June 2023

June 2023
John Schneidawin

(MBA, Strategic Business Management, ’17)

Q & A:

1. What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
   All my classes blur together; however, a handful of professors stand out. Kaushik Sengupta was not only my professor, but also the director of the MBA program and a determining factor in my decision to attend Hofstra. Dr. Jones, Dr. Lenaghan, and Dr. Rai were great as well. They were all very attentive, practical, and accommodating – which was crucial for someone with a full-time job and raising two kids, with a third on the way. My fondest memory was the global practicum, where we had the opportunity to experience and learn about different cultures. That experience truly transformed my perspective on life and business.
2. What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
   My first job after graduating from Hofstra was as a business development officer for Teachers Federal Credit Union. The most valuable thing I learned while at Teachers FCU was that people do business with people they can trust, and the more genuine you are, the better at building trust you become.
3. What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
   My field of specialty would be considered business development. Business development involves identifying new opportunities for growth and innovation, improving existing operations, and building relationships with partners, stakeholders, and centers of influence. I came to work in the government sector after being noticed by a former deputy county executive during a panel discussion I was moderating on millennials and housing. He simply asked if I’d ever consider working in government and pointed me in the direction of the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning. After a few weeks of research and a couple of meetings with experienced economic development employees, I decided to throw my hat in the ring.
4. What advice would you give Hofstra students?
   Achieving success isn’t always a straight path. As we experience new moments and learn from others, we grow and change, and sometimes that change takes you on a new path. I would say to always be curious and keep an open mind. Not only will you eventually achieve success, but you may also find happiness along the way.
5. In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
   Pride.
6. How has your degree helped you?
   My degree provided me with a solid and creditable foundation to build upon. It also allowed me to qualify for my first civil service title. Since I had previously obtained an MBA, I more quickly met the minimum eligibility civil service requirement for my initial role.
7. What is the single most rewarding/exciting experience in your career thus far?
   The single most rewarding experience in my career thus far was successfully leading a specialized team to source, vet, and procure PPE for first responders, healthcare agencies, and essential workers throughout the county during the peak months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The single most exciting experience in my career thus far was traveling to India as a member of a Suffolk County trade delegation.
8. How has your job influenced your way of thinking?
   Overall, my job has had a positive impact on my outlook. I have a deeper appreciation for the various types of public servants, and find myself striving to find solutions to deep-rooted problems and to new challenges facing our county, state, and nation. I believe that the work I am doing has a positive impact on our region and that it has shaped me into a stronger and more confident leader.
9. Who was the person who most influenced you, and how? The person who most influenced me was a CEO I worked for at a credit union. He was a true visionary who exemplified leadership and focused on the importance of community engagement and volunteerism. He taught me that giving of one’s time to a cause was not only honorable, but also good business. In order to lead, you must be willing and able to serve.