Jennifer Turner
Pilon School of Business
Degree: Business Administration - Marketing
Year of graduation: 1997
Bettering the Lives of Others
Jennifer Turner has owned three companies over the past 15 years, but it is her current business that brings her the most career satisfaction. As owner of immigration law consulting firm J.A. Turner Associates since 2010, Jennifer helps people navigate the often complex world of settling in Canada.
It can be challenging, given the constantly shifting immigration landscape, says Jennifer, who cites the temporary foreign workers program being a recent example. But the rewards are many.
“Some of my clients are refugee claimants who have overcome incredible hardships to get this far. It's up to me to help them get started in their new lives and it's a terrific feeling when it all comes together for them,” says the Beamsville, Ontario resident.
Working for the betterment of others comes naturally for Jennifer who is a long-time volunteer with the Rotary Club of Lincoln. Since 2002, she has worked on various fundraising projects (including the club’s signature fundraising event as a key organizer), marketing and outreach, and just about everything in between. Jennifer’s commitment to the service club earned her recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow in April, Rotary’s highest honour.
Years before joining Rotary, Jennifer was working in an administrative position with the federal government in Mississauga. Realizing that increasing her credentials was the best way to get ahead, she earned her business diploma from Sheridan outside of work hours. The effort paid off as she steadily gained promotions to the management level.
“My business studies have stood me in good stead throughout every job I have ever had since then,” says Jennifer, whose career includes management roles in the tourism and travel industry, as well as ownership of an antiques store and a dinner theatre.
Regardless of the many professional hats she has worn, Jennifer has consistently turned to her strengths to reinvent herself. Herein lies her advice to new grads. “If you can't find a job, start your own business by focusing on what you do best. Then figure out how to use that skill to meet a demand in the marketplace. Instead of competing with others for the same job, compete with yourself to be better than you were the day before.”
Learn more about Sheridan’s Business programs.
Jennifer Turner has owned three companies over the past 15 years, but it is her current business that brings her the most career satisfaction. As owner of immigration law consulting firm J.A. Turner Associates since 2010, Jennifer helps people navigate the often complex world of settling in Canada.
It can be challenging, given the constantly shifting immigration landscape, says Jennifer, who cites the temporary foreign workers program being a recent example. But the rewards are many.
“Some of my clients are refugee claimants who have overcome incredible hardships to get this far. It's up to me to help them get started in their new lives and it's a terrific feeling when it all comes together for them,” says the Beamsville, Ontario resident.
Working for the betterment of others comes naturally for Jennifer who is a long-time volunteer with the Rotary Club of Lincoln. Since 2002, she has worked on various fundraising projects (including the club’s signature fundraising event as a key organizer), marketing and outreach, and just about everything in between. Jennifer’s commitment to the service club earned her recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow in April, Rotary’s highest honour.
Years before joining Rotary, Jennifer was working in an administrative position with the federal government in Mississauga. Realizing that increasing her credentials was the best way to get ahead, she earned her business diploma from Sheridan outside of work hours. The effort paid off as she steadily gained promotions to the management level.
“My business studies have stood me in good stead throughout every job I have ever had since then,” says Jennifer, whose career includes management roles in the tourism and travel industry, as well as ownership of an antiques store and a dinner theatre.
Regardless of the many professional hats she has worn, Jennifer has consistently turned to her strengths to reinvent herself. Herein lies her advice to new grads. “If you can't find a job, start your own business by focusing on what you do best. Then figure out how to use that skill to meet a demand in the marketplace. Instead of competing with others for the same job, compete with yourself to be better than you were the day before.”
Learn more about Sheridan’s Business programs.