Get to know about the ICLA membership through the monthly 20 Questions segment. This month the spotlight turns to Jenn Miller, trademark licensing manager at West Virginia University.

Name:  Jenn Miller  
Position/Institution: Trademark Licensing Manager/West Virginia University
Number of years in your position: Three months
Alma Mater(s): Indiana University of PA (B.S.); Slippery Rock University (M.S.)
Hometown:  Hooversville, Pennsylvania

1. Why did you become involved in ICLA?  As a result of my new position at WVU, I had the opportunity to join ICLA. I look forward to the networking and learning opportunities that ICLA offers.

2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career? Because I haven't been in the position for long, my involvement is obviously pretty limited. I was lucky enough to receive the ICLA Winter Symposium Stipend and for that I am very honored and thankful. This is such a wonderful opportunity.

3. If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be? Free lunch making service. HAHA! I do not like making my lunches!

4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment? In the small amount of time I have been working in the university environment, I find the biggest challenge to be understanding responsibilities and goals of all the departments across campus. 

5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Listening and asking questions. Sounds simple, but I believe that these two skills are essential to success.

6. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue? Travel as much as possible. I have so many places on my bucket list that I haven't visited yet.

7. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with? I am a really good listener, so I would have to say people come to me when they need to vent about things. 

8. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing? After working for about 12 years in the retail/buyer world, I came across this position and thought is was a perfect fit for me. It combines my experience in retail with the experience I have working with vendors who support and enhance the brand.

9. Who has been the most influential person in your career? I can't narrow this down to one person. I have to say I have been very lucky with the past three supervisors I have worked for. They all encouraged me to challenge myself, identify opportunities for improvement, and not be afraid to fail. 

10. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Read as many books as possible.

11. Who's your role model? Why? Rachel Hollis, I have recently been reading her books and listening to her podcasts and I love her view on life lessons, her motivation in life, and also the simplified and totally relevant advice she gives.
 
12. What's your favorite quote? "Be the reason someone smiles today"

13. What is your biggest pet peeve? When someone commits to being somewhere or doing something, and doesn't follow through.

14. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal a for? Probably browsing Pinterest.

15. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of collegiate licensing? Never stop learning and asking questions. As I am still new to collegiate licensing, I would say jump in feet first and start learning right away.

16. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future? Again, being new to collegiate licensing, I'm honestly not sure. What I do know from my limited interactions from the past three months, is that we all need to lean on each other for idea generation, advice, and learning from other's experiences.

17. What is your favorite family tradition? Christmas Eve. I have a large extended family and all of us are together on Christmas Eve. We just genuinely enjoy being with each other, eating dinner, exchanging presents, and watching A Christmas Story.

18. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it? Not really embarrassed, but I have amazing handwriting. I have actually done calligraphy for some friends wedding invitations.

19. What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office? So far, 100%

20. What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium? Networking opportunities and meeting my new colleagues. Also, I can't wait to learn as much as possible about collegiate licensing