This interview is one of a series conducted by the Center for Business and Economics Fellows with recent Business & Economics graduates about life after graduation.
This interview was conducted during the Spring 2019 semester by CBE Fellow, Troy Elphinstone ’19 with recent graduate, Joe Wesolowski ’18.
Troy: Where are you currently employed? — How did you hear about this position?
Joe: I am currently employed by Crown Castle International. Crown Castle is a management, consulting, real estate, infrastructure, and technology company specifically for firms in the wireless communication and emerging technologies space. I interned for Crown in the summer of 2017 and had the opportunity to come back for a full time position. I found Crown Castle through some mutual connections formed at Allegheny and some general networking prior to the internship.
Troy: What do you do on a day to day basis?
Joe: I work on the Area Finance team for the Mid-West Area of the company. Each Area Financial Analyst is responsible for a certain line of business within the company (ie. Real Estate, Operations, etc). The goal is to support that line of business within each major city/office hub for the area by preparing beginning and end of quarter/year budgets, projections, forecasts, and any other financial planning for the group. Managers or Team/Project leads will come to the team for advisement on their big data projects or recurring issues/situations that may arise during the work day. We offer up assistance and provide feedback for their various projects/issues.
Troy: How did Allegheny help prepare you for your current job?
Joe: Allegheny does an outstanding job establishing their student’s theoretical foundations, but the greatest tool Allegheny drills into their student’s repertoire is communication and problem solving skills. Post grad Allegheny students will find out quickly that they are very well equipped to be an adaptable employee for any company they go and work for. Allegheny provides the refinement of skills that a lot of other young post grads do not have. Allegheny also provides a vast network of alumni and connections that want to help and see students succeed, so it can give you a leg up in an organization building those connections.
Troy: What advice would you give to current Allegheny students?
Joe: My advice for current Allegheny students is to absorb every opportunity that can help you grow as a person and a young professional. Do not take the small events for granted. If the department puts on a career talk or a skills building event, go to it. Also, do not be afraid to put yourself out there during your job search process. Utilize the department and the career education office, but do not be afraid to send out emails to alumni yourself. Put yourself out there and build your network as much as you can during your four years at Allegheny.