Tarleton State University
Fall 2012 - Business And Society (G-B-103-052)

David J. Plotkowski 000415004

Professional Interview Assignment

October 15, 2012
BBVA Compass Bank
Mark Lewendowski – PSS BBVA Compass Bank
Professional Interview 11:00am

Mark, why did you decide to enter the field of Healthcare Banking?
“Healthcare in general is very stable employment environment. People are always going to need a physician or go the hospital. I started out in healthcare provider sales and worked my way up to selling revenue cycle platforms. With the growing number of electronic requirements for electronic funds transfer and payment reconciliation this position keeps me in a rapid growth market with stability to grow my future in banking as well as healthcare.”
What appeals to you about your position?
“The pay and benefits are great of course but just being around people and providing physicians and hospitals a solution to help them overcome the shortcomings of their systems really makes me feel satisfied at the end of the day.”
How did you find the job?
“One of my colleagues from another company actually ran across the position. He recommended me to Compass. In the healthcare industry you seem to always run into the same people. It is best to stay in touch and I recommend you keep very reputable. This may open other opportunities.”
Does the position fit your background or did you have to make adjustments to the banking part of the healthcare market?
“I believe so. I did not require any major adjustments other than learning about some banking products to upsell to the customers. I will say however, I learn something new everyday. The markets change and the needs of every customer are different. Change is always occurring.”
How much of one area do you feel someone has to be proficient in for this position?

“My major in college was finance. While it comes in handy, I have colleagues of many different studies at many different levels. The bottom line is how you apply what you learn and definitely share knowledge in the company. This company is great about that.”
Is it important in your field to be a member of any professional groups or organizations?
“Absolutely. Networking is key. Although the company has existing customers, growth requires a new batch of potential customers constantly. These organizations help you network and watch the market, meet people and gather ideas on what is “hot” in the industry.”
What other aspects of this position do you like?
“I am only in the office a couple days per week. I travel to customer sites and like to meet with the customers or potential customers. The general feel for most people is likeable. There are some challenges when is boils down to negotiating price or trying to fit all the needs they have but for the most part we work through it. I like that challenge. I also work with good people. We have great team.”
Did you feel the atmosphere would work for you immediately or simply thought you could make it work and eventually “fit in”?
“It was a little frightening at first because I had never worked in a banking or financial institution prior to here. One thing I learned quickly is that you find and surround yourself with people that can help you and work with, not against you. I just worked my way into being a team player and everyone else seems to be okay with that.”
What would you recommend to anyone heading toward working in the administrative healthcare field?
“There is a lot of opportunity here. The cost of healthcare is ever changing and providers, hospitals and facilities all want to be paid for services rendered. Finding creative ways to help facilitate the streamlining of the payment process is just one way this industry is growing. Technology plays a big role as well. I think between the two we are in a good position to keep healthcare administration a hot job market. I would recommend that you learn all you can in both general business studies and specific healthcare finance and surround yourself around the most knowledgeable people in the industry.”
How do your customers view the economy when you sell to them? Do they use the economic downturns against you or your products and services?
“Good question! I get some pushback but the bottom line is at the end of the day if I can provide a service or solution to improve the cash flow for a hospital or physician it is easy to overcome that barrier. It really boils down to the credibility of your product and success it has with your customers. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose as sale. I always say just try your best, know your products and service and feel confident in what you do and the rest seems to work out.”

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Reflection

My passion has always been to secure a career in healthcare banking. Healthcare banking is a growing industry and with the current healthcare reform, accurate and fast payment to servicing doctors, hospitals and other facilities will continue to be a top priority. I chose Mark as my project subject due to his availability and passion for his job and loyalty to his employer. During the interview Mark delivered what I thought were very good and helpful answers to my questions. I noticed immediately the professionalism as I entered the office for the first time. Well-dressed men and women presented a sense of confidence and mission. I specifically made a mental note of how important first impressions really are. I met Mark in his office and we began the interview. Throughout the interview I noticed Mark was very good about maintaining eye contact and confidently answering the questions. Each question brought more passion about Mark’s desire to provide the very best services to his customers. He felt very fortunate to be in his position and although he travels quite often and misses his family he knows he is always helping and providing a valuable service. I really appreciated the points Mark made about surrounding himself with good people and how important networking is in business. Mark found this position by keeping in close contact with his former colleagues and friends. I was also very encouraged about the opportunities available in the financial healthcare market. One of my favorite moments was the very last question I asked Mark and his great response. I asked Mark about how the economic conditions are affecting the market and his response was candid and clear to me, Mark replied, “It really boils down to the credibility of your product and success it has with your customers.” Combined with the pay, benefits, enjoyment and potential for success in this field, I am confident that I am making a great decision to enter into the healthcare banking career.
Requirements

Most healthcare banking or financial service positions appear to require a Bachelors Degree and high level of experience in sales of healthcare products and services.

References

Healthcare Financial Management Association. (2012). http://www.hfma.org/Career-Center/Getting-Started/Starting-My-Career/ http://jobbank.hfma.org/jobseeker/search/results/?t730=&t731=&t735=&max=25&site_id=7251&search=Find+Jobs http://www.hfma.org/Templates/InteriorMaster.aspx?id=28435
Simply Hired, Inc. (2012). http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q- revenue+cycle+manager
BBVA Compass, https://careers-bbvacompass.icims.com/.