Jenna Albrecht is a 2016 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in business administration. She’s a personal banker at Bridgewater Bank.
WHAT YOU DO • • • I started as a Client Specialist (teller) at Bridgewater, and only about half a year in was promoted to Account Executive (personal banker). A typical day for me includes opening accounts, answering phone calls, interacting with clients, and processing daily transactions. A lot more goes into banking than you would think, and no day is ever the same.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU • • • If during my senior year of college, someone asked me, “What do you think you’ll be doing when you graduate?” working in the banking industry would not have been my response. Banking is a career many people come across unintentionally. This means that I have colleagues with degrees in psychology, theater, and everything else under the sun. It makes for a great, diverse group of people to work with, and that is part of what I love about my field. Along with an outstanding set of coworkers, I also get to interact with our many clients throughout the day over the phone, via email, and of course, in person. With every day being unique, there are so many little victories working in customer service, and I think that’s my favorite part of the job – finding solutions to help people get what they need.
HOW YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE • • • I learn something new each day on the job. I am excited to continue growing my knowledge while helping people along the way. Bridgewater provides many opportunities to get out in the community and share that knowledge with others of all ages. I enjoy volunteering and feeling as though I am doing my part to make the world a better place. In addition to developing more professionally, I also hope to someday start a family.
HOW BETHANY HAS PREPARED YOU • • • Along with my regular coursework, Bethany prepared me for the workforce in so many other ways. I was able to establish a strong Christian foundation to help steady me as I entered a more secular environment. I had the opportunity to explore different areas of interest by joining a variety of clubs and activities, making me a more well-rounded individual and providing me with a number of experiences I can reference in my career. Studying abroad during the summer between my junior and senior year gave me a confidence I never had before. Probably the biggest way Bethany prepared me was by helping me develop strong relationships with faculty and classmates. These valuable friendships have followed me long after graduation day, and I always have a large network I can turn to for advice.
WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT BETHANY • • • I struggle to describe what I remember most about Bethany. It’s so much more than a single favorite memory, but rather, hundreds of memories woven together. My classes and activities, chapel, golf, drumline, all of it was special, but my best memories of Bethany revolve around the friendships I made during my time there. From conversations with professors to late-night study sessions to sporting events to singing in the choir, I will always remember the feeling of being surrounded by my Bethany family who cared about me and encouraged me to be the best version of myself.
ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS • • • Take advantage of all the opportunities college has to offer! Study hard and pay attention in class; you’ll be surprised how much you can learn and how that knowledge can help you down the road. Join a club (or ten), study abroad, take a class that doesn’t relate to your major but still sounds interesting. Have as many cool experiences as you can. Cherish this time when you are surrounded by a loving, Christian atmosphere. You will be able to rely on this amazing network of people far into the future because every one of them wants to see you succeed. Mostly, just enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast!