What made you go out to get a job at such a young age?
I had a desire to go out start working, and knew it was the responsible thing to do. It wasn't so much for the money but getting experience in the workplace early.

How was your job different than you thought it would be?
I didn't really have any expectations going into it since it was my first job. I was surprised though by camaraderie there among the staff and managers.

What did you learn in your first job that has been instrumental to your success?
Taking on responsibility. I worked the night shift and was promoted to manager when I was only 16 because I proved I could handle the money and close the restaurant. I learned to take responsibility, and when I was successful at doing so and was given more, I gained the confidence that I attribute much of my success today to.

How have you used those skills in subsequent jobs?
After college I was working as an engineer in training, and the guy I worked for quit. I got his project because I had proven I could handle the additional work. I never thought I couldn't succeed because I understood the importance and value of assuming responsibility for the job.

What advice were you given that you carried and/or later passed on to someone else?
I had an old boss who was a really tough guy. I was transferred to work for him and I thought it'd be worst job ever. It ended up being the best. One day he called me into his office and I expected to get scolded by him. Instead he said "your first mistake is on me, your second is on you." He made it clear that he'd defend me as long as I learned from my mistakes and tried my best. Developing good relationships with your bosses is what makes you learn and grow. Bosses will defend you when you do something wrong if you've proven yourself. I run my business under the motto "We accept mistakes as long as they're based on good intentions and you learn from them."

What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?
The best thing to do when you show up is to understand what's expected of you. A lot of people have trouble translating between a job offer and the reality of the actual job, so it's very important to communicate with your bosses to make sure you're meeting their expectations. You only get one chance at your first job so exceed expectations. Jobs are step ladders; over time you'll move up and how you perform in your first job will set the tone for the future. Go above and beyond what is asked of you. As my dad told me "Don't shoot for the next promotion, shoot for the one after it."

What is most important for young people to know your industry?
I work in the high-tech software and technology consulting sectors. If you want to advance in a career, it's critical to understand the "business" that your company offers and what makes your competitive. Understanding these aspects will help you make decisions and provide better value to the organization.

What do you find most rewarding about your position today?
I get to work with some of the biggest clients in the world on a daily basis. I find it exciting and rewarding to work with such a diverse set of companies. I also like to learn new things with my clients.