Bronco Spotlight: Ian Trautman
Accounts Payable Coordinator at Western Michigan University
I help the campus community in multiple ways including: AP processing, Campus Travel System administrator, Corporate Procurement Card Program administrator and customer service responsibilities.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is just the satisfaction of being able to interact with a multitude of individuals every day and help them solve their issues. It’s a rewarding feeling being able to experience the community of professionals on campus and to solve new challenges that may come up alongside them. The most challenging part of the job is getting people on board with significant changes that occur within our office, as there is normally a lot of resistance. We try our best to keep people engaged, de-escalate problems before they have time to solidify themselves in people’s minds and do the best we can to continue to press on in difficult circumstances!
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Constant desire to continue to grow and learn new skills and abilities. There is a lot of need out in the workforce for individuals with technological, problem solving and analytical skills, so just trying to find creative outlets to develop mental exercising was very helpful. For me, I enjoyed creating board games, puzzles, taking seminars at work and on my own to develop skills and finding some solid mentors and friends who encouraged me to continue to pursue excellence.
What advice do you have for students?
It may sound cliché, but I would highly encourage students to really take their classes and college experience seriously. The skills, knowledge and relationships that you form at this level can really set you apart from others in the workforce and help propel you to success. I would encourage you to break out of your comfort zone and meet with individuals you normally wouldn’t, share ideas and create partnerships with others to see how you can benefit each other. It’s amazing how much you can learn and grow when you are working at a problem with others by your side, so really invest in this college experience and you’ll walk away with much more than a degree!