BENJAMIN
business administration '20 outstanding grad 

WHY WEBER STATE?

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I had been thinking about going to the Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah and was actually enrolled in classes, but the tuition was very expensive. I had been paying for my education out of pocket up until this point and wanted to continue doing so. On a whim I went up to see a Weber State advisor and was able to get enrolled in classes even though the semester was already under way. I dropped my classes at the U and moved to Ogden in the next month while attending classes at the Goddard School. I paid out of pocket for the first two semesters but was awarded a scholarship that ended up covering most of the rest of my undergraduate tuition. Initially I made the choice because it was the more affordable option. But ultimately my experience at Weber turned out to be much more valuable than money can buy. 

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WHY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION?

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Like many students I struggled with the decision of what major to pursue. I can honestly say that it was a process that took some experimentation! I started out as an Engineering major and changed to Business Admin, then switched to MIS at one point. Ultimately I enjoyed my courses in business much more than the other pursuits. In the end I did take some classes that I did not ultimately need, but in many ways I think you have to try things out to see how you really feel about them. I'm very glad that I gave myself that freedom and that I finally found a career path I know I am good at and that I know I really enjoy!

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS

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The Goddard School is unique in that the class sizes are relatively small, so you are able to get to know your instructors very well. In almost all of my classes I was able to have lots of one-on-one time with my professors, which I found to be a very valuable in terms of being able to master the material. Between time with professors, and being able to have access to program advisors at any time I needed help, I found the Goddard School to provide a very personalized experience that I would not have gotten at other universities.

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FACULTY IMPACT

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In particular, Professor Randy Boyle was very impactful to my Weber experience. Dr. Boyle was as good a councilor as any I had and, while I ultimately did not pursue a major in his department, Dr. Boyle was very helpful in steering me in the right direction when I needed guidance.

Career Advisor Brett Merrell was also a great mentor and friend, and I highly recommend that students of the Goddard School get to know Brett on a personal level as I feel that he truly has the best interest of his students at heart. 

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ADVICE

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Possibly the most valuable piece of advice I could give to a new student of Weber State University, is that your time here will be what you make it. You can tell yourself, "It's just a piece of paper," and try to just get by. But you've chosen to spend your time here, so why not make that time count! This is your chance to show yourself that you can do the hard things that it takes to stand out in life. No one is going to make you do it. The choice is completely up to you!

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WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

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Ha! Right now I am just still a little shocked that it is finally over and still don't quite believe it is true. But I don't plan on relaxing for long. What I learned at Weber is that having a good life and a good career will always be hard work. But I also learned that when you have a career that you are passionate about, that hard work is more than welcome. I am currently in the process of moving across the country and am pursuing career options in that area. It is a difficult time to be looking for employment and I am a little nervous, but I am excited to see where my efforts take me as well. I know that it will not be an easy journey but I am ready for it! 

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