In 2002 Jen McGowan gained a place to study in the MFA directing program at the University of Southern California. In 2004 she began production on her graduate thesis film, Confessions of a Late Bloomer.

Jen was honored with a grant from The Caucus Foundation for her work on Late Bloomer and well as a scholarship from Women in Film recognizing outstanding young female filmmakers.

Confessions of a Late Bloomer began its festival run at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival and is still screening at festivals worldwide. Some honors for the film include: Best Editing, Creative Excellence, Best Short Film, Best of the Fest and Best Student Film.