Briana Rossi '15

Marketing Coordinator, Providence Health Plan

Owner/Manager, Little Leaf Ink

Major: Biology (Spanish Minor)

"My time at UP gave me a lot of transferable skills that I didn’t even know were important to have at the time. I don’t directly use my science background on a day-to-day basis, but it gave me a strong foundation in documentation, clear communication and experience working independently and with groups. I think the best part of the UP is the abundance of resources available; one of the best skills I learned was how and where to find information you don’t know.

The Career Center was an incredible resource in finding opportunities, reviewing application materials, even having a room to book so that I had a quiet space to do an interview. They continue to be an amazing resource post-graduation. Max was a huge help in helping me practice negotiating my first promotion and raise and I know that I can still send questions their way. The Career Center also has solid connections to a huge network of UP alumni. If you don’t know anyone in a certain field, they can probably help you find someone. This sounds cliché, but turned out to be so true: start with the people you know. Many companies ask their current employees for recommendations or to tap their networks when new opportunities are available.

For instance, I was very grateful for my internship experience, because it helped get my foot in the door at a large organization. My first job after graduating was Research Assistant I in the School of Public Health at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). I had an internship at OHSU senior year, and after graduating was offered a part-time then full-time role, eventually working my way up to Research Assistant II. It was a difficult work environment and it taught me that sometimes jobs are just stepping stones to your next opportunity. Get what you can from it and then move on. It did help me realize the importance of setting work/life boundaries, asking for what you want, and standing up for yourself and your teammates.

I currently work at Providence Health Plan as a Marketing Coordinator and manage my own creative business on the side (Little Leaf Ink, LLC). I didn’t expect to ever be in a marketing role, but I was drawn to the organization because it is so mission-driven in helping vulnerable populations. My experience managing projects and process improvement fit well with an available position and it has been a valuable and healthy job experience. I also didn’t ever think I would start my own business, but having a stable work environment provided headspace to dive into my more creative pursuits and through a lot of self-directed learning it’s been a very fulfilling challenge.

The best career advice I’ve received is that you need to ask for the things that you want in your career and not wait for your work be noticed or recognized. Document your work, time and accomplishments so you can build a case for why you deserve the things you are asking for. Also, job descriptions are arbitrary and you don’t have to meet all the criteria to apply. Tell the organization why you are interested in them specifically and how your skills and experiences are going to help them with their mission/goals (hint: these can typically be found on their website!).  You are your own biggest advocate. If the answer is no, ask what you need to do to be more successful the next time. Every opportunity is a learning experience."