Why Pitzer: I applied to Pitzer while studying abroad in Spain. I wanted to continue my Spanish language studies and figured Pitzer in Southern California and as a member of 5Cs would have more learning opportunities than your typical liberal arts college.
Favorite class: Community Based Spanish
Favorite professor: Peter Nardi, Sociology Professor
What keeps you busy now: In my free time, learning Greek with Duolingo.
What is your dream job: My current job. Each day I learn something new and speak in a second language.
What book is currently on your nightstand: The Code of Trust by Robin Dreeke
Best question to ask in an interview: What can I do to help this organization perform better?
What do you miss most about Pitzer: The Grove House cookies
What is your most memorable Pitzer moment: Spending an afternoon learning a West African language as part of a practicum for a class titled Teaching English as A Second Language using a method know as Total Physical Response where the instructor only communicates in that language and uses physical movements like a game of Simon Says with repetition to build vocabulary. I still remember some of the words.
Top networking tip: Networking needs to be mutually beneficial. Always ask yourself how will the person I approach benefit from this interaction? And if you call someone, the first question you need to ask after you say hello is, “Am I catching you in the middle of something? Do you have a moment to talk? I know you’re busy and I don’t want to waste your time.”
Where are do you work/what is your title: I’m the Business Development Manager at company that imports equipment and adhesives used in photovoltaics manufacturing. I identify sales opportunities for our European vendors and help American companies make cutting edge electronic products.
What is your favorite part of your job: Researching a new company that has developed some unique product / technology and then getting to call them to learn about it.
How did you get into your current line of work: My first job after college was at a futures trading firm in Los Angeles helping German speaking customers with technical support and account documents. I eventually became a commodities broker at the firm helping traders open futures and currency trading accounts and supervised our foreign language sales team. After the financial crisis in 2008/2009 I decided to look for a job where I could bridge the gap between European companies and American customers. It was important to me to work in manufacturing so I could participate in making physical products that would have a net benefit to society.
Favorite quote: “You can always count on Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else.” – Winston Churchill
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-goscenski-bbb3631b
Submitted September 2019
