MBA Degree Contributes to Career Success for Alumnus Working at Computer Software Company Alumni Profile
Meet Anthony DiCarolis
- Job Title & Employer
- Financial Analyst, II, Synopsys
- Major/Program
- MBA
- Graduation
- April 2018
- Hometown
- New Kensington, Pa.
- High School
- Valley Senior High School
- Now Living In
- Lower Burrell, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family, friends and my dog. Don’t even get me started with golf!
"I knew I wanted to concentrate my MBA degree in international business and Point Park was one of the few schools around that offered this. After doing some research, Point Park’s Rowland School of Business was the perfect match."
Tell us about the work you do for Synopsys.
At Synopsys, I currently focus strongly on budgeting and forecasting. I partner with budget owners to develop annual and quarterly operating plans, tracking their spending throughout the year. This information then allows me to put together an accurate forecast for our department.
My skills are also crucial in helping to create and maintain multi-year models, such as forecasting orders, revenue and expenses. Also, a lot of the work I do is made up of preparing and presenting forecast analysis to support executive investment and business decisions such as product profit and losses. Although it can be challenging at times, it is always rewarding to know that the work I do plays a major role within the business.
What factors made you choose Point Park University for graduate school?
When I began thinking about graduate school, I was working in Pittsburgh's Green Tree Borough so I wanted to pick a school that was logistically beneficial for me. I knew I wanted to concentrate my MBA degree in international business and Point Park was one of the few schools around that offered this. After doing some research, Point Park’s Rowland School of Business was the perfect match.
How have your MBA classes and degree helped you advance in your career?
My MBA degree helped me get a foot in the door at Synopsys. Additionally, my ability to learn and retain information quickly has helped me to advance in my career and led me to getting promoted. I believe my MBA classes have really helped me further develop this trait.
After my first year of graduate school, my career took me to Virginia. I had to transfer to online MBA classes, which gave me a whole new outlook on learning. Online learning involves being self sufficient and taking what you have learned and applying it to whatever you are doing in the workforce. I strive to learn something new every day and then apply that to what I am currently working on. I also believe hard work and determination helped me get to where I am today.
What is your favorite Point Park memory?
My favorite memory is meeting all the new people who had the same drive and desire that I did.
What career advice do you have for our MBA students?
My advice is to be patient. Even though you chose to continue your education, you still have so much more to learn. In my opinion, an undergraduate degree only scratches the surface of what you will learn in terms of your career choice.
Graduate school, of course, goes more in depth, but working in the field at your current position is where you learn the most and where you will start to develop yourself. Therefore, don’t rush into getting that glamorous title that you so badly want. Take the time to learn. Also, soak up as much knowledge as you can in your current position before you move up to your next opportunity.