The future looks bright, we promise!
Here at Pittstop, we understand how frustrating and confusing life out of college can be. When your post-college plans don’t go exactly as you imagined, it can be tempting to give up hope. For that reason, we are reaching out to young professionals who inspire us and asking them to share their stories and advice for all of you out there trying to start your careers.
Check out our Q&A with Austin Kronz, a Duquesne University alumni beginning his career as a Business Analyst at Craneware Healthcare Intelligence.
Age: 22
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Education: BSBA in Economics and Management from Duquesne University
Interests and passions: I love playing ice hockey; I played for 16 years and am now an assistant coach for my old high school varsity team. I bartend on weekends. I also love all types of music.
Occupation: Business Analyst at Craneware Healthcare Intelligence (I’m making a new software to be used in hospitals)
PS: How did you find out about this position?
AK: While completing my Economics Senior Thesis, my thesis advisor mention the position and asked that I give her my resume to forward on to the Chair of the department. I was then recommended for the position by the Chair of the Economics & Finance department at Duquesne.
PS: Tell us about the interview process.
AK: After receiving the references from my Thesis advisor and the Economics chair, the interview itself was quite relaxed. We met at a Panera Bread to conduct the interview as we didn’t even have our offices yet due to the fact that this would be a completely new team in Pittsburgh within the parent company of Craneware. About a week after the interview I received my offer.
PS: What do you think made them want to hire you?
AK: I think my background in economics was something he (my current boss and Senior VP of Craneware Healthcare Intelligence) was looking for. The experience with data and creating mathematic models was definitely the key factor. Aside from that, I was very honest with what I knew very well and what I may need to learn more about. He was very receptive to this as he believes that any new job is a learning process.
PS: What have you learned in your first few months in the real world?
AK: I find it very interesting working with people of different backgrounds and levels of experience. Each type of person requires a different way of explaining concepts in order for them to understand. Generational differences, especially in a Tech company, is something talked about a lot, but rarely noticed until you’re in the “real world.”
PS: What made you want to begin your career in Pittsburgh?
AK: I have always loved Pittsburgh. I’m not against moving at some point in my life, maybe temporarily at least, but for now this was a job I couldn’t pass up.
PS: What are your professional goals?
AK: I have always had ambitious goals, but now more so than ever. Being in a start up culture, but within a larger public company, gives me the opportunity to advance rapidly while still having the job security of the larger parent company, Craneware Plc. I hope to be managing my own client accounts (hospitals) within the next 1-2 years.
PS: What advice do you have for other young people trying to start their careers?
AK: Utilize your professors and their networks! Not only can they help you in the classroom, but they more than likely have years of experience in the work force. Don’t hesitate to meet with them even just to discuss what you might want to do upon graduation, the may be able to help/guide you in the right direction. If you have a job lined up already; Be confident in the knowledge you’ve acquired during school. I can’t count how many times in my short professional career that something I learned in a class was directly relevant to something I was working on at work. Listen and absorb information like a sponge, but don’t be afraid to voice your opinion just because you’re “the new hire.”
To learn more about Austin, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Do you know an inspiring young professional we should spotlight? Drop us a line! pittstopblog@gmail.com
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