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Please address questions or comments about the web site to traci.klasing@park.edu
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Seniors - Stories of Success
| Name | Igor Glisic |
| Major | Bachelor of Arts in Finance Management with a Minor in Economics |
Interview conducted by Lead Career Specialist, Lavinia Vaitai
What company do you work for and what is
your current position?
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I am an International Tax Analyst for Black & Veatch
Tell us about Black & Veatch.
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Black & Veatch Corporation is a leading global engineering, consulting, and construction company with the mission of Building a World of Difference. By advancing the frontiers of knowledge, the company provides clients with reliable solutions to their most complex challenges, thereby helping improve and sustain the quality of life around the world.
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Black & Veatch specializes in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, federal, management consulting and environmental markets. They offer leading experience in the market segments they serve, understanding their clients’ businesses and objectives, and having the financial resources sufficient to execute and sustain projects from the most basic to the very complex.
*retrieved from www.bv.com
How did you find your job?
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The job search process began when I was still in college at Park University. I utilized the Career Development Center where Traci Klasing assisted me with writing my resume and educated me on behavioral interviewing skills. I also realized the importance of networking and began talking to people I met about my job interests and goals. Subsequently, I met the Director of the International Tax Department at a local function and we sat down and talked about an open opportunity within his department at Black & Veatch.
What process did you undergo in order to obtain your position?
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The Director of the International Tax Department for Black & Veatch directed me to apply online through their website. I filled out three different applications for three different positions I was interested in. I basically just answered questions and made a profile on their website. I received a phone call for an interview which helped jump start the hiring process for me.
How did networking help you in your job search process?
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It’s very important. I actually knew another guy who had an internship with Black & Veatch. He encouraged me to do some research on the company and I was able to learn more and get information that I probably wouldn’t have had I not known him. Also, meeting the Director of the International Tax Department was a great asset to me. He helped me get the information I needed to know for my first interview.
What were the low and high points in your job search process?
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Well, I’d say my low points were definitely applying for so many positions at a variety of companies and getting no response. I even had one company tell me I was over-qualified for a position. It’s frustrating when you apply, apply, apply, and hear nothing or don’t get the job you want. However, the high point of the job search process is definitely getting the job!
What degree did you receive from Park University?
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I received a Bachelor of Arts in Finance Management with a Minor in Economics.
Do you have any tips or advice for our seniors?
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Use the Career Development Center. It’s important to get involved in different activities and organizations on campus. I also want to emphasize that you need to network. Meet as many people as you can and share your stories with them. Do your research before you apply and be self-confident. Don’t get down on yourself and don’t let others bring you down either.
| Name | Koreen Micals |
| koreen337@comcast.net | |
| Major | Computer Science |
Most Memorable Park Moment
My most memorable park moment would have to be my drive to complete my degree. It was a struggle for me because I was a single mother going back to school and wanting to teach my daughter the importance of continuing her education. During my schooling I was laid off from Sprint and then again at H & R Block. This made it very difficult. I bought a new car just before my lay off at H & R Block and the day after they announced the lay offs I was in a hit and run accident on I-70. A semi truck entered the highway and immediately got over into my lane sucking my car under his trailer and smashing down the passenger’s side. He drug me down the highway quite a ways before slamming on his brakes to set me free. He then took off at a high rate of speed down the highway leaving me in distress on the side of the highway. It was a few days before my daughter’s birthday and I was suppose to have her with me that day. Finding work was difficult after that because I suffered with back pain and other health issues. Although my personal life was in shambles at the time, I continued to plug away at my dream of getting a degree. I also managed to make a 3.69 GPA. I enjoyed most of the classes I took and a few teachers along the way helped make it easier for me. The whole time I attended Park University was a memorable Park moment.
Favorite Park Event
My graduation in December of 2004. I could not believe that that day had finally arrived. I remember catching a glimpse of my parents and my daughter sitting in the audience smiling at me and it was at that moment that I realized that I had truly accomplished my goal
Memorable Park Staff/Faculty
Gloria Joseph because she was always a ray of sunshine. She made the class fun
with her many stories and life experiences. Each topic she discussed in such a way
that there was no forgetting it. Gloria showed an interest and compassion for all of her students.
Chip McGinnis because he made learning fun, he encouraged all to participate and
wanted you to learn the material. Chip made himself available after classroom hours
no matter what the time, if extra help was needed.
Layne Prenger for her support in helping me to find a job when I thought there wasn’t any.
Finding a job can be a challenge and learning that there is help at Park after graduation
was a tremendous relief.
How I found my job
After many failed attempts at seeking employment on my own, I contacted Layne Prenger. She started sending me listings of career fairs and I signed up for the COSMC career fair out by the airport back on February 28th. Layne called me a few days prior to the career fair and informed me that Quintiles was added to the list at the last minute. She wanted to know if I would be interested in an interview with them to which I said yes. I followed up the interview with a thank you note(email) to the gentleman I interviewed with. I was then invited back for a phone interview and then another face to face interview with a panel of 7 interviewers. Approximately a week later I received an offer.
| Name | Justin Huttie |
| Major | Computer Based Information Systems |
Most Memorable Park Moment
I have numerous memorable moments at Park. I have made some great new friends and some valuable contacts at the school. I only have four classes left to take for my CBIS degree and plan to move into the Masters Program so I can imagine having some more memorable moments at Park.
Favorite Park Event
I think my favorite park event so far was the fall '04 deans list. It was the first time I had made a deans list or honor roll. I was not an honor student in high school. That all changed in college though. It might have been because I had a greater interest in school, or a better subject to learn, or the fact that I have to spend over $600 a class of my own money.
How I found my job
I found my job through a friend of mine. I work at Cerner as a Delivery Consultant. I went to the career fair hosted by Park this last winter, which I found to be very useful although Cerner was not in attendance. Once I found out I was having an interview with Cerner I went to Traci Klasing at the Career Development Center and had her help me with some interview questions. It was a great help as I had not had a job interview in about 8 to 9 years. Two days later I had a series of three interviews and felt very comfortable about each one.
