My first attempt at a digital bio, be gentle :)

1. MY DIGITAL BIO
**This is actually a huge board of switches, by Valentin Ruhry

2. JOE BIRISH
in Newport, RI

3. WHO AM I?
I solve business problems
A perpetual student of business
• In both the practical and academic sense
Currently studying at the University of Massachusetts
Amherst
• Master of Business Administration; candidate, May 2014
• Master of Science in Accounting; candidate, May 2014

4. ANY PARTICULAR
AREAS?
The areas I most enjoy in business are:
Risk Management
• Trying to mitigate potential problems
Finance and Accounting
• How to afford the goals of the business
Operations
• How to accomplish these goals efficiently

5. BUT WHY BUSINESS?
New challenges every day!
• I enjoy:
• Problem solving
• Asking “What if?”
• Helping others overcome challenges
Business challenges you to look for tomorrow’s problems
while solving today’s

6. I PLAY DEVIL’S
ADVOCATE
Asking questions and challenging ideas:
• Helps ensure the best course of action
• Looks for potential problems
• Discovers new opportunities
• Asking “Why” ensures project is aligned with goals
• Asking “Is there a better way?” ensures processes are
efficient

7. HOW DID I LEARN
THIS?
Past problem solving careers
• IT support – desktop, application, and network support
• Automotive mechanic
Academics
• Undergraduate coursework
• BS in Business Administration
• Concentration in Finance
• Minor in Accounting
• Graduate coursework

8. CERTIFICATION
PLANS
I plan on pursuing a variety of industry certifications after
graduation:
• Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Six Sigma
• Other

9. OUTSIDE OF
BUSINESS
Some of my hobbies include:
• Photography
• I first started with photography as a way to “not be in the
picture” and found that I enjoy it
• Hiking
• Great way to disconnect and unwind
• First started hiking while in the Boy Scouts

10. NOW WHAT?
Contact me!
• www.linkedin.com/in/josephbirish
• I look forward to working together in overcoming your
business obstacles.