Next Gen Leaders

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Profiles of the Industry’s New Generation

Pat Fortunato

Age: 25

Current Employer: JPMorgan Chase

Position / Job Title: Software Engineer

University and Degree: Purdue University, Bachelor’s of Science, 2016-2020

Accomplishments:
Winning CIC-Louis G. Nappi and Construction Advancement Institute Scholarships: 2016-2020

Favorite Course: Modern European History.

Why this professional choice:
“Software engineer in the financial sector gives me the ability to challenge my abilities to solve problems. It provides me with stimulating and rewarding work/life balance and benefits.”

Biggest challenges and surprises in your work:
“In a word, it’s communications. Success depends on developing and enhancing my abilities to communicate effectively with the right people to accomplish our goals. Among the surprises entering the field is the pace of the workplace compared to academic life. The workplace is a much slower environment compared to college coursework. Perhaps that’s because the stakes are higher, so more care goes into the day-to-day pursuit of solutions.”

Most memorable quote:
“You’re going to be fine; and even if you’re not going to be fine, isn’t it better to just exist thinking that you’re going to be fine? And when it’s not fine, then you can just handle it. There’s no sense to ruin right now, right?” – Bill Burr

Words of wisdom for a young person entering the field:
“Failing is not the end of the world. It is just as important as success for your overall growth.”

Greatest accomplishment and goals beyond:
“Becoming a tech lead in only four years of starting my career. Tech-lead is a position in the software engineering industry, responsible for leading small teams of other engineers.”

Favorite Interests or hobbies:
“Working out, running, cooking, video games and exploring new restaurants.”

Family relationship to Construction Industry Council:
My grandfather, Anthony Guido, was a member of Operating Engineers Local 137.

Researched and written by Alan Kennedy

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