Whether working at a university, scientific institution, or association, Jeanette Gass, CAP, CNP, says it’s always helped her to be herself.

Stop fearing change—embrace it and grow with it.

“Be as authentic as you can,” she says. “You will be a better employee, a better coworker, and provide better support for your members and volunteers if you are true to yourself.” Some stops on her career journey so far:

A Working History

2007 – 2011: Usher at Hancher Auditorium at University of Iowa

2013 – 2014: Program Coordinator at National Foreign Language Center

2014 – 2015: Senior Program Assistant at National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

2015 – 2017: Program Management Specialist at University of Maryland

2017 – 2019: Program Development and Special Projects Coordinator at The Optical Society

2019 –: Manager, Global Programs, at International Association for the Study of Pain

(Handout photo)