Pablo Cruz
President & Director, Hofstra Consulting Group

Why did you decide to attend Hofstra?
I decided to attend the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University because it represents that which is most important in this dynamically changing and rapidly evolving business world – And this could be summarized in two words: Potential & Opportunity. 
Potential in that the Frank G. Zarb School of Business is not only a top tier MBA program, but also one that is continuously striving for excellence and advancement for the business profession.  The faculty, advisors, students, and others affiliated with the university all mirror this mission and inspire to make change. 
Opportunity is key in every segment of the business structure.  Value stems from the tangents of societal need which bring about opportunity.  The university, with its close proximity to one of the business capitals of the world, provides a pragmatic basis for me to take advantage as I continue to advance my career and enter a new profession.  I can personally attest to the value a business student gets by simply being a part of the Hofstra community. 

What do you find interesting about finance?
Finance can be defined as the branch of economics that studies the management of money and other assets.  With that in mind, what I find most interesting is the rate and speed by which everything is done.  It is an industry with great power, responsibility, breadth, and opportunity. 
Therefore, I plan on having a stronger understanding of investments, particularly that which pertains to sales and trading in global markets. 

How did you get involved with the Hofstra Business Consulting Group?
HBCG was the MBA/MS organization that most interested me when I was looking at extracurricular activities. As such, I decided to apply and go through the rigorous process under consideration for membership.  I must add, the HBCG takes pride in its distinctiveness as the most selective and prestigious organization affiliated with the University. 

What is your goal as president?
My goals can be summarized by the following initiatives:

• Repositioning the organization as a more professional business entity.
• Actively engaging society’s demand by providing pertinent services to those who can’t leverage them.
• Increase the brand equity and awareness of the services we provide.
• Strengthen the HBCG community and build partnerships with other Professional consulting groups in the New York metropolitan area.
• Increase the number of active projects for team members.

What are some of the changes you have made within the group?
We have been able to foster a long-term business partnership with Lightship Partners who will continue to provide us with invaluable support.  Additionally, the HBCG leadership panel is implementing a marketing awareness campaign set to go public next semester to promote our services both within the confines of the university and externally to potential clients.  Also, we’ve implemented a dynamic portal to centralize all data-flow and information for efficient collaboration amongst the project leaders, team members, and advisors altogether.

What project is the HBCG working on now?
We are about to present to the board, leadership panel, and trustees of the Nassau County Museum.  Additionally, we are working on a website for our promotional efforts.  Finally, we are networking with business leaders to provide internship/employment opportunities to our fellow members.

Why is it important for students to be involved with campus organizations?
It is important to be active and involved with campus organizations because they provide you with networking opportunities, special events, resources, and plausible experiences that all form a pragmatic basis for success.  These are opportunities to enhance your credentials and make one a better candidate for employment.  It essentially provides a vivid illustration of the characteristics you bring to any organization or company you pursue.
Tell me a little about your internship with Oriental Financial Group. 
I have been very fortunate to have been chosen to intern at Oriental Financial Group – one of the most successful and powerful financial institutions in Puerto Rico – where I’m from.  I will be working in the investments brokerage department as a financial associate.

What are your future career plans?
I plan to build upon my credentials by interning and working at the most competitive and lucrative financial firms in the world.  I desire to work for either an investment bank division or in sales & trading focusing on Latin American markets.

What advice would you give prospective students?
I suggest working on your career plan and making all of the necessary efforts to advance in your profession.  The MBA program is very fast-paced, so being prepared and starting early.  Whether its assignments, projects, or seeking employment opportunities, it is imperative that one takes measures to hold a competitive advantage.   

What is your edge?
At the age of 23, I have extensive entrepreneurial skills through starting my own companies, have excelled in both academic and extracurricular, and, most importantly, have done it in such a fashion that compliments my incentives to support society’s moral or ethical imperative.