Alumni Problem Solvers: Janelle Wichmann

Wichmann completed five co-op rotations with Procter & Gamble — and another internship with Google — as an undergrad. Upon graduation, Wichmann joined P&G and ascended quickly, assuming multiple executive roles in brand marketing before landing her current position with Native, where she leads portfolio strategy and execution across the brand’s seven product categories, including advertising creative and campaigns, retailer distribution and growth planning, and Native’s international expansion.

My team. P&G is a very collaborative work environment. I always say that you can’t get anything done without somebody else on the team. I work with a group of highly motivated, intelligent people on a variety of projects. We take technology that the world has never seen and prepare it for the shelves of Costco, Target and Walmart.

I wouldn’t be where I am without my co-op experiences, which gave me such a deep understanding of what the job was, what the career opportunities would be and what my career path could look like. By the time I graduated, I had a deep grasp of what I was getting into, what I liked, what I didn’t like, and my vision for five years down the road.

Have more confidence. As a woman — and as mentor of many women — I experience and constantly hear from others about imposter syndrome. I think there’s a natural tendency to second-guess yourself. Have confidence in your abilities.

Think big. I think sometimes we can have a limited, myopic view of what’s possible or what you can do. I didn’t think it would be possible to intern at Google. I go to the University of Cincinnati. They must recruit from Ivy League schools and get talent from the West Coast. Apply. Reach out. Cold call. Think as big as you think about your career aspirations. Go after the big internships. Go after the geographic locations you’re interested in. And do so without hesitation with a lot of gusto because it’s possible. It’s all possible.