Employee Spotlight: Juan

Employee Spotlight: Juan

Name: Juan Brenes

Position: Associate
Follow Juan on LinkedIn

Where did you go to school and how did you decide your major?

I attended Northwestern University and studied Industrial Engineering. I was interested in studying business, but also really enjoyed physics and math in high school. Industrial Engineering was the perfect fit for me, as people often describe it as “business engineering”. I also obtained a minor in Data Science after being introduced to that curriculum through my major, but I did change my minor about 5 times before deciding on that. 

Why were you interested in healthcare consulting? What stood out to you most about Pathstone during the recruitment process? What made you interested in working here full-time?

With my Industrial Engineering background, I was able to gain experience working in Supply Chain consulting and interned in the field during my sophomore year of college. Although I didn’t have any healthcare consulting experience, I thought it would be fun and beneficial to explore another area of this field.  

During my Pathstone interviews, the people were engaged and genuinely interested in learning about me and my experience. They all spoke very highly about Pathstone and the people they work with, which was one of the key attributes I was looking for in my employer. I had also worked in a boutique firm before. Pathstone Partners honestly had everything I was looking for in my future employer, and I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to learn and grow here! 

Employee Spotlight: Juan

What do you like most about living in Chicago? 

I am originally from Panama City, which is a very beautiful, but dense, city with skyscrapers everywhere. Chicago’s atmosphere and people remind me a lot of home (minus the weather) which is part of the reason why I have stayed in the city for both my undergrad and my post-grad job. I have become very familiar with the city and love the food here. My favorite restaurant is Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, but if you are looking for the best carnitas you’ll ever have, then I recommend Birrieria Zaragoza in Uptown.  

Employee Spotlight: Juan

You are a frequent traveler – What has been your favorite trip and what places are still on your bucket list?

My favorite trip has been to Spain, where I visited Madrid, Salamanca, and Valencia with my friends. However, a close second was when I went to Barcelona and was able to attend a FC Barcelona game. Growing up, I watched Messi and Ronaldinho play for Barca, which has been some of the most fun soccer in the history of the sport. When I got to attend Camp Nou, the stadium was roaring with excitement.  

Something that is still on my travel bucket list is Asia – more specifically Japan, Korea, and Dubai. However, my next big trip is going to Istanbul with my family this summer, which I am very eager for. 

When I am not traveling, I enjoy working out, watching TV, playing video games with my friends who are overseas, and trying new Chicago restaurants.  

 

What’s a fun fact about yourself that people might not know about you? 

I used to brew beers with my friends in Panama after taking a chemistry class where we had to distill alcohol out of fruits. We made everything from IPAs to Stouts to Porters to Ambers, which were very hit or miss, but our Pale Ale was our biggest hit. My friends and I had so much fun doing it together, that one of them works for one of the biggest breweries in Panama!  

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