Paul Palandjian has led a thriving career in finance highlighted by numerous successes, including earning the 40 Under 40 Award from Boston Business Journal, an honor bestowed on prominent young business executives.
Before his career began, Paul Palandjian studied business at Harvard University and Harvard Business School, where he received his B.A. and M.B.A., respectively. After graduating from a loan officer training program, Paul Palandjian was hired as a Banking Associate by the First National Bank of Boston.
Paul Palandjian then joined the Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation, where he served as the President and CFO. Over the next 15 years, Paul Palandjian’s business acumen proved a boon to Intercontinental. During his time with the company, Paul Palandjian facilitated innovation and growth that resulted in a portfolio increase from $200 million to $1.4 billion. Paul Palandjian then formed Somerset Equity Advisors, LLC, which went on to partner with the UK firm Trinity Group Ltd. in 2006. Currently, Paul Palandjian serves as Trinity Group’s Senior Advisor.
Determined to give back, Paul Palandjian donates time to various boards. In particular, Paul Palandjian is a member of Belmont Hill School’s Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors for the The Leary Firefighters Foundation, and the Board of Directors of the United States Tennis Association.
A fervent tennis enthusiast, Paul Palandjian has also received opportunities to interview the sport’s biggest names, such as Jay Berger and Patrick McEnroe. When not involved in business or tennis activities, Paul Palandjian enjoys spending time with his family.
As an experienced financial management professional, I have been privileged to serve several professional organizations on their boards, including the United States Tennis Association, the Belmont Hill School, and the Leary Firefighters Foundation.
The Leary Firefighters Foundation was founded by actor Denis Leary in 2000, the year after his cousin, his childhood friend, and four other firefighters died in a Worcester, Massachusetts, fire. The fire involved an abandoned warehouse that 75 firefighters ran into, not knowing the severity of the blaze. Leary was determined to find a way of using his celebrity platform to honor the “Worcester Six” and make sure this kind of tragedy never occurred again. The Leary Firefighters Foundation is committed to maintaining exceptional levels of safety in local communities, raising funds and resources to assist fire departments in accessing the highest quality technology, equipment, and training.
As a longtime hockey fan, Denis Leary teamed up with Boston Bruins Bobby Orr and Cam Neely in planning the initial 2000 Celebrity Hat Trick, a two-day event featuring a wide range of NHL stars and Hollywood celebrities. The outpouring of support from the New England community was overwhelming, with money raised to support the Worcester Firefighters Local 1009 Equipment Fund. Equipment purchased over the past 10 years as a direct result of Leary Firefighters Foundation activities includes a self-contained breathing apparatus response unit, a rescue boat, and a redesigned burn tower. In 2007, the Foundation partnered with EMC Corporation, opening the Leary Firefighters Foundation and EMC Corporation Training Center.
The Leary Firefighters Foundation’s scope of fundraising activities covers Boston and New York City. The organization raised nearly $2 million between 2001 and 2003 for the Fund for New York’s Bravest, supporting the families of the 343 firefighters who perished in the 9/11 attacks. The Foundation also helped raise money to purchase a mobile command center for the New York City Fire Department. Continuing to expand the reach of its activities, the Leary Firefighters Foundation became a participating charity in the 2009 NG New York City Marathon. To get involved with the Leary Firefighters Foundation, visit www.learyfirefighters.org.
Our modern game of tennis traces back to a medieval game called real tennis, which evolved from an early French version of handball. Over time, players began using gloves and eventually adopted racquets. By the 16th century, real tennis had set rules and regulation courts.
The game became popular in the French court, largely due to the passion of Francis I for the sport. His successors carried on his fervor. In fact, two French kings died from complications related to playing tennis. An Italian priest authored the first book about tennis in 1555 and King Charles IX created the first tennis league in 1571, when he granted a constitution to the Corporation of Tennis Professionals.
Forbet codified the rules of tennis in 1599. The game was also popular in Italy during the 16th century, evidenced by depictions in paintings. By the 17th century, athletes played the game throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Spain, Italy, and France. During this period, it fell from popularity in England, because of Puritanism.
In subsequent centuries, the English adopted several new games that developed from real tennis, such as racquets, squash, and lawn tennis.
A college admissions interview provides a prospective student an opportunity to showcase his or her personality and communications skills to a school. While grades and test scores play the major role in determining whether a person is accepted to a college or university, a successful interview with someone who can advocate on a student’s behalf sometimes makes the difference when measurable scores are equal. Some schools require an interview as a prerequisite for admission, while others conduct interviews only when requested by an applicant.
Each school conducts admissions interviews according to its own rules. In some cases, students meet directly with an admissions officer. Other schools appoint students or alumni as admissions interviewers. Admissions interviewers follow guidelines from the college or university; usually, the role of the interviewer is to advise the school on whether an applicant would be an asset to the school or a poor fit. In most cases, the interview lasts no longer than an hour and might include general questions as well as some well-directed inquiry to clarify the suitability of an applicant.
An admissions interview sets an applicant apart from the rest of the crowd. Essays and transcripts give schools an indication about whether a student could handle their courses, but they do not always accurately convey personality and drive. During an interview, a student needs to show that he or she really wants to attend the school. Some people believe that this should be evident from the application, but it never hurts to remind an admissions interviewer how interested in his or her school a student is and why. While good manners dictate that bravado be left at the door, students can benefit from discussing their accomplishments and aspirations.
Interviews with Harvard Business School students posted by BusinessBecause
For students whose test scores make them borderline for admission, an interview creates a forum to explain variations in grades, learning disorders, or other special issues that might have caused a student to have difficulty meeting all of the acceptance requirements.
About the Author:
The Managing Director of Trinity Security & Defense Advisors, LLC, Paul L. Palandjian attended Harvard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Mr. Palandjian later completed his Master of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and presently serves as an Undergraduate Admissions Interviewer for his alma mater.
