The College of New Jersey Logo

Apply     Visit     Give     |     Alumni     Parents     Offices     TCNJ Today     Three Bar Menu

headshot

Joe Monteleone '84

Project Manager


Joe Monteleone always wanted to be a “businessman”, not knowing what specific career lay ahead. As a 1984 graduate who studied business, Moneteleone didn’t initially consider project management as a career option. “It became clear through various leadership roles that I had an interest in the field and began pursuing project management-specific positions,” said Monteleone.

Currently based in Bethlehem, PA, Monteleone is a project manager at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. After receiving his PMP certification (Project Management Professional), Monteleone held leadership positions right out of graduation, where he could build upon his skills and knowledge through mentorships and take on new challenges. “I was blessed to work for great leaders in my career, some who shaped the way I lead and became models for integrity and success,” said Monteleone.

As project manager, Monteleone must collaborate with team members and stakeholders to efficiently and effectively complete projects and meet the goals defined by project sponsors. While project managers have the option to work from home, Monteleone believes his kind of work is best done in person, asserting that the “need to influence and drive other people”, a crucial responsibility in project management, is hard to fully carry out from home.

During his time at TCNJ, or Trenton State College at the time, Monteleone enjoyed his classes and appreciated how approachable the professors were: “My professors really cared about students’ learning and were always available after class to clarify anything. They pushed you to be your best but didn’t make it impossible.”

Monteleone made special mention of a sales class where his class had to sell something to the TCNJ community or public. “We had to create a business plan, show the need, and make a profit. My partner and I created t-shirts for our dorm at Cromwell. To this day I have that shirt!”

In addition to his studies, Monteleone played baseball for TSC in the 1983 and 1984 seasons, an experience he places among his best memories of college. “Coach Rick Dell, who is now working for Major League Baseball, was my coach,” said Monteleone. “I played with a tremendous group of teammates, some of which I still call my friends!”

Monteleone also touched on the significant progress made in diversity and inclusion in the business world, which, in his firsthand experience, looks very different than it did in the mid-1980’s. “While companies still need to make strides to improve equal opportunity in this area, major progress has been made. Some of the best leaders I have ever worked for are women.”

Contact

School of Business

Business Building, Room 114
The College of New Jersey
P.O. Box 7718
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, NJ 08628

609.771.3064
business@tcnj.edu