Carson Jones

WHY WEBER STATE

Weber State University was the obvious choice for me when I began thinking about returning to school for a graduate program, as it’s where I completed my undergraduate degrees in Microbiology and Chemistry. The program was also easy to work around; as a full-time Salt Lake City Police Officer, I had a very tight schedule, and the school has always been great about accommodating any conflicts that arose in the past.

WHY THE MBA? 

I chose to pursue a Master of Business Administration because I wanted a program that would broaden my skill set and diversify my portfolio. While completing my undergraduate degree here at Weber, Dr. Edward Walker told me how one of his sons combined chemistry and business, an unexpected pairing that ultimately made his résumé stand out. That idea stuck with me and influenced my decision to pursue a path that would complement my existing background.

Additionally, I recognized that I lacked foundational knowledge in business and finance. I wanted a degree that would equip me with practical, lifelong skills to better understand financial systems and support my long-term financial security.

Finally, working in government sparked my interest in how industry approaches efficiency and innovation. The MBA offered a way to bridge that gap, giving me insight into best practices that I could apply to improve my own work and contribute more effectively in my role.

FRIENDSHIPS

The friendships I’ve made, in addition to my education at Weber State, stand out more than anything. Given the unique structure of group work in the MBA program, I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing peers such as Andrew, Mike(s), and Maddie. This is a group of classmates I now have the absolute honor of calling my friends!

PROFESSOR IMPACT

Almost every professor at Weber State has had a huge impact on my life by helping shape me into the person I am today. With that in mind, some went above and beyond in entertaining my late-night questions. Dr. Shane Schvaneveldt and Professor Daniel Brock always went the extra mile while working with me in the program. Both frequently stayed hours after class to answer my questions and engage with my ideas. They absolutely set the standard for what the MBA is about at Weber State. Showing that being a professor is not only about teaching, but also about mentoring and pushing students to be their absolute best.

It wouldn’t be fair to talk about Weber State professors who made a special impact on my life without thanking Dr. Daniel Clark and Dr. Edward Walker. They were fundamental to my success during my undergrad at Weber. Without their guidance and positive attitudes, I would not be where I am today.

ADVICE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS

Be curious, take pride in your work, and never give up. If you’re a student, the most important quality you can have is curiosity. Ask questions when you don’t understand, dig deeper than the material provided, and never stop learning. Almost every academic and professional mistake I’ve made can be traced back to thinking I knew more than I did.

Take pride in your work and make what you do meaningful. School can be tough, especially in a graduate program while handling other life responsibilities like family, work, and other important relationships. With so many demands happening at once, the easy road can be tempting. Don’t give in to it! Always do more than the bare minimum. You’ll thank yourself later when your hard work leads to a deeper understanding of the material.

Never give up on yourself and don’t sell yourself short. You are capable of far more than you realize. When the program gets tough, take it one day at a time and recognize the small victories along the way. Every lecture finished, every exam passed, and every assignment turned in is one step closer to graduation. As Neil Armstrong once said, “When the fuel gauge says empty, there’s always a gallon or two left in the tank.”

WHAT'S NEXT

The next step in my life is always a bit of a mystery that even eludes me. I’ve been exploring job opportunities at Hill Air Force Base based on recommendations from my peers; however, I truly enjoy my role as a Police Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department. For now, my path is to remain a public servant and use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained from this program to continue progressing in my career.

GRATITUDE

I would like to thank my wife, Jadah Jones, for being my number one motivator to push through the toughest classes and for supporting me through the long overtime shifts and long days in the office that made this program possible. I love you, Jadah!