On October 26th, David Verbraska ‘89, vice president of Worldwide Public Affairs and Policy at Pfizer Inc., returned to campus to take part in the School of Business Lecture Series. He told his story and relayed advice to Siena students through the lens of the popular Broadway musical, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,”
Verbraska, a former American studies major, went on to work in many different facets of the business world after his time in the School of Liberal Arts at Siena. He has held positions at the New York State Governor’s Office, The White House, Delta Airlines and Cardinal Health.
Early on, Verbraska believed he would spend his life in Albany. But, as his career started to develop it was made clear that this outlook had changed.
“There is no clear ladder to success; it’s going to be your own journey,” said Verbraska.
Stemming from his own experiences navigating a career path, Verbraska recommended that Siena students create a map of their goals, including a timeframe of when each should be achieved. Just as J. Pierpont Finch, the main character in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” relies on the support of his secretary, Verbraska believes that Siena students with business aspirations need to look to mentors for advice while they’re discovering their paths. He advised the audience to continue to educate themselves even after their time in school is done.
“Your learning is not done when you receive a nice degree from Siena.”
This education comes through seminars or books, but it also will take the form of personal exploration. Verbraska keeps the Prayer of St. Francis framed in his office, and advised the audience to, “have a moral compass.”
Verbraska feels a personal connection with his current position at Pfizer, Inc. When posing the question “Does money bring you happiness?” Verbraska explained that although money is rewarding in a career, the type of work you do and the company you work for is what brings happiness.
Danielle Motto ‘19, an undecided freshman business major, saw Verbraska’s story as testimony of what Siena students can achieve with their Education of a Lifetime.
“I was somewhat proud when I heard he was a Siena graduate because it just shows me that we can all be successful if we work hard enough. He showed me that we don't need a degree from an Ivy League school to succeed in business or any other career.”
