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Matt Grossman

Meet Matt Grossman, our third NYC American University alumni featured in our Young Alumni Spotlight series! Matt is a 2015 graduate of the School of Public Affairs, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Matt is employed as a Government and Public Affairs Specialist with Altice, USA. Matt is also an American University Young Alumni Chapter: NYC board member. Read more below to learn about Matt!

Tell us a bit about your experience living in New York City thus far.

There is a reason people say New York is the greatest city in the world. New York has a restless pulse unlike any other city on earth and there is a place for everyone. 

Tell us about your current role.

For the last two years, I have worked in government and public affairs for Altice USA, a major telecommunications company. Working in the public policy and corporate social responsibility space is a dream come true. My role allows me to get into the nitty-gritty of the policy issues facing the telecommunications industry while also focusing on the creative aspects of our philanthropy and volunteer initiatives. 

Do you have any advice for AU students or alumni hoping to work in NYC and/or in your field?

Just breathe. Breathe in, breathe out. It is all going to be ok. You are so young. I know it is cliché and you hate to hear that, but you are. You have a clean slate on which to create a life for yourself. You can start from scratch. You can go anywhere. I do not think many new graduates grasp the reality of that — I know I did not. There are no short-cuts to success. Work hard to create circumstances to be successful (work at the right company, move to the right city, work on the right projects, work with the right people), master something, and remain open to new opportunities to grow. Think of it as investing in yourself. It takes time, commitment, and focus.

Jamie Martzloff

Meet Jamie Martzloff, our first NYC young alumni featured in our Young Alumni Spotlight series! Jamie is a 2016 graduate of the Kogod School of Business where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Jamie is employed as a Real Estate Salesperson with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Jamie is a American University Young Alumni Chapter: NYC Board Member. Read more below to learn about Jamie!

What do you do?

For the last two years, I have worked in luxury real estate sales in Manhattan. The most reqarding part of my job is constantly meeting new people and helping them find their new home. Every day on my job is completely different – my days rarely look the same! I’m usually running all around the city for showings, walk-throughs, and open houses.

Do you have advice for AU students/alumni hoping to work in your field?

You have to be relentless and willing to hustle. Real Estate is all about your network and meeting new people. The more you get out, the more people you meet and the more you client base will grow. It’s important to know that it’s going to be hard at first, and you have to be willing to stick with it until it pays off (and trust me, it does pay off!). There is no such thing as “working too hard” in this business. 

Do you have advice for AU students/alumni moving to NYC for the first time?

My biggest advice is to find the neighborhood that is right for you. It’s important that you like the area that you’re in, because it really does become your domain and sets the tone for your time in the city.

Don’t be scared! New York can feel intimidating at times, especially when you first move here and don’t know anyone. I moved here straight after graduation and knew very few people in the city. Keep in mind that most people in New York are looking to meet new people too, so you’re not alone! I’ve made some great friends here based on chance. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Trust me, you’ll find your place. 

Nick Tan

Meet Nick Tan, our second NYC alumni featured in our Young Alumni Spotlight series! Nick is a 2013 graduate of the Kogod School of Business where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Nick is employed as an Analyst with Yext. He is also a American University Young Alumni Chapter: NYC board member. Read more below to learn about Nick!

How did your time at American University help prepare you to work in your current role?

Being an Analyst requires you to work with a lot of competing interests, personalities, and teams. The numerous and complex projects I completed while I was a student in the Kogod School of Business helped me develop skills that are not taught in textbooks – teamwork and flexibility.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in your field?

I have been at Yext for seven years. When I first started, Yext was just a start up, but now the company has gone public. I love every minute of it, being a part of something bigger than myself. I truly believe that Yext has the ability to change the world and to remake entire industries. There is never a dull moment – I learn something new every day. 

Do you have any advice for American University students or alumni hoping to work in your field?

I work on the Finance side of the Technology industry. Be open minded to new opportunities. Never be too proud to accept a position or responsibilities that seem beneath you. Tech is a constantly changing field, so if you do not have the ability to learn fast and keep going then it may not be the industry for you.