Title: Associate Patent Counsel

Company: Johnson & Johnson

Location: Metuchen, N.J.

When Andrea Colby was choosing the career path that she wanted to take she recognized that not many women worked in Patent Law. Knowing that her technical background would be a benefit she determined that it was an area where she could make a difference. Andrea’s has quite a diverse background. She is focused, dedicated and passionate in all that she does both personally and professionally. While continuing to take advantage of furthering her education and knowledge at the same time she works hard at balancing family life.

Ms. Colby’s educational background includes degree’s in  Engineering and Law. She has a Masters degree in Organizational Management Development as well as being a Certified Coach. The challenge for women to be heard in an arena that has been and continues to be male dominated. Ms. Colby has excellent listening skills and the ability to get along well with others because they recognize that she is truly interested in what they  are trying to relay to her. She looks forward to continued growth in all areas of her professional life. She is dedicated to learning and looking forward to what’s coming next.

Through the inspiration of her family and the desire to help others, Ms. Colby brings from those who helped her learn, she continues to work hard and is persistent about making a difference. Andrea is a Board Member at Albany Law School and supports Youth Audiences NJ & Eastern PA. During her free-time, she enjoys playing piano, staying fit with exercise and spending time with family.

Being successful for Ms. Colby is a combination of many factors, including determination and some plain luck, as well as being open to new possibilities and opportunities is important; sometimes opportunities present themselves and being open to recognizing them and pursuing them has been helpful as well. Ultimately, she thinks the most important factor in becoming successful has been learning what she is passionate about and being true to herself; using jer skills and abilities to contribute to her organization has allowed her to become recognized for those contributions.

Ms. Colby suggests all young professionals find themselves a mentor or coach who can help them both to navigate in their chosen profession and life and to discover their best talents and passions.  Her advice, “If you are authentic and true to yourself, you will achieve the success you seek–it may look different from the traditional view of ‘success,’ but what’s important is that you bring everything you are to your efforts.”