KATELYN WILSON
management information systems '24 outstanding grad

WHY WEBER STATE?   

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I am a first-generation college student raised by a single father. My dad always encouraged me to pursue higher education and has helped me in more ways than I can count to get me here. Weber State has been a blessing in fulfilling that goal as it is close to home and very affordable, so it only made sense to attend here. It's at least half as expensive as other schools. I’m lucky enough to be graduating with no debt thanks to my dad and the scholarships I was able to get while I attended.

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WHY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS?   

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I was initially interested in pre-medicine and programming. However, when I got into either of them, I found that it either wasn't my passion or I found reasons to avoid it. My fiancée suggested looking for an information systems degree here because I had a more tech-oriented disposition but did not want to solely write algorithms. Luckily, I found the Management Information Systems degree in the business school.  I dove into it and found that I loved it—cybersecurity and the social and economic impacts of AI are what take up most of my brain space these days.

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FACULTY IMPACT   

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Everyone in the Management Info Systems program has been so wonderful. They have been mentors to me and have led me along to a successful future. Dr. Boyle listened and gave me advice during graduate application season, even going as far to review my application documents. He really changed my life with his connections, mentorship, and motivating me to do well. He never hesitated to tell me that I did a good job and was always kind, candid, and supportive. In fact, he knew my name and my face before I even knew him. It definitely shocked me at first, but it’s incredibly endearing in hindsight. He is a real gem and champion for all students.

Dr. Zhang has also been instrumental in my life. I was taking her class, “Global Issues in IT” and we found a common interest in how generative AI is affecting working artists, sculptors, and illustrators in the entertainment industry. Before that, I had made it known that I was looking for research opportunities, and we found that this subject had a huge gap in research. She guided me through every step of the process, and it gave me a huge appreciation for the joys and ardors of research. I presented at the Research & Engagement Symposium this spring and won an Outstanding Student Researcher Award and she an Outstanding Research Mentor Award. Our paper also got accepted to the Americas Conference on Information Systems. She is easily one of my favorite people and has never hesitated to share her honest opinion with me—that is priceless.   

I could speak at length about so many other professors and how impactful they are. The business school is special. They work incredibly hard to prepare you for future jobs, graduate school, and provide opportunities for you. Hard work will get you there, but it's really the other people that propel you forward.

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ADVICE   

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1) If you reach out and make it known that you want to do things, the professors will help you. Dr. Boyle, Dr. Zhang, Dr. Le, Evan Barlow, and many others are prime examples of this. Don't be afraid to let the professors know what you need. They are your best resources. Also, don’t be afraid to utilize tutoring!

2) It’s also important to think about how you study and learn. Mind mapping helped me study and learn more effectively (especially with the harder, more complex topics), but it took quite a bit of adjustment. I’m of the opinion that different study techniques are necessary in college – be dynamic and research study methods to find the best one for you.

3) Get work done as soon as you can - don't procrastinate. I found that when I did things early, everything fell into place easier. It allows you to give yourself time to make revisions. Revisions raise the quality of your work and you get more out of it.

4) Schedule rest days and take a break, too. It gives you clarity.

5) Be willing to try hard things and struggle. I come from a family with no technical background and I was able to succeed in a technical degree. By lifting yourself up, you can lift others around you, too, whether it be through tutoring, mentoring, interpersonal relationships, or whatever. If I can do it, you can do it!  

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CAREER ASPIRATIONS   

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I'll be going to Carnegie Mellon University in the fall on a scholarship for a master’s degree focal on cybersecurity.  My original aspiration was to go to the grocery store one day and not worry about the prices, but I think I can happily say my aspirations are a little bit broader now. For one, I would also like to mentor other women in cybersecurity when the time comes. Only 25% of the workforce in cybersecurity are women, with much less in leadership positions. Diversity offers greater capabilities in addressing the problems the technical landscape will face, just like any other profession. Secondly, I want to be involved in research surrounding ethical usage and impact of AI in some respect, even if not full-time. No matter what I do, I'd like to give back in a substantial way and make a difference for others.

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