Harvesting experience within job rotations
As part of a job rotation program, Jenee has learned three accounting jobs in three cities in three years. She says Northwestern prepared her to adapt quickly—and before that, to pass all four CPA exams on the first try.
What is your job title with John Deere?
I am currently a regional accountant within the Construction & Forestry Marketing division. I am in a three-year rotational program—the Finance Development Program—in which participants have a new role every year. My first rotation was as a budget counselor at the Engine Works factory in Waterloo, Iowa. My second rotation was as a regulatory reporting accountant at John Deere Financial in Johnston, Iowa. I’m now in my final rotation.
What do you enjoy about your current role?
In the Finance Development Program in general, I enjoy a diverse experience within the company in just three years. I have been able to connect with people from across many different functions and locations. John Deere is a large company, and being able to experience three vastly different functions of the organization in the first three years of my career has been unique and a great networking experience.
Also, seeing our commitment to customers and dealers come to life makes my work more meaningful and makes me proud to work for the company. For example, if customers or dealers have issues in the field with a machine, we are there with them trying to fix the problem. If they offer suggestions for improving a machine, we take that feedback to engineers and try to make improvements.
How well did your Northwestern education prepare you for this?
The education I received at Northwestern prepared me extremely well for my career and has set me apart. I have been able to adapt and learn quickly, which is crucial when you are learning a new job every year. The accounting classes I took were crucial to my foundational knowledge of the discipline. Since passing all four CPA exams on the first attempt, I have been grateful for my outstanding education which contributed to my success on such challenging exams.
What led to your being hired by John Deere?
I had an accounting internship with Deere during the summer of 2021. Upon successful completion of the internship, I was offered a position in the Finance Development Program.
What do you appreciate most about your Northwestern education?
There is so much. Aside from receiving a great education, I made meaningful friendships and lasting memories. The integration of faith and learning was foundational. Now that I'm out working in the secular workplace, having a firm foundation in my faith has been fundamental. Contemplating those tough questions about faith and life in classes like First-Year Seminar, Christian Story, and philosophy have all helped me stay grounded in my faith and remember who I am living for.
What are some of your favorite memories about your time at NWC?
I have many memories from my time in Symphonic Band, including the trip we took to Spain my freshman year. I took part in a service project to Waco, Texas, where I made new friends and learned about the struggles of homelessness. I have countless memories with friends and wing mates like going to football games, partaking in various campus events, and making spontaneous trips to the Hub for a late-night snack.
