Jenelle Ambrose

Jenelle Ambrose

Hons BA Political Science and Communications
2004
Legal Counsel

Current Role

I am in-house legal counsel with Grant Thornton LLP (an accounting firm) where I manage the delivery of legal services by external counsel and provide legal support on a wide range of issues including privacy, regulatory compliance, risk management, contracts and policy matters.

What factors led you to enter your current field of work?

- I was willing to try a few different career paths before settling on law.
- I figured out what I liked to do and found  jobs and ultimately a career that aligned with those skills
- I tried to plan as much as possible but was flexible enough to change course if necessary
- I learned a lot from the failures or successes of my mentors and peers

What does success mean to you?

Success is, not allowing the failures that you will encounter in life, to keep you down.

If you weren’t in your current professional role, what would you be doing?

I would likely be working in marketing or in publishing.

How do you build and maintain your professional network, and how has this benefited your career?

I’ve always tried to be open-minded in any setting that I’m entering into and to engage in a meaningful way with anyone that I meet, not just the most “powerful” person in the room. I also try to be intentional about meeting new people whenever I go to an event and actually following up with them right after. Some of the most unassuming connections have led to job offers, fundraising opportunities, and lifetime mentorship. Be authentic about your interest in someone – it can be quite rewarding.

What are the strategies you use to remain resilient during challenging situations?

I’ve come to accept and embrace the fact that my trajectory will be different than those around me. Understanding that has made it easier to be confident that whatever is on the other side of a challenging situation – is something that I am uniquely prepared for. Learning how to problem solve in simple or complex situations will give you the confidence needed to withstand challenges. Embrace problem-solving opportunities.

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