Talent Management Associate, Learning & Development at J.P. Morgan
About
What do you do as a Talent Management Associate?
I am currently an Associate within Learning & Development at J.P. Morgan. Specifically, I focus on Talent Management. This involves succession planning for senior leaders within the business I support, ensuring top talent is attending appropriate trainings and sponsorships, running senior level promotion processes, etc.
Why did you choose to major in Psychology and how has that affected your career thus far?
I chose to major in Psychology because the classes always peaked my interest and there was always something new to learn. I always enjoyed attending these classes compared to others, and there were countless courses to take and ways to create your own learning path.
What was your career path like?
My sophomore year I took Organizational Psychology and really enjoyed learning about a different type of psychology outside the typical "science-like" classes. It was interesting to learn about what makes a company/organization successful and the psychology behind it. While taking this course, I had conversations with my parents, professors, and career advisors to understand what type of careers could be applicable to psychology of businesses, systems, and organizations.
My mom suggested I should look into roles in Human Resources and I began having more conversations with that in mind. My sophomore year I had a for-credit summer internship at Smith Barney with an HR Generalist and I loved it! For my Junior Year internship, I had a one track mind and applied to several different HR Summer programs and any reqs I could find. In 2010 I landed a Summer Analyst Position at J.P. Morgan and have been with the firm ever since! I have had a few different roles within the company over the past 6.5 years but spent 4.5 years on a campus recruiting team (where I got to recruit at Michigan!) I started my current position this past January.
What advice do you have both professionally and personally for students and recent alumni who are interested in pursuing a career similar to yours?
Don't focus too much on figuring out how you can apply your college courses to "the real world". So much of what you do post college is on-the-job training and learning-by-doing. Take courses that interest you and inspire you, and find ways to apply situations like group projects, extracurriculars, and your interests into a story/brand.
Use your title as a Michigan grad to network with other Michigan Alumni at companies that may interest you and find ways to connect with them using your story. Everyone always is willing to help a fellow Wolverine, but it is important to have a purpose!
How has the University of Michigan alumni network helped you thus far in your career?
I have found that if you attended the University of Michigan, you are always willing to talk to a fellow Wolverine. There have been so many times where I have had late night and weekend phone calls with fellow alumni to ask about potential job opportunities, have interview prep sessions, or just learn about what they do to see if it may be of interest to me. I am so thankful that people are so open to connecting with me and giving me advice. Some have also turned into mentors, both internally at my current company and externally at others! Wolverines are always looking out for each other.
What is the best career advice that you have received?
Never eat lunch alone. There is always an opportunity to get to know someone and expand your network. Even if you are running out for 2 minutes to grab lunch because you have back-to-back meetings, you should go with someone else because you never know what will come from that conversation!
Why do you love Michigan?
No school compares to Michigan. The sports, the education. the food, the social life, and the alumni network. There is nothing better than being anywhere in the world- seeing someone in Michigan gear- giving them a little "Go Blue!" and being greeted back with a huge smile.
