Bio: Edward Fabian is the President of American Eagle Systems, an IT firm that provides data protection and audit compliance solutions for clients managing substantial amounts of data. Through successful completion of numerous high-profile data analysis and migration projects, Mr. Fabian has become a respected and trusted resource engaged to provide detailed and comprehensive data center specific forecasting towards business continuity, risk mitigation and disaster readiness. In 2011 he purchased American Eagle Systems and functioned as Chief Executive Officer until orchestrating the sale of the corporation to a thriving global enterprise in 2016. Prior to his current role, Mr. Fabian was employed as a Project Manager for JP Morgan Chase’s Global Technology Infrastructure Group and as a Software Engineer.
Mr. Fabian is a founder and board member of the 501(c)(3) approved organization Brave Hearts For Strong Minds that provides college education funding for children who have lost a parent. Brave Hearts was established in 2012 and uses a “pay it forward” model that requires all children who receive assistance to maintain involvement by fundraising for future families. Each year families return with a greater desire to create positive change for others who are going through a similar loss. Through 2018, thirteen children have been awarded college funding.
Mr. Fabian received an MBA in Management from Stony Brook University in 2008 and a B.S. in Computer Science from Loyola University Maryland in 2003. He is the founding chair of the Stony Brook MBA Alumni Network.
Job Title and Company: President, American Eagle Systems Inc.
Degree from SBU: MBA in Management, Class of 2008
What do you wish you had known as a student? That there is just as much, if not more value, in who you meet, than what you learn. I wish I put myself out there more, made connections with more people. Not only fellow students, but professors, alumni, and industries. Be sincere and kind to every person you interact with. Be bold and introduce yourself. Always be networking, not just for personal gain, but to meet new people, new experiences. Treat every moment as growth and a learning experience. Each year I look back and realize how little I knew the year before. Try to take more and more advantage of that.
How do you think experiential learning (internships, service-learning, volunteering, etc.) impacts career success? Have you ever participated in experiential learning?
I think it’s necessary for success. Individual growth is one of the most important parts of life, both personally and towards your career. The more experiences, the more knowledge, the more problem-solving and understanding, the better you’ll be prepared for all aspects of life. Service-learning, charity, volunteering are all pivotal aspects of your success, and will teach you things you didn’t know you were missing. Money is great, but being proud of yourself and your successes is great too. So try many things, see what you like and what you want to succeed in. I run a non-profit and volunteer weekly at Good Shepherd Hospice. The things I learn in those moments are just as important as board meetings and conference calls.
Have you hit any roadblocks in your career? If so, how did you re-evaluate and continue to progress forward?
I hit roadblocks on a weekly basis. I think it’s important to never think you can’t ask for help, to reach out to people for support and assistance, to not be afraid to try and make mistakes. I can’t imagine anyone has had a career without some issues along the way, overcoming is part of success. Never take it personally, even if you fail, you’ve learned something. Don’t make the same mistake again. Never sacrifice your morals or ethics, no reward will make up for the long term implications of doing so. You’ll fail at times, that’s perfectly ok. We all have and will again.
In what ways can students make the most of their free time?
Your career and work isn’t everything. People always say to find a job you love and you’ll never really be working. I think it’s perfectly OK to find a job you like, and love what you do when you get home. Find things that make you happy, that you’re proud of, that help others. There are many ways to get personal satisfaction while also being productive, and it’ll help you along your path. Waste some time for sure, but not all the time. Know when you have true free time, or when you have time where you should be helping your future. There is time for both, but make sure you follow through on taking advantage of it. Make friends, true friends. Be yourself, be honest, have integrity. Find people that really take to you, in your true self. Go someplace new or do something different every once in a while. You may love to fish, or hike, or skydive. It may be your passion in life, but you’ll never know unless you try it.
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