COLTON
management information systems '21 accepted to CMU graduate program

WHY WEBER STATE?

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I was born and raised in Ogden and have a lot of pride for my hometown. Weber State has always been where I wanted to go because I always wanted to stay a part of my community, I'm really grateful that Weber State was so close to home and was so accessible that I was able to make connections here. This is especially possible because of the Goddard School since they place such a big emphasis on making connections. 

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WHY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS?

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I always wanted to study either psychology or computers. I started out at WSU with psychology but after listening to a guest lecture in one of my classes by Dr. Randy Boyle in the MIS department, I realized that information systems had the best of both worlds. Getting a business degree with this emphasis on technology allows me to be a part of the change that will be taking place in the future while also working with people.

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS

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The biggest thing about Goddard School is the opportunities that are opened to you through the connections you make. I never would have had a desire to apply for a Master's degree if it weren't for Dr. Boyle. I obtained an internship at a local nonprofit because of Brett Merrell, who also taught me how to write a resume. The staff really empowers you to put yourself out there and take chances to get a better future.

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FACULTY IMPACT

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Dr. Randy Boyle definitely had a big impact on me. His enthusiasm for MIS was contagious and what initially lit the fire for me. He also will do almost anything to help his students and does nothing but encourage and uplift everyone he works with. Chris Heywood was another big influence. He teaches a class on Cyber Security which really got me interested in that path to follow and he was there as a mentor whenever I had questions about my future or whenever I needed his help.

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ADVICE

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Make as many connections as you can! Talk to your professors, talk to other students, talk to everyone! There has been a crazy amount of opportunities that have been opened up to me because of the connections I've made. When people know you then they want to help you! There's not much people can do for you if they don't know who you are. Some people are scared to speak up in class, if that's the case just email your professor about anything! They want nothing more than to help.

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WHERE ARE YOU NOW? WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER ASPIRATIONS?

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I've been accepted to Carnegie Mellon University for their international Master's of Information Systems Management program and hope to study in Australia and then in Pittsburgh. After that I hope to come back to Utah and help build up the technology community here in Ogden and would like to specialize in cyber security.

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