Brianne Burrowes is a Montana native, as well as the founder and editor-in-chief of I Want Her Job. IWHJ is a website designed as an online resource for women to ask career-related questions of professional women in their interested fields. When Brianne decided to change industries, she started interviewing anyone and everyone she could find who worked in advertising. She got some really amazing advice, and afterwards wondered why there wasn’t a resource online for women to “pick the brains” of other women whose jobs they wanted. So, Brianne made one. Brianne was also the youngest ever editor-in-chief of the University of Montana’s alumni magazine, the Montanan. She is currently the senior consumer-marketing manager at NASCAR track, Phoenix International Raceway.   

What does I Want Her Job believe in?

I Want Her Job is a website built to inspire other women by sharing thoughtful, relevant information highlighting women changing the face of business. Our mission is to encourage the individual growth of career-minded women by fostering a love of learning, curiosity and a desire to help others. In short we believe in women helping other women succeed.

How did the site get started?

Just over five years ago, I started thinking about how great it would be if there was a website that asked the very questions I was asking myself about my career; a site that served as a resource for making introductions, connections and helping others figure out if a certain job would be the right fit. You try shoes on, so why wouldn’t you “try on” a job before applying? Fast forward and the website has inspired countless women and even picked up some accolades from Forbes along the way.

How did you first hear about Mamalode?

I’m a born-and-raised Montanan. I attended the University of Montana and after graduation served as the youngest ever editor-in-chief of the Montanan, the school’s alumni magazine. Missoula is a small community, and I started hearing about an all new kind of magazine for parents called, Mamalode. Although not a parent myself, I was intrigued by the amazing content and look of the publication. I was thrilled when, a few years later, I was introduced to Elke and Dori by a former I Want Her Job Leading Lady, UM Professor Jakki Mohr.

Who are some important “Leading Ladies” in your personal life, and why?

My sisters and my mom will always be the most important women in my life. From a work perspective the important Leading Ladies in my life are the women who comprise the I Want Her Job team [many of whom are from Montana, too!] They are all dear friends, confidantes, and ambitious and thoughtful women. When I hear people make a remark that, “women could never work together with all their cattiness and drama,” I just think of our team. We are the antithesis of that. We’re strong on our own, but we’re a powerhouse when we unite together. We’re the original girl squad.

What is your favorite thing to do when you come home to visit Montana?

Aside from grab my sister and wrap her in a bear hug [usually, ironically, somewhere near a furry stuffed bear in the Missoula airport], my favorite thing to do is see Flathead Lake. I grew up on it. I have a view of it from my childhood window. When I see the lake I know I’m home, and nothing can replace that feeling.

What do you miss most about living in MT?

I miss the crisp air, summer storms over Flathead Lake, fall leaves in the University District, Griz game days, open roads and of course, my family!

Would you consider yourself a “kid person?”

I consider myself a 3-years-old+ “kid person.” While I love the snuggles and baby powder smell of newborns just as much as the next person, I really love that magical age when kids start imagining.

My nephew is 3, and on a recent trip to my house he told me Shredder from “The Ninja Turtles” lived in my air conditioning vent in the ceiling. We worked together to capture Shredder with a rope and kick him out of the house so the Ninja Turtles could run free. I’m also not one who minds all the questions they have at this age. In fact the more, the better! I strongly feel that curiosity and imagination should be nurtured.

Do you have any plans to have kids anytime in the near future?

I’m engaged and getting married in late-November. I’m sure baby plans will be the next question on everyone’s mind once I tie the knot! While I’d love to have kids one day, I’m not on a timeframe and know it will happen when it’s meant to happen.

Any plans for more shih tzus?

I already have our next shih tzu’s name picked out! That said my fiancé and I love spoiling our little Zoe. She’s the center of our world, and we’re happily wrapped around her furry paw. We always tell each other that we’re not actively looking for another shih tzu right now, but if we ever find one up for adoption that just has to come home with us, then we’ll find a way to make it work.

If you could have any woman’s job in the world, whose would it be?

I love this question. I'd love to have my friend Dona Sarkar's job. She works as a principal engineering lead at Microsoft, and one of her most recent projects was working on the company's HoloLens product. She changes the world through tech. How cool is that? In addition, she's an author who just published “You Had Me At Hello World,” a book full of mentoring sessions with individuals at companies like Facebook and Amazon. She also has written YA novels, designs and sews her own clothes and, most importantly, is a tireless supporter of women in tech. In short: I adore her.

Do you know a Badass Mom? Nominate them here!

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About the Author

Morgan Armstad

Morgan Armstad is a part-time writer and waitress, as well as a full-time mom to her incredible daughter Skye. She loves to read, dance and eat Milano cookies. She graduated spring 2016 from the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in journalism with a history minor. Morgan is currently working and writing at Mamalode magazine in Missoula and has written for the website VProud.