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Name: Karen Lacey ‘92
Major: Communications Minor: Statistics
Current Job Title: Reinsurance Specialist
Employer: Chubb
Tell us a bit about your life and career since graduation. How did you get your first job? How did you navigate to where you are now? Where do you live?
I went to a career fair at Rutgers and met Chubb there. I got a temporary position at Chubb and from there worked my way around and up. I live near Clinton, NJ.
Why did you choose your major and minor?
I didn't exactly choose it, as I took different classes and found different interests, it ended up working out that way.
How would you describe your greatest personal or professional accomplishment since graduating from Rutgers?
I can't say I have one greatest accomplishment, but in general when others indicate I've helped them to succeed or even feel good or better about a situation, then I feel accomplished. I also enjoy learning from others and feel very fortunate when they share their experiences or life lessons with me. I am always interested in the different experiences and knowledge that others have - it is a big wide world that never ceases to amaze me!
How has your arts and sciences education at Rutgers benefited you? Is there a particular course, professor, or experience that was most meaningful? Please describe.
I enjoyed nearly all of my courses at Rutgers but the most memorable class was Public Speaking, and I highly recommend everyone take it. If you can get up in front of a crowd and convey your message with meaning and impact that easily translates into a strong ability to communicate with co-workers, managers, senior leadership, customers etc. and those relationships are priceless when it comes to your career advancement.
What advice can you offer to School of Arts and Sciences undergraduates about how to successfully connect their education in arts and sciences to their lives and careers after college?
I think it is important to determine what you really enjoy doing, your passion. In my case I was always caught between math/logic and people. I ended up in IT for 20 years and I was able to use both skills by having a role where I interfaced with customers and translated their needs into technical requirements.
