Marisa Werner ’16 tells us about her first year as a JD/MBA candidate at Cornell University
Where did you grow up? What led you to Dartmouth?
I grew up in Morristown, New Jersey. The reason I chose to attend Dartmouth was because of the quarter system. While at Dartmouth I majored in French, Italian, and Spanish, which I was able to do since the quarter system allows students to take more classes during the academic year. Furthermore, the quarter system allowed me to study abroad in Paris on the FSP and work abroad in Italy.
What did you do during your time at Dartmouth? (studies, extracurriculars,etc.)
While at Dartmouth, I was the Vice-President of Chi Delt, Secretary of Student Assembly, a Teaching Assistant for the Italian & French Departments, and an Interviewer for the Admissions Office.
How did you decide to work at Sullivan & Cromwell after college?
Upon graduating from Dartmouth, I knew that I wanted to go to law school, but I wanted to obtain some professional experience before commencing law school. I decided to pursue opportunities as a legal assistant, which would allow me to gain exposure to the legal field prior to law school. After Dartmouth, I knew that I wanted to work in New York City for an international firm. Ultimately, I chose Sullivan & Cromwell because as a legal assistant who spoke French, Italian and Spanish, I was given the opportunities to work on international matters both as a legal assistant and as a translator.
How did your experiences at Dartmouth help to shape your career path? (What is the link between college and the career path you have followed?)
What I cherish about my Dartmouth experience was that the learning extended beyond the classrooms. When I look back on my undergraduate career, I always remember the conversations that I had with both professors and students in and outside of the classroom. To me, this is what makes Dartmouth unique. Because of this, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in which I would be constantly learning, which is why I decided to ultimately pursue law school. As a lawyer, you are a perpetual student, and are constantly forced to interpret and analyze the law in different ways.
Based on your professional experience, it sounds like you have been planning to go to law school for a while—what made you decide to pursue a JD/MBA instead? Would your senior self be surprised that this is the path you have chosen?
While working as a legal assistant at Sullivan & Cromwell, I had the opportunity to work with lawyers who had pursued JD/MBAs. These lawyers explained that their knowledge of the law coupled with their exposure to the corporate world was especially helpful in situations such as discovery, where both parties exchanged financial documents.
Can you talk a bit about your experience in graduate school so far?
My experience in law school has been extremely difficult, but also gratifying. I have honestly never learned so much in such a short period of time in my life. Although the first year of law school has been consumed by what seems like endless reading, I have grown so much both academically and personally. This journey has been filled with ups and downs, but, at the end of the day, I am truly grateful for this opportunity.
What are your goals for the future, and how do you think a JD/MBA will help you reach those goals?
This summer I will be interning for Justice Patterson on the New Jersey Supreme Court, who is also a Dartmouth alumna. Ultimately, I would like to practice corporate law in New York City, and a JD/MBA will allow me to reach those goals because as a corporate lawyer, I believe that it is extremely helpful to have an understanding as to how companies function.
What is the best advice you have ever been given (career-oriented or otherwise!)
The best advice I have ever been given is that in life there is always a Plan B. I have learned that oftentimes life events don’t go as planned, and that is okay, because I truly believe that with hard work and persistence you can find a way to get to where you want to be.
Do you have any advice about making the best of your Dartmouth experience? Is there anything you wish you had known about your career path/working life while a college student?
I would encourage students to get involved in all aspects of campus life, whether that is through attending the myriad of speaking and cultural events or joining a club that is very different from your interests. Furthermore, I would encourage students to take advantage of the amazing activities offered through the DOC. Hanover is truly an incredible place, and I would sincerely encourage everyone to find some time to explore the area!
What is your number one bucket list item for Dartmouth seniors? (i.e. Lou’s challenge, go to Montreal for a weekend—something fun!
A sunrike followed by breakfast at 4 Aces Diner!
