William Leiner
- Chief Operating Officer
- PocketRN
School Information
School: Penn State University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2006
Career Information
Working For: PocketRN
Title: Chief Operating Officer
Industry: Healthcare
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
I would say I’m most passionate about building and coaching teams and individuals – I LOVE to see people and teams grow/succeed. I am also incredibly excited by the challenge of figuring out where PocketRN should go next (strategically, financially, operationally, culturally, what swag to get our team next, etc…). Spending time with my team and our broader set of colleagues – especially our nurses – puts me in my happy place. I’m so inspired by the work I see getting done across PocketRN, so much so that I’ve been picked on for having/using the catch phrase of “exciting stuff,” with perhaps too high a frequency.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Summitting Mt. Rainier in Washington and the work I’m doing for nonprofits.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting was an amazing start to my professional work experience. I draw on the lessons learned from my summer as a branch manager often, particularly the “hard” lessons learned. The ability to wear many hats and work with different personality types is a universal requirement for successful personal and professional life. College Works Painting provides a solid foundation in both of these concepts. The experience challenges interns to grow up quickly and manage through various situations.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
Along with collegiate athletics, College Works Painting was by far the easiest and most useful experience to talk through during interviewing. I was able to illustrate my understanding of so many critical business concepts by drawing on my time as an intern.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Communicate clearly and often. If those you are working with or for understand what’s going on you’ll have a much better chance at achieving success without surprises. No one likes surprises… Oh, and find someone who you can rely on when you’re not around (College Works Painting-centric lesson learned).
If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?
College Works Painting – building future business leaders through immersive entrepreneurial experience.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
Don’t be afraid of the challenge to run your own business. Don’t be afraid that you probably aren’t well-versed in painting. Believe in yourself and be prepared for a hard but rewarding experience. (College Works Painting was by far my best intern experience…because you’re not an intern, you’re a small business owner).
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
College Works Painting earlier during undergrad, target industry afterwards.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Having the highest booking rate and gross $’s booked in the first two-week period of my year. That early success made the start of the internship a whirlwind of fun and provided me with a belief that “I can do this…”
Last words of wisdom?
Try not to waste a day. Whether it is College Works Painting, a day-off, or a day spent studying. Keep the ball rolling forward, stay positive in the face of adversity, and do everything you can to enjoy yourself along the way!