Seizing Opportunities: How Andrew Holtz is Maximizing His Time in CyBIZ Lab

When you meet Andrew Holtz, one thing is immediately clear—he’s a go-getter. A senior studying finance at Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, Andrew doesn’t just wait for opportunities; he actively seeks them out, formulates a plan, and executes with precision. That drive led him to CyBIZ Lab, where he’s spent the past two years working on 13 consulting projects, climbing the ranks from Business Analyst to Managing Project Advisor (MPA)—one of only two among the 34 students currently employed.

Andrew presenting his business idea in the finale of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship’s College-by-College Pitch Off last spring.

Andrew didn’t start his college journey at Iowa State. He first attended Loras College and played basketball before deciding to transfer, but the move came with uncertainty. He didn’t know many people at ISU, and for students from his small town, attending a four-year university wasn’t the norm. However, a former classmate who had attended ISU told him about CyBIZ Lab, describing it as an incredible opportunity for hands-on business experience. That conversation stuck with him.

“When I got to ISU, I knew I could get a job anywhere,” Andrew recalls. “But I wanted something that would set me apart—a job that gave me real-world, client-facing experience that I could talk about in interviews.”

In spring 2023, he connected with CyBIZ Lab Program Director Alex Andrade and Program Manager Blake McClure and was hired on as a Business Analyst. With a background in finance and a strong internship already under his belt, Andrew was eager to get started.

Hands-On Experience and Real-World Impact

At CyBIZ Lab, Andrew quickly saw the value of working directly with clients, from high-level executives to small business owners—something few college students get to do. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from market research and survey development to strategic analysis and financial modeling. Each project introduced him to students from different majors, expanding his understanding of business beyond finance.

“One of the biggest takeaways for me has been learning how to communicate with high-level clients—handling challenges as they arise, managing timelines, communicating progress, and confidently presenting our findings,” he shares. “It’s a skill that will serve me in any career path.”

Climbing the Ranks

Andrew’s ambition and leadership skills became evident early on in his time with CyBIZ Lab. Wanting to push himself further, he set his sights on becoming a Team Lead, a role that requires dedication, leadership, and the ability to guide a team through a project.

As a Team Lead, Andrew was able to:

• Be the main point of contact for clients
• Create and manage project timelines and budget
• Delegate tasks to his teammates and ensure quality work
• Work closely with Alex and Blake, learning from seasoned professionals

But Andrew didn’t stop there. At the beginning of his senior year, he applied for and was appointed as a Managing Project Advisor (MPA)—the highest student leadership role in CyBIZ Lab. As an MPA, he:

• Leads projects each semester
• Helps develop team events and training sessions
• Provides feedback on student presentations and reports
• Sits in on client scoping meetings, crafting initial project scopes in tandem with Alex and Blake

“One of my favorite parts about being an MPA is mentoring new students,” Andrew says. “I can guide them based on my own experience as a consultant and team lead, helping them feel more confident in the work they are doing.”

A Standout Leader and Advocate

Alex Andrade, CyBIZ Lab Program Director, has nothing but praise for Andrew’s contributions, highlighting that he is one of the program’s best advertisers.

“Andrew is incredibly outgoing, eager to learn, and highly professional in client interactions,” Alex shares. “We’ve invited him to nearly every client meeting because he represents the caliber of students we hire. His leadership has been helpful in rolling out new initiatives, including project check-ins and mentoring new team leads.”

Beyond CyBIZ Lab, Andrew has taken the skills he has learned and applied them to other activities at Iowa State. He:

• Pitched a business idea in the ISU College-by-College Pitch Off, making it to the finals
• Revitalized the ISU Consulting Club, growing membership from 5 to 20+ students per meeting, with goals to get its members in front of potential employers, grow and foster their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and provide members opportunities to utilize those skills by participating in case competitions.
• Secured funding to attend a high-finance conference in New York, where he networked his way to several major industry connections.

Andrew receiving an award for Best Presenter at the CyBIZ Lab Harvesting Innovation Case Competition.

What’s Next for Andrew?

Andrew’s ambition has already led to a job offer with EY (Ernst & Young) in their Finance Consulting Practice, but his journey is far from over.

Reflecting on his time with CyBIZ Lab, Andrew says:

“CyBIZ Lab is literally the best job you can have in college. You solve real problems for real clients, gain industry experience, make great connections, and get paid well while still in school. If you’re a student interested in business or consulting, don’t hesitate to get involved.”

With his passion, leadership, and relentless drive, there’s no doubt that Andrew Holtz will make big moves after college. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to the CyBIZ Lab program over the past two years and can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes in the future!