Apra-IL Presents 20 Questions with ... Jessica Szadziewicz

Based on the 73 Questions series produced by Vogue, Apra-IL presents a series of 20 questions to members and the board. We're excited for you to learn more about your leadership and fellow members in this series of 20 rapid-fire questions. 

Jessica Szadziewicz is the Assistant Director of Prospect Management and Research at Loyola University Chicago. She previously worked at Northwestern University as a Prospect Information Analyst before joining Loyola in late 2016. Jessica received her MLS from Dominican University in 2011 and her BA in History from DePaul University in 2009. 

1. What is the first thing you do when you get to work?

Check email

2. How many meetings do you typically have in a week?

Anywhere from 3 to 10

3. What does your role as Assistant Director of Prospect Management and Research mean to you?

It means I get to do interesting work every day with great people

4. If you were not in Prospect Development, what career would you have?

Probably in a library or archival setting

5. How would you describe Prospect Development to your 15-year-old self?

I would say that prospect development is a part of fundraising where you look for wealthy donors

6. How do you explain your role to people outside of Development?

I usually say I work in philanthropy or fundraising where I help find wealthy individuals who may want to support the university

7. What is one thing Apra has done for you?

Introduced me to great people

8. If it was possible, where in the world would you want to attend an Apra international conference?

London

9. When you come to the Apra-IL meet-ups, what or who do you also make time to visit?

Because I live in the city I go to the meetup right after work and go straight home after

10. If you could watch only one movie for a month, what would it be?

The Man Who Knew Too Much

11. Where did you go on your last vacation?

Greece

12. What book are you currently reading?

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

13. What book would you recommend to people?

Anything by David Mitchell! Especially The Bone Clocks

14. If you could write your own memoir, what would it be titled?

What Not to Do

15. What is your favorite restaurant in your city/town?

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders

16. What is your favorite Season?

Summer

17. As a candidate for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Loyola University Chicago, what advice would you give to those interested in applying to an MBA program?

It is definitely worth it, especially if you get a tuition discount. I’ve already applied some of what I’ve learned in my job and I’m not even half way done.

18. If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Boris Godunov

19. Best advice you have ever received?

Treat everyone nicely; they could be your boss someday

20. What is something new you learned at work today or worked on?

I worked on my presentation for the Prospect Development conference this summer!