Say Yes and Figure It Out: Jennifer Desmarais
September 4, 2026
From front-desk work to a decade at the U.S. Department of Education, Jennifer Desmarais of Emerson College shows how mentorship and saying yes reshape a career.
Insights and advice for business professionals new to higher education
On Career Conversations, NACUBO’s Christine Simone sits down with higher education professionals to discuss their personal experiences, including successes and challenges of all kinds. They’ll offer career advice and insights as well as nuggets of wisdom for business professionals new to higher education.
From front-desk work to a decade at the U.S. Department of Education, Jennifer Desmarais of Emerson College shows how mentorship and saying yes reshape a career.
From accounting intern to enrollment leader: Adeeb Mozip of the University of Michigan on how breadth of experience, mentorship, and a mission-driven mindset built an uncommon higher ed career.
From housewares to higher ed: Sean Clayton of Salt Lake Community College on private-sector grit, a career-defining 360 evaluation, and the value of leading with empathy.
From criminal law to tax puzzles: Discover how Jodi Kessler transformed her career path to become MIT’s director of tax and global operations, breaking down silos and building collaborative solutions in higher education.