Jennifer Seuring Interview

I’m Jennifer. I work in finance, focused on corporate finance and leadership roles.

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What first led you into finance, and why did you decide to get an MBA?

 

I’ve always been analytical and a numbers person. Finance came more naturally to me than writing-heavy work. I was deciding between accounting and finance, and I chose finance because accounting is about the past, while finance is about the future and uncertainty. That “gray area” was more interesting to me. I pursued an MBA because it was a proven path toward senior finance leadership, it differentiates you, and the school you attend matters for credibility and access.

 

What was your first job after business school, and did it put you on track toward becoming a CFO?

 

I’ve only worked at four companies. I started in oil and later moved to a major consumer packaged goods company. While I was there, the company funded my MBA, which was a huge opportunity. The MBA experience sharpened my critical thinking through case work and structured problem-solving. It also clarified where I didn’t fit: I learned that if I work extremely hard at something and still don’t perform well, it’s usually a sign I’m on the wrong track. That helped me focus my career on what I’m naturally strong at.

 

What early career decision most changed your trajectory, and why?

 

Moving into financial services changed everything. Some industries are low growth and force constant cost-cutting, which I found draining. Financial services offered stronger growth, higher margins, and better career acceleration. I joined a firm that was willing to hire high-performing generalists and teach the business. Once I made that switch, I stayed in the industry and it became the foundation for the roles I’ve had since.

 

What skill mattered more than you expected when you were a student?

 

Self-discipline and organization. It’s easy to drift in college if you don’t have structure. I learned you can do well academically and still have fun, but you need a system and you need to execute it consistently.

 

What skill matters more than you expected now that you’re working?

 

People skills. Early on it’s tempting to think performance is only about being “right” and delivering strong work. In reality, effectiveness depends on how you work with others, how you communicate, and how you tailor your message so non-finance people can understand it. Finance is not sitting behind a desk anymore. You’re in meetings all day, influencing decisions across the business.

 

What separates people who rise quickly in finance from those who get stuck?

 

Strong people skills and going beyond the minimum. If someone asks a question, I don’t just answer it and move on. I answer it and add context, implications, and the “next question” they haven’t asked yet. That mindset of anticipating needs and delivering more than expected builds trust and momentum.

 

What mistake early in your career taught you the most?

 

I learned that results alone aren’t enough. You’re evaluated on what you deliver and how you deliver it. Earlier in my career, I could be overly blunt and demanding, and it created mixed perceptions of me. Over time I worked to change that by becoming a more consistent partner, not just someone who drives outcomes. That shift took real effort and time, but it made me a better leader and a better person to work with.

 

How do you decide which opportunities to say yes to and which to decline?

 

I don’t chase money. If you chase money, you’ll always find another offer and you’ll never feel settled. I prioritize cultural fit and the kind of environment I want to be in every day. If a culture is proud of being aggressive and cutthroat, I’m out. Work is too big a part of life to spend it around people you don’t respect or enjoy.

 

How do you build credibility when you’re young and don’t have much experience?

 

I take pride in my work no matter what the job is. I show up fully, do the assignment well, and treat the output as a reflection of my standards. I also focus on reliability and trust: doing what I say I’ll do, not gossiping, and being someone people can count on. Credibility comes from consistent behavior over time.

 

What habit or routine contributed most to your long-term success?

 

Boundaries and organization. I used to try to finish every email the same day, but that turns into endless work. What helped more was learning to set limits and stay highly organized. Writing everything down, keeping a real system, and protecting time so work doesn’t consume everything.

 

When you hire young people into finance roles, what do you look for?

 

A pattern of success. Early on, most people don’t have deep job experience, so I look for signals that they’ve consistently performed well: strong grades, sustained effort, and evidence they can compete and follow through. Success tends to compound.

 

 If you were starting over today as a student and then entering the workforce, what would you do differently in your first five years?

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I would choose an industry I genuinely care about. It’s hard to stay motivated when the product and the business mean nothing to you. I would also network earlier so I understood the different finance paths and the trade-offs. Some paths pay more but have a brutal lifestyle. Others offer stronger balance and still allow you to build a serious career. Knowing those options earlier would have helped me choose faster and more intentionally.