More Than a 9 to 5: Jessica Nettgen on Creativity, Career Growth, and Staying True to Your Passions

Written by: Gracie Weston 

For 2023 UW-Whitewater graduate Jessica Nettgen, a career in marketing isn’t just about strategy and analytics—it’s about authenticity, creativity, and connection.

Since earning her BBA in Marketing with an emphasis in Digital Marketing from the College of Business and Economics (CoBE), Jessica has been building a dynamic professional life that combines full-time corporate work with a thriving creative venture: her photography business, Joyful Times Photography. It’s a combination she plans to keep.

A Creative Foundation Built Early

Jessica’s passion for photography began long before college. What started as a hobby—capturing families, weddings, and small businesses—quickly became something more. “Photography helped me pay my way through college—thanks to incredible clients and a lot of hard work,” she wrote.

Her business, Joyful Times Photography, has a name rooted in both intention and nostalgia. “I came up with the name in 7th grade,” she says. “My middle name is Joy, and I wanted every client to have a joyful experience. Cheesy, but it stuck!”

Even as she builds a career in corporate marketing, her creative work remains central to her identity. “Having something I care about outside of work keeps me grounded,” she says.

Overcoming Doubts, Gaining Confidenc

Like many young professionals, Jessica faced skepticism early on.

“Being a young creative professional definitely came with its challenges,” she says. “I had clients and fellow photographers doubt my skills because of my age. I learned quickly how to shift the conversation when age came up.”

But with experience came confidence—and results. “The more I grew as a creative, the more I was able to prove people wrong. Now, my goal is to be the youngest person in important rooms.”

Growing with Purpose

In March 2024, Jessica joined Badgerland Girl Scouts as a Marketing Content Creator. Just months later, she was promoted to Brand and Marketing Specialist. In both roles, she’s brought her signature blend of creativity, strategy, and purpose-driven messaging to life.

“As one-half of the marketing team, I can really see the difference I’m making,” she says. “I’m most proud of continuing to nurture my creativity, learning something new every day, and gaining respect in both my professional and creative careers.”

The Power of Pursuing Both

While many early-career professionals feel pressure to choose one path, Jessica has chosen both—intentionally.

“Continuing my photography business while developing my marketing career has been a no-brainer,” she says. “It gives me creative freedom, expands my network, sharpens my skills, and even benefits the company I work for. Nurturing something that’s solely mine keeps the dream alive.”

Her dual career isn’t a distraction—it’s a strategy. “As a photographer, I’m always marketing myself and my work. Knowing how to do that well is crucial.”

From Campus to Career

Jessica credits her time at UW-Whitewater with helping her build the skills and confidence she needed. She served as Vice President of Photography for the American Marketing Association and held several leadership roles in Delta Zeta Sorority, including Vice President of Programs, Programming Advisor, and Parent and Alumni Officer.

She also recalls the lasting impact of professors Karen Whalen and Victor Barger. “Both of them nurtured my creativity instead of pushing me more towards a traditional marketing career, and for that I am so grateful.”

She continued, “Karen cares so much for her students—she made me feel seen, understood, and supported both in and outside of her classroom. Victor provided a space for me to appreciate and understand the analytical side of marketing, something I never had interest in before his classes. He has continued to support my growth beyond graduation, and for that I am thankful.”

Jessica’s path after graduation wasn’t immediate or linear—and she’s honest about that. “I didn’t have a job lined up, and I felt ashamed about not making the ‘hired before graduation’ list,” she shares. “But I reminded myself that everyone’s path looks different.” She spent nine months in a role that wasn’t the right fit before landing her dream job at Badgerland Girl Scouts.

Advice to Students: Do What Lights You Up

To current CoBE students navigating their own career journeys, Jessica offers simple but powerful advice: “Be patient, find balance, and never give up on your dream job.”

“Do the things. Don’t give them up,” she says. “You deserve to keep being the multifaceted, creative human that you are. Don’t let your 9–5 be your sole identity.”

About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in the state and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 1% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation and is one of only 27 universities in the United States to be recognized for excellence in management education by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.

Photos

Jessica smiling and Jessica enjoying sunny day outside with girl scouts.

UWW Delta Zeta executive board when Jessica serverd as VP Programs.

Jessica smiling at a socila event hosted by UWW AMA at a Regional Conference.