A Bright Future

An intern’s journey with ABM began with his family’s immigration

After immigrating from Montenegro to the U.S., Omar Kolenovic ’s family found opportunities, often working more than one job to provide the family with a bright future. Among the companies  members of his family and family’s friends worked for was ABM. Today, Omar is an intern in the Finance team at ABM’s corporate headquarters in New York, about to enter his junior year in college.

“My parents immigrated in search of a better life, missing out on educational opportunities for themselves, and taking on different jobs to provide for the family. Growing up, many of our friends and relatives have worked for ABM in cleaning and other positions, and when it came time to look for an internship, I turned to ABM as a company that I knew valued its workers. My parents' relentless work ethic instilled in me a desire to improve daily and succeed in my chosen field of finance.” 

Can you elaborate on the impact of your parents' immigration and their work on your upbringing and career goals? 

“My parents immigrated to pursue a better life, an odyssey marked by immense sacrifice and unwavering perseverance. From a young age, I was taught with the belief that honest work, executed with full dedication and effort, is inherently respectable. Despite their lack of formal education, my parents provided me with the best possible education and every conceivable opportunity to succeed. Their ability to manage various jobs simultaneously was not merely a testament to their work ethic but a powerful lesson in persistence and resilience.

To them, it was never about hardship. It was simply life, embraced without shame or self-pity. As I matured, I came to comprehend the profound depth of their sacrifices and the strength of their spirit. Their journey from struggling to meet basic needs as young children to becoming pillars of support within our community and the world around us has inspired me immensely.

Their legacy of hard work, dedication, and compassion fuels my passion for finance and my unwavering commitment to contributing to ABM's growth and success. I am resolute in honoring their teachings by embodying these values in my professional and personal life, striving to significantly impact the corporate world. Their story is a testament to the relentless power of perseverance and the transformative potential of compassion, a legacy I am determined to carry forward in my career.

You mentioned your community is very familiar with ABM. Can you tell us more about that? 

My grandmother, a pivotal figure in my life, worked for ABM as a cleaner at a hospital. As a young child, I vividly recall her returning home after a productive day, clutching her ABM water bottle, and sharing the events of her day. She often shared stories of her positive experiences and the respect she received at her workplace.

In my community, like many others, most people did not have access to a formal education. Securing employment was akin to winning the lottery. Some relatives and acquaintances who worked for ABM demonstrated their capabilities despite language barriers. They were given an opportunity, which is not easily obtained in job searching, but something they were more than grateful for.

How does it feel to now work for ABM as a finance intern?

Walking into the ABM New York offices as a member of the corporate team feels like a homage to my family and others who work in the frontline positions, whether from my community or not. My affinity for frontline workers is deeply rooted in my personal history. When I shared the news of my internship with friends and family familiar with ABM, their joy and excitement for me were palpable. 

What specifically about ABM resonates with you and your values? 

ABM’s dedication to providing opportunities for hardworking individuals and fostering an inclusive environment aligns deeply with my values. The company’s ability to offer stable employment, even to those new to the U.S., or overcoming language barriers, underscores its role in empowering workers and lifting families.

What’s next for you?

As I head into my junior year of college, I recognize there's much more to learn and experience. Through my internship, I got to observe the professionalism, integrity, and acumen of my colleagues, who I see as individuals I aspire to emulate as I grow in my career.

I intend to leverage my background and passion for finance by applying the skills and insights I have gained from my experiences here at ABM. With profound gratitude to my team and immense appreciation for their support, I am currently developing my skills in financial planning, analysis, and decision-making. Additionally, my understanding of the challenges faced by frontline workers drives me to support initiatives that foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.

As I continue to learn and adapt in my career, I remain flexible and open to new roles and opportunities. I am excited for all that is ahead.