Josh Guiser CFO - Alumni Story | Geneva College
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My Higher Education Journey

Photo of Josh Guiser, CFO of St. Vincent College

Josh Guiser ’14, MBA ’15 is a graduate of Geneva College’s Business Program. Taking advantage of our 3+1 program, Josh graduated with his undergraduate degree in accounting in 2014, then completed his MBA in 2015.

Reflecting on his time at Geneva, Josh shared how unique and fast-paced his journey has been.

“My experience at Geneva was not necessarily like everyone else’s, but it was exactly what I needed. I was a student-athlete and involved in a lot of clubs- I was always on the go. I was able to be deeply involved on campus which allowed me to grow as a person and develop the drive I have taken with me into the professional world.”

After graduating, Josh’s accelerated pace continued. He was able to secure his first job before graduation at an accounting firm in downtown Pittsburgh because of a connection through Geneva’s on-campus job fair.

“I spent three years working for this firm. I was exposed to a lot of clients and developed an appreciation for nonprofit and for-profit sectors.”

After three years, Josh came across an opportunity to transition to higher education.

“This opportunity at Cal-U took me in the trajectory I wanted to go. It was here I realized the administrative side of higher education was perfect for me.”

In 2019 Josh accepted a position as Controller at St. Vincent College and was then promoted to CFO in 2021, just 6 years after graduating.

“Geneva College created a solid base to be able to work and excel at both the financial and strategic levels.”

While Josh views his time at Geneva as a large part of his life, the Business Department in particular made a significant impact on his experience and trajectory after college. Josh has the unique experience of seeing the Business Department from both sides, as he served as an adjunct professor in 2017.

“The Business Department was amazing as a student and as a faculty member. It is an intimate experience. Many of the classes are small, so you develop strong relationships with the professors. The learning environment is collaborative and respectful. These are things I have taken with me into the workforce. I make sure I am collaborative and respectful to the people I work with, for, and those that work for me.”

These relationships don’t end when you graduate. Josh is still in contact with a lot of the faculty he had as a student and the coaches that coached him as an athlete.

“The people- the faculty, staff, and students- all helped shape me to be who I am as a person. A lot of my closest friends and relationships are from Geneva.”

Josh entered the accounting and business world able to hit the ground running. Confidence and leadership skills are essential to thrive in any discipline.

“Teachers at Geneva did not talk at me, but with me. Whether it was working through case studies or tackling accounting problems, it was always a collaborative, back-and-forth learning process. I was always comfortable contributing and became confident seeking answers myself, starting conversations, and problem-solving.”

Geneva College works to provide students with the hard skills needed to enter their field, along with the soft skills and professional relationships needed to continually grow as a person, professional, and leader.

“The thing that makes Geneva different to me is it is place where the check boxes of life haven’t already been filled in for you. Here you get to pave your own path and have great people come alongside you who help you, support you, and get you where you want to go.”

Jan 25, 2023

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