“The primary function of commerce is service to mankind.”
- Cardinal John Francis O’Hara
about nick
A Catholic American
I was born and raised near Fresno, CA. After only three years, I received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at R.P.I. near Albany, NY. Returning home, I was an Associate Regional Planner at MCTC for two years. I then reaceived my M.S. in Management at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. I now work for enFocus as a Civil Fellow in South Bend, IN.
What Growing the Good in Business means to me
On Networking
Philosophy of Work
What is the purpose of work if the work being done lacks a substantive purpose? We would hope that the work being done is for the betterment of the world, but in what way is it being made better? My experience has revealed to me three values for fundamentally improving the world. The work that I aim to do is work that upholds the values of FAITH, HUMILITY, and BEAUTY. During my lifetime, these values have become evident within me as values that motivate me to work beyond what is required. While other values motivate with demands, these are values of meaning. Pursuit of this meaning is what it means to truly live life, and I intend to channel this pursuit into my labor.
Commerce and evangelization are seldom used in conjunction, yet both function as services to mankind. While contemporary thought is remiss, the impetus of business remains the promotion of the general welfare. Growing the good in business is actively encouraging virtue by addressing basic, psychological, and self-fulfillment needs.
On Leadership
Greatest Networking Event
During the Fall 2023 semester, the greatest networking event I attended was one that was not intended to be: the Nightly Rosary at the Grotto. On a scale of one to ten, it would be twelve. I began attending this humble religious gathering daily after my arrival to Notre Dame. The group had less than a dozen nightly visitors with about half making regular attendance. The whole affair lasted 20 minutes. Yet, over time, I met people from across the continent. All were grateful, compassionate, and genuine. Among those in regular attendance were Angela and Ivy.
Networking Strategies
I assess the viability of my ideas by the network supporting it. Networks have access to skills, connections, and resources far beyond myself alone. The idea may be revolutionary in my own mind. However, if others are not convinced, then there is likely an oversight on my part. In order to successfully realize ideas, an eclectic network driven towards its creation is necessary. While I have improved the reach of my network by reducing the density from 0.5 to 0.425 over the passed semester, further improvement and refinement is still needed. The success of my network will be improved by strengthening the preexisting network, expanding the network, and emphasizing shared vision with alters.
What made this leadership experience truly transformational was the impact that it had on my whole career outlook, how I interact with people, and what I got enjoyment out of. I was the Chairman of a Student Senate Committee of 10 at my undergraduate college. I had received this appointment after working closely with the Committee for two years. This committee was the largest of ten, overseeing infrastructure, sustainability, public safety, and, specific to the story, transportation. The task we had taken upon ourselves was to improve the campus bus shuttle system, which was chronically plagued by delays due to poor planning of the routes and adding a stop wherever one was requested. The general expectation of the student body was to improve the system. However…