At Perficient, we are proud to work with incredible people who give their time and talent to support our clients and communities. Through our People Promise, we strive to challenge, champion, and celebrate the difference that our colleagues are making.
For Louise Kraus, a business coordinator based in New Jersey, each day offers the chance to discover new concepts and continue growing as a leader. Through her work supporting multiple business units, including Adobe, Financial Services, Minneapolis, Chicago, Digital Strategy, and Experience Design and Mobile Solutions, Louise wears many hats around the office. Our team recently sat down with Louise to learn more about her role as a business coordinator and how she is setting an example for future women leaders in technology.
Hi Louise, thank you for meeting with us today. Can you describe your role and what a typical day on the job looks like?
I have been a business coordinator at Perficient for almost nine years now, and I support the back office and operations. I work with project managers and salespeople to help manage projects, and we are constantly changing and always learning something new. During a typical day, I usually start off by reviewing “piffs” and “puffs.” These are project intake forms that we use when the contract is ready to be signed and the project is ready to be entered. I set up the project and add the budget, hours, and people. I process a lot of project update forms every day as well, which is when the project manager is ready to update a project and change the invoice.
In general, I help put out many fires and assist the project managers if there is an issue. I also help with month-end close. The most difficult aspect of my job is getting everything in on time for close because we have a lot of revenue to capture across multiple accounts. I enjoy all the people I work with from fellow business consultants, managers, project managers, and consultants. It’s great to work with people who are so open and responsive. I’m proud of each of our business coordinators and the diverse work we do.
How have you grown your career at Perficient?
I’ve chosen to stay in the same position because I enjoy this job and what I do. It’s never boring. I grow every day because I’m always learning something new. We’re constantly learning new ways to improve the position and what business consultants can do for the company. I’m always challenged, and I like that.
Whether big or small, how do you make a difference for our clients, colleagues, communities, or teams?
I volunteer locally to deliver food to shut-ins and elderly people once a month. I also participate in the Perficient Gives charitable match program. I think this is a really neat opportunity to be able to give back at Perficient.
What are your proudest accomplishments, personally and professionally? Any milestone moments at Perficient?
Creating reports and handling the volume I receive every day is an accomplishment itself. I also work with a lot of the newer business consultants, and I love encouraging them to take courses to grow their careers. I have taken a few classes myself through Udemy and Perficient Academy, such as:
- Email etiquette and time management;
- OneNote;
- Excel;
- Italian; and
- Courses that will enhance my work and organization skills.
With Perficient growing internationally, I would like to take courses to learn Spanish and other languages. I suggest that all colleagues at Perficient should use the tools available to take training courses. I think it’s so beneficial, and there are a lot of opportunities for project managers. For new colleagues, these tools can be very helpful in learning the processes at Perficient.
READ MORE: Perficient Champions Growth for Everyone
What has your experience at Perficient taught you?
I really enjoy working here because of the people. My experience has taught me a lot about collaboration, and I like the integrity of Perficient. We have such a good team, and we’re always helping each other out. Everybody pulls their weight, and we have each other’s backs. If someone doesn’t know how to do something, we call each other up and people are willing to help. I appreciate that so much.
Why did you choose Perficient, and why do you remain #ProudlyPerficient?
I joined Perficient through an acquisition, but I stayed because I enjoy working here. It’s the people that make the difference. I’ve had many managers, but everyone has been great. The people are who make it enjoyable to work here.
If you had to define yourself using one Perficient value, which would it be and why?
I would probably say a few, but I think integrity is one of the most important. If you don’t have integrity, then you don’t have anything. People and collaboration are also incredibly important.
Perficient believes in a strong work/life balance. What is one way you accomplish this?
I do not work on the weekends. Remote work allows me to get up and go walking, then stop work at a decent time to be with my family.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I love to cook. I’m also passionate about pets and animals. It’s one of my goals to travel more. I have been to many places in the U.S., but I just recently went out of the country for the first time. I went to Dublin, Ireland! I love talking to locals wherever I go because it’s a great way to learn more about the culture. The people I met in Dublin were incredible.
It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.
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