Matthew D. Piper
- Communications and operations lead
- The Green Garage
School Information
School: Wayne State University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2010
Career Information
Working For: The Green Garage
Title: Communications and operations lead
Industry: Consulting
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
Grow, connect, and support the diverse community of 50+ small businesses, nonprofits, and remote workers based out of The Green Garage. Direct internal & external communications and day-to-day operations. Lead external communications for El Moore Lodge and Seasons Market & Cafe. Oversee all social media content creation, web and print marketing, and media relations. Create and implement services, information resources, and IT solutions. Organize events, lead tours, and facilitate community meetings/learning opportunities. Design and maintain website.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting has meant building connections with people on a personal and professional level is key to success in business.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
College Works Painting has taught me that relationships with colleagues inside and outside your business is essential to business success.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Making mistakes and minor failures are a part of learning and everyone makes them. What really matters is how you respond to these minor set backs. This is how you grow as a person in business and in life.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
Making mistakes and minor failures are a part of learning and everyone makes them. What really matters is how you respond to these minor set backs. This is how you will grow in the internship.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Technical knowledge – by entering the field of public accounting (or private accounting) you will be applying the technical concepts learned in school to the real world. Ask a lot of questions and find a manager/partner to be a good mentor. The technical knowledge does not come easy, however, with a good attitude and hard work, you will eventually gain the technical knowledge to be successful in the field. Business development – to advance in the field of public accounting and work your way towards partner, it is necessary to obtain clients. Thus, the field of public accounting is inherently entrepreneurial, similar to College Works Painting. Keep in contact with colleagues from school and past employment in addition to always having a business development mindset in social gatherings. This will widen your professional network and increase your chances of success.