This month, Evantage would like to once again introduce you to one of our team members. We would like to recognize a key team member, who has been with our team since February. This past weekend Tania Pena graduated with honors from Rochester Institute of Technology with her Bachelor's of Business Management and a concentration in International Studies. She was recognized by the University Thursday with a special dinner, which her family from El Salvador was able to attend! We are very proud of Tania, and can't wait to see her continue to grow her career with us! Here is a little insight in Tania!
What was your background before Evantage?
I was born in El Salvador. I grew up there, but since I was little I always had the vision to study abroad, especially in Spain. My dad supported me on that idea, so when I graduated from high school I applied to University of Navarra in San Sebastian, Spain. I was accepted and went to study there for 3 years. Then I finished my career in Rochester, NY, which was part of the entire program. Before going to Rochester, I did two internships in Spain, one for my college and the other one for Deloitte in Madrid. I graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology; my major is Business Management with a concentration in International Business. After I finished my studies, I went to visit my family in El Salvador. I decided to move to Dallas while I was there, and moved in February. Once I moved to Dallas, I started applying for many jobs, but didn't take me that long to find the perfect one. Evantage contacted me, I had the interview and they hired me. Now, here I am, s happy to be learning each day, and the most important thing is that I am having the opportunity to grow with this company.
You have been able to travel all over the world, where is your favorite spot?
I have two favorite places. One of them is London, England. I went there with my roommates when we where studying in Spain. I fell in love with this city, it was amazing. I liked the history, churches, city structure...everything is adorable there. The second city is when I went with my family to the desert in Peru. It is named Ica, it is part of the Atacama Desert. This place is so beautiful, all desert. I felt like in the movies, we drove boogies and did sand boarding. The last one was one of the most original experiences that I have had.
Where would you still like to travel that you haven't been to yet?
I want to go to China to see the Great Wall. I have read that history of it and that is why I want to go there. The other place is Egypt, to see the pyramids. I still have time to go to both places.
What have you enjoyed most about working at Evantage?
What I enjoy the most is the fun environment and the ethical behavior. To me, this means that we are really a team, that helps each other. We are very professional, but at the same time we are a family. I can say that this environment helped me to take the decision to start working here, and the environment makes me learn more and more each day.
What are your career goals?
The most important goal is to never stop focusing on my ethical behavior. I personally think that without that I will not have to opportunity to grow my career. I am positive that I want to open my own company, so growing personally and professionally. I want to learn more each day so when I move up with the company I can teach others I will eventually coach and manage.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far at Evantage?
Without doubt I can say it is patience. I am a very competitive person, and I want to learn and understand everything right away. Right now I can say that life is not like that. It takes time to learn, especially when we don't have any experience in what we are just starting. I have learned that once I am working hard, everything comes when it comes. Keep the course and always smile!
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do with your free time?
I love playing tennis; I could be playing the whole day. I also like to read, as I said before, I want to know everything. That is why I am always reading and trying to learn about everything.
