Alumna Abby Koontz Turned Love of Tech into Career Leadership Using Self-Advocacy

Over the past two decades, the 2005 York College graduate has grown into her role as a problem solver and mentor at Schneider Electric, where she serves as a Process and Data Solution Architect.

Abigale Koontz ’05, an Information Systems Development alumna, came to York College of Pennsylvania with the dream of being a programmer. When she learned that not every course focused on programming and that she would have to take a full lineup of liberal arts classes to round out her education, she was taken aback. To her, that felt like a waste of time and effort. 

“Initially, I was frustrated because I wanted more programming courses,” she says, “but classes like English, Political Science, and Religion expanded my worldview. They taught me empathy and the importance of understanding how my work impacts others.” 

Two decades later, Koontz has seen the benefits of that well-rounded liberal arts education again and again in her position as a Process and Data Solution Architect at Schneider Electric. 

“If you are someone who can step outside of the role that you are, that is where you become very valuable and your career starts to explode in possibilities,” she says. 

Achieving recognition and mentoring others

Using the skills and experiences gained at York College, Koontz learned to embrace roles that bridged business needs and information technology solutions at Schneider Electric, where she has worked for 18 years. She became an integral team member by developing tools and optimizing processes, leading to more significant projects and responsibilities. 

“Projects grew in scope and depth throughout my career, sometimes through failure, sometimes through success,” she says. “You start to piece together what you really need to care about to make things work.”

As her abilities and experiences expanded, Koontz began to grow as an individual. A self-described introvert, she felt she often became lost in the crowd at the beginning of her career. Through the consistent encouragement of two of her managers, Koontz realized she needed to begin advocating for herself. 

Setting her imposter syndrome aside, she began challenging herself and, a decade and a half into her career at Schneider Electric, joined its Electrifier program. Over the next year, she quickly progressed to Senior Electrifier status. 

The Electrifier program recognizes top employees for their expertise and leadership. It links them to key innovation initiatives at the company and aims to drive business improvement while supporting career growth. 

Koontz’s ability to see beyond her day-to-day role and connect with clients on a deeper level has helped her grow at the company. She now mentors others in her field and seeks opportunities to speak at conferences. 

“The me from 10 years ago wouldn’t recognize me now,” she says. “When you become confident in yourself that you can speak up, it can lead to opportunities.”

Hands-on learning at York College

Choosing York College was a practical decision for Koontz. As a local, first-generation college student, she appreciated its affordability and the fact that she could commute to school. Her sister also attended York College.

Koontz credits her hands-on experiences at York College, including a yearlong internship in its Networking Department, with providing a solid foundation for her career. Working on projects such as transitioning the College to an Internet Protocol-based phone system and installing new authentication programs in the early 2000s exposed her to cutting-edge technologies and real-world challenges that would apply directly to her work at Schneider. 

Koontz encourages students and recent graduates to remain open to opportunities and be proactive in their personal and professional development. She also suggests that students not limit themselves, especially when it comes to applying for jobs or programs for which they might not feel qualified. 

“Advocate for yourself. Let people know what you’re doing. Expose yourself. Get mentors. Step up to present or lead when the opportunities show up,” she says. “That’s where people will notice you and advocate for you. Then, create those relationships with new employees and pass down your knowledge either through an expertise program like Electrifier or just through relationships. Your story grows through other people.”