Person To Watch

Jennifer Remis Cavanaugh graduated from Boston College in 2005 with a communication degree. She currently works as a senior learning and development specialist at Vistaprint, the leading online provider of marketing products and services to small businesses around the globe. In this capacity, Cavanaugh designs, develops, and facilitates the new Global and Local Orientation Program. She also serves as the lead facilitator in the Management Development Program.

“[My] role falls into the realm of Human Resources and is concerned with organizational activity aimed at bettering the performance of individuals and groups in the organizational settings of Vistaprint,” Cavanaugh said. “It is a challenging and rewarding role that allows me to interact with people at all different levels, in all different functions, and across all of our global locations.”

Cavanaugh did not arrive at this job directly after graduation. “Please take the time to realize and accept that your first job most likely won’t be your dream job and may not be as glamorous as you had once envisioned, but don’t let this get you down. These experiences help shape our paths for the future,” she said when asked what advice she would give seniors regarding the transition from college to the workforce.

Soon after graduating, Cavanaugh took a job at Hollister, Inc. as a staffing consultant. She recruited, interviewed, evaluated, and matched qualified candidates to client requirements to ensure client satisfaction and retention. After a little over a year with Hollister, she began a new job working at Callanan & Klein Communications. In her 11-month tenure with the company, she worked as an account and event coordinator, organizing all the logistical aspects of events, handling the media outreach, and writing and editing press releases. Cavanaugh then worked at Boston University as a recruiting operations manager before subsequently beginning work at Vistaprint. Since commencing her work at Vistaprint, she has been promoted from senior learning associate to learning specialist and finally to her current position as a senior learning specialist.

 “My most favorite aspect of my role is the relationship building and networking I am able to do. I also love that in my job I never stop learning, whether it be from the books I am reading, from the community I’m interacting with, or from my bright colleagues,” Cavanaugh said. “I am constantly challenged at work and feel like the products we produce are so rewarding as they really do provide significant value to Vistaprint and to its employees.”

Cavanaugh acknowledged that although the transition from college to the workforce can be an adjustment, it is also an extremely exciting time. She urges BC students to never stop learning and trying their hardest.

“The level of effort you put forth determines what you will get out of your experience in the end,” Cavanaugh said. “And most important, remember, we end up spending quite a bit of our lives at our jobs and in our careers, so never stop challenging yourself to be your best and to be in a role that you are passionate about and at a company you truly love. Jobs like this do exist, it may just take a little bit of extra effort, time and energy to get yourself there—but remember while you are getting there, have fun doing it!”