Pathway to Feinberg: Jaleen Gibson, Manager of Financial Administration
"Making childhood dreams a reality"
Jaleen Gibson began his career at the Feinberg School of Medicine as an intern in the prestigious Year Up professional development program, where he was part of the inaugural cohort for the financial track. Over the six-month internship, Jaleen mastered his financial skills, showcasing a natural affinity for numbers while benefiting from mentorship under his manager. Recently promoted to Manager of Financial Administration in the Department of Surgery, Jaleen's career trajectory is marked by consistent growth, and he remains highly motivated to continue his upward trajectory.
Inspiration Behind Career in Finance:
“I've always had a fascination with numbers and dreamed of working in downtown Chicago since childhood. Riding the train with my mom, I'd see those professionals with briefcases, always curious about what was inside. I would tell my mom, 'One day, that will be me.' I held onto that dream tightly, knowing that building a strong skillset would be key to achieving it. I'm pushing myself to the limits here at Feinberg.”
Most Memorable Experience at Feinberg:
In August 2019, shortly after graduating from the Year Up program, Jaleen transitioned into the Department of Surgery. His standout moment came when he was invited by Grant Upson, Executive Director at the Office of Finance & Administration to speak at the (Invest) Best Practices forum in 2020. Sharing his journey from intern to administrator with over 100 attendees left a lasting impact, highlighting the power of storytelling in inspiring others. “It’s amazing that my story is still going around today!”
Advice to Younger Self:
Reflecting on his journey, Jaleen emphasizes the importance of staying sober-minded amidst life's challenges. “Things can happen in life that will excite you and that can make you drunk with emotion, drunk with anxiety, drunk in that regard so my best advice is to stay sober-minded. Stay focused, stay calm, and trust the process.”
Staying Informed:
Staying connected through platforms like LinkedIn and actively participating in Northwestern's newsletters helps Jaleen stay current with essential resources and stay in the loop with ongoing events.
The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion:
To Jaleen, diversity celebrates differences, while inclusion fosters an environment where diverse perspectives contribute to common goals. “It’s about being open-minded and bringing everyone’s ideas together to conquer a common goal. Life isn’t one size fits all. There are always different ways and different thoughts to achieve success, that’s the importance of it.”
Bonus Tip: Balancing Life and Work
Jaleen stresses the importance of viewing success as a journey rather than a destination. Self-awareness, setting goals, and remaining true to oneself are crucial. He values supportive circles and environments, acknowledging the significance of companionship on the path to success. As his mentor once said, "Either I’ll see you at the top or from the top."