for support.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

I’ll tell you what many folks told me: Everything will fall into place! It may not feel that way at the moment, but it will. You might not get that job you wanted, or internship, or grade… but it all works out. This still rings true for me as I navigate this professional world. Just recently, I worked so hard to get this job I thought I wanted, and got it but ended up hating it. I was there for 41 days and then found this amazing role that I love so much. What’s meant to be yours…will be yours.

September 12, 2023

Meet Alum Benjamin Howe ’96, Audit Manager at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Name: Benjamin Howe

Class Year: 1996

Title: Audit Manager

Organization Name: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

Audit managers supervise a team that conducts performance audits of VA programs and operations.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross?

I moved back to New England from Washington, DC in 2002 and was looking for federal opportunities in the greater Boston area. During that search, I identified the Government Accountability Office as an opportunity I was interested in pursuing because of its innovative professional development program. I have been conducting performance audits ever since.

3. How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

While auditing can be done on your own, I also enjoy the opportunities to work closely in teams. I also appreciate that this work requires professional skepticism, objectivity, and good oral and written communication.

4. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I worked on the Holy Cross newspaper and yearbook.

5. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a history and Spanish major. After college, I completed my Master of Public and International Affairs at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh. While I was completing my degree at GSPIA, I interned for different government organizations. I later moved to Washington and started my federal career on Capitol Hill.

6. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

I developed strong research and writing skills during my time at Holy Cross that have served me well during my career.

7. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

I would recommend volunteering with professional organizations in your prospective career field. By becoming a member of the Boston Chapter of the AGA, I have built strong professional connections while positively impacting my community. I have also taken advantage of the leadership opportunities offered by the Chapter to show my leadership skills as a young professional. As a student interested in a financial management career, I would highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunities AGA offers. In addition, students can join the group for free!

August 30, 2023

Meet Alum Kyle Irvine ’21, Senior Associate Consultant at Hayden Consulting Group

Name: Kyle Irvine

Class Year: 2021

Title: Senior Associate Consultant

Organization Name: Hayden Consulting Group

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I collaborate with teams to advise & deliver recommendations to pharmaceutical manufacturers on questions related to commercial strategy, product launch, organizational development & design, and patient access & affordability.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

My original plan after graduation was to attend graduate school but as a COVID-era graduate, I knew I needed a break from school. A few of my professors and mentors had worked in consulting prior to attending graduate school, so I figured it was a safe option. I began researching and applying and came across my current (and first) employer. Throughout the interview process, I was able to learn more about the kind of work I’d be doing and with whom I’d be doing it.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was a four-year member of a number of musical ensembles through the Music Department, Chaplain’s Office, and Student Affairs, was a Tour Guide and Senior Interviewer in the Office of Admission, served as Co-Director of Academic Affairs for SGA, worked in Dinand and for the Economics Department, did research in the Economics Department, was a member of the College Honors and Economics Department Honors programs, and participated in the Spring Break Immersion Program and Dance Marathon.

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a double major in Economics and Music, which allowed me to pursue a wide range of potential careers – it also always sparked a discussion in an interview or networking call!

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Critical Thinking: Across all of the courses I took at Holy Cross, my classmates and I were always pushed to get to the “so what” on exams and in papers, which has been invaluable in my consulting career as we continue to provide clients with rich insights from our work.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Don’t stress about having it all figured out (easier said than done) – talk to people (friends, upperclass students, professors, alumni) and learn more about what you might be interested in!

April 12, 2023

Meet Alumna Jenna Barnes ’21, Clinical Research Coordinator

Name: Jenna Barnes

Class Year: 2021

Title: Clinical Research Coordinator

Organization Name: Massachusetts General Hospital – Cardiac Surgery Department

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I collaborate with cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and sponsors to coordinate a wide variety of clinical trials at MGH that aim to inform and advance treatment options for patients with advanced heart failure and/or those undergoing cardiac surgery.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

My experiences outside the classroom really shaped my desire to pursue a career in medicine, and I knew Mass General Hospital was a renowned academic medical center where I could envision myself in my future career. After speaking with medical students and those applying to medical school about their gap years, I learned of the extensive Clinical Research Coordinator opportunities in various departments at MGH and other nearby hospitals. I was ultimately drawn to my CRC position in Cardiac Surgery because of the opportunity to work on a big team of research coordinators with multiple Principal Investigators on a diverse range of clinical trials in a field and patient population of interest to me.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was a four-year member of the Women’s Soccer team. I conducted undergraduate research in Professor Petty’s chemistry research lab, starting out in the Weiss Summer Research Program and continuing throughout the school year. I spent my senior year working as an emergency department scribe at UMass Memorial Medical Center (Memorial Campus) through ScribeAmerica, and I also volunteered at the front desk of the UMass University Campus ED. Through the SPUD program, I volunteered as a weekly classroom assistant at Quinsigamond Elementary, and along with my teammates, I volunteered for Special Olympics, Girls Inc. of Worcester, and HC Dance Marathon.

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

The chemistry major allowed me to explore wet lab research as well as applications in both medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. I was able to apply some of my chemistry knowledge during a summer internship conducting pharmaceutical research aimed towards developing cancer vaccines. After thoroughly enjoying my experiences in more clinical settings down the line, I ultimately decided to prepare to apply for medical school and the chemistry major’s overlap with pre-medical course requirements was very helpful.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Holy Cross helped me develop my ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds, particularly when engaging with vulnerable populations or working on a team. This has translated well to my position, where I must collaborate with a large team of providers and researchers with different ideas, as well as respect and be sensitive to the cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds of our patients.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

I would advise students to use their time outside of the classroom to the fullest, particularly to engage with diverse communities and form meaningful connections with programs or individuals in and around Worcester. I highly recommend working as a medical scribe – it is a great opportunity to directly observe physician-patient interactions and learn medical processes/terminology. Also, take advantage of our strong alumni network – do not be afraid to reach out to alumni in your desired field for general career advice, shadowing opportunities, etc.