October 25, 2016

Purdue Profiles: Jeanette Greener

Jeanette Greener Jeanette Greener, program manager in the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca Wilcox) Download image

Jeanette Greener is a Boilermaker through and through.

She graduated with a bachelor's degree from the Krannert School of Management in 2005 and immediately started working for the University. Now she is a program manager in the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program.

What is the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program?

The Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program at Purdue is one of the largest entrepreneurship programs in the country. The program is similar to a minor and is designed to complement a student’s major by providing them with the skills necessary to transform their ideas and knowledge into action. In this competitive, global economy, entrepreneurial skills are increasingly important whether graduates choose careers in startups or established organizations.

What is your role as program manager?

My job is very operational and each day is unique! I manage the program's budget and grants; reporting and data; contracts; development efforts and stewardship; scholarships; events; new positions and initiatives; experiential programs; advising of student organizations; and I even judge presentations in classes. I assist with communication efforts, oversee most all payments, and find myself communicating with central business service units, business offices, sponsor program services, departmental units, advisory boards, incoming and current students, alumni, parents, instructors, guest speakers, student clubs, companies, press, freelancers and more. Our unit is a very entrepreneurial organization!

What led you to this work?

I worked in a Purdue business office as an undergraduate student and at the time, didn’t realize what a lasting effect that would have on my career path. Immediately after graduating, I accepted a position in the trainee program within business services and became a business manager within Discovery Park for five years, serving the Burton Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, Bindley Bioscience Center and four other centers. My time as a business manager was very influential. I was able to gain extensive knowledge of Purdue's policies and procedures. I still leverage that experience to this day. While a business manager, one of the units I served was the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program. I was always interested in working more closely with students and the educational side of the university, so when the opportunity opened up, I applied. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy the variety of responsibilities that come my way. Making decisions that have a direct impact on the student experience and working with a wonderful team are a few reasons why I love my job. There's no denying that as a working mother, I spend more of my day with my co-workers than my own family, so I've made the decision to spend my time wisely. My co-workers are my teammates and my home away from home. Everyone's dedication to putting students’ interests first through our daily actions, having a mindset of “making it happen,” and honestly the openness to share laughter and life experiences has led me to truly value everyone in our program; director, administrative staff, instructors, student workers and students alike. Some say you are only as good as the people around you, and I couldn’t agree more.

Why did you choose to work for Purdue?

I choose to work at Purdue essentially because Purdue chose me! I was always interested in staying in the Greater Lafayette area and never realized the job opportunities within the University until I began working here as a student. I haven't looked back since. I plan to make Purdue my home for a very long time. When my kids learn the alphabet, P stands for Purdue.

Writer: Megan Huckaby, 765-496-1325, mhuckaby@purdue.edu


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