Adam Cross

Major: Philosophy
Hometown: Saranac Lake, NY

Describe your current job role:

I am currently an IT Risk Advisory Analyst for Ernst and Young. In this position, I analyze beta tests for the company to see if the technology is up to par. Depending on how the tests go, I will make suggestions for changes, or approve the technology to go to the next level of testing.

What professional experience(s) did you have prior to your current job role?

I owned and operated Le Coin a Crepe, a catering business and mobile food kiosk at the local farmer’s market, after purchasing it from other colleagues and business partners. I was vice president of an internet start-up company throughout college. The year after graduation, I served as an AmeriCorps Vista.

What do you know now that you wish you had known about being a working professional?

When things don’t pop off right away, remember that it takes 24 hours to build a Toyota—but it takes 6 months to build a Rolls Royce.

"When things don't pop off right away, remember that it takes 24 hours to build a Toyota- but it takes 6 months to build a Rolls Royce."

How did PBA prepare you for the world of work?

My time at PBA taught me to continue to work as hard as possible. As a philosophy graduate, I have learned that philosophy can be applied to every aspect of life. The part of your brain that thinks philosophically is the same part of your brain that thinks creatively. Creativity and problem-solving are critical skills when it comes to handling technology. Overall, I think in an open-minded manner when I approach technology, which I learned through my philosophy courses at PBA. 

What advice would you give to current PBA students and/or young alumni who are about to start their first professional full-time job?