NATHAN
management information systems '21 (accepted to CMU graduate program)

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WHY WEBER STATE?

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I attended Northridge High School in Layton, Utah and had little interest in staying in the state for college. In fact, I had been accepted into an acclaimed private university in Southern California and was preparing to pursue my bachelor’s degree there. When those plans fell through, I decided it was in my best interest to stay in Utah and pursue my post-secondary education at an affordable institution. Not knowing much of the Goddard School, I chose Weber State due to its convenience of location and affordability of price. 

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WHY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS?

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When I first entered the Goddard School, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to study, but I was confident that the business school was right for me. After some brief stops in Business Administration and Finance, I eventually found the best major for me in Management Information Systems. I chose MIS, because I knew it would enable me to increase my understanding of fundamental business disciplines and establish a solid comprehension of practical information technology principles. The MIS program at Weber State has produced many distinguished students who have gone on to be a force in the information technology and information security fields, and I knew that this program would give me the tools to do the same.

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS

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The Goddard School is unique in that its size is not indicative of its potential. It is one of the smallest buildings on campus, but the opportunities that students have in the Goddard School go far beyond what the size may indicate. Students will find that the connections made in addition to the opportunities presented within the Goddard School cannot be found anywhere else. 

In addition to this, the faculty-to-student ratio is much smaller compared to other universities in the state, and as a result, the experience of the student is much more personalized. Students will always have close access to their instructors, and they will likely have the opportunity to form close friendships with many faculty members. The Goddard School goes out of their way to inform students of internship programs and job opportunities, which gives driven students all the tools they will need to launch into their career.

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FACULTY IMPACT

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Dr. Randy Boyle has had a tremendous impact on me during my time in the Goddard School. He introduced me to the field of information security, and he has believed in me and encouraged me to continue pursuing new opportunities.

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ADVICE

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If you are confident that business, of whatever form or fashion, is something you are passionate about or interested in, give the Goddard School a chance. It will help you to explore new opportunities you hadn't considered before, and it will equip you to be successful in whatever career you choose to pursue. 

Once you have chosen the Goddard School, be sure to get involved. Get to know your instructors, your classmates, and the other faculty and staff within. You will find that the network you build will be just as important as the knowledge you gain during your time in the Goddard School. Take risks pursuing internships or other job opportunities - the experience you develop during your time in school will make you a more attractive candidate once you attain your degree.

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WHERE ARE YOU NOW? / CAREER ASPIRATIONS

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I am currently finishing up my last semester at Weber State, and I am also working as a cybersecurity intern for a Department of Defense contractor. I plan to attend Carnegie Mellon University for graduate school, where I hope to eventually receive a master's degree in information security. It is my dream to work in cybersecurity directly for the Department of Defense, whether for the FBI, CISA, or another organization. 

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