Jennifer Jackman

1. What is your current role at Barrett, and what are your primary responsibilities?  

As the Senior Coordinator of Internships and Community Outreach, I partner with ASU Career Services, ASU college-specific internship, and career centers, and assist students on all five Barrett campuses to identify best practices for finding and engaging in internship and research opportunities. I meet with employers and community organizations to encourage them in offering internships to our Barrett student community. By hosting online and immersion student events, I strive to encourage and empower students to engage in internships during their time at Barrett. Twice a month I curate the Internship and Research Roundup Newsletter. In here, I highlight professional development best practices as well as internship and research opportunities that may be Barrett-only positions or ASU-wide opportunities. I attend most career fairs and have drop-in hours on all campuses to assist our Barrett student community in being prepared and confident to interact with employers and organizations. 

2. How long have you been with Barrett, and what initially drew you to work at Barrett?

 I have been part of Barrett since October 2023. Previously, I spent the last three years on a public health grant with Dr. Megan Jehn (School of Human Evolution and Change) working as a liaison with the Pascua Yaqui tribe in Guadalupe. Being the parent of three Barrett alumni (2018, 2021, 2021), I am so grateful for the Barrett faculty and staff who have supported my daughters throughout their four years at ASU. It is wonderful to now be part of the Barrett staff after being a Barrett parent for seven years! 

3. Can you share a memorable travel experience or a dream destination you hope to visit someday? 

We love spending our summer breaks on Lake Michigan! It is the place we head to each summer as a family as the rest of the year may be hectic and we all live in different corners of the world. Recent trips to Norway to see our daughter, a wedding anniversary cruise through the Panama Canal, and a South African safari have given me such a renewed appreciation for experiences and other cultures. 

4. What motivates you on a daily basis, both personally and professionally? 

Both professionally and personally, I strive to be a helper in our world. As a former Jesuit Volunteer, I have seen so many everyday heroes make a positive difference. Dr. Suess had it right when he said, ”To the world, you may only be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.” I strive to be someone who is part of something bigger than myself that adds to the good in our community. 

5. Is there a specific quote or mantra that resonates with you and guides your approach to life and work? 

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou. 

I have previously worked as an elementary principal and classroom teacher and have seen students and families thrive when they know you care. When I meet with a Barrett student in a group or in my office, I hope that the information I share with them will encourage them to apply for that internship, get involved, and achieve their goals.