ARMANTE
finance '21 

WHY WEBER STATE? 

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I was working in a metal shop cutting steel & exploring trades. I enjoyed learning to work with metal and the people there. I realized however, that I did not want to be working in the same shop, doing the same things five or ten years down the road. I didn't want to limit my upwards career mobility.  I had always been interested in business and finance specifically, so I started looking at universities that were close by. I heard good things about Weber. I was impressed with what I read about the Goddard School of Business and the fact that they were AACSB accredited. I enrolled shortly after. My company knew that I was in school for business and that I had taken some accounting courses, so I was offered many opportunities to move up in the company from production to the office. 

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WHY FINANCE? 

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I think financial responsibility is something that everyone needs to understand. A lot of people aren't taught about the responsible management of money. For myself, in our highly integrated and globalized world, I wanted to have a better understanding of business and finance, because the world is run by it.

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS 

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The Goddard school has some great instructors and curriculum. The class sizes are smaller, so you have very professional instructors that care about your leaning and make themselves accessible to their students. 

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FACULTY IMPACT 

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Brett Merrell, Director of Career services. He saw something in me early on and was always recommending me for opportunities. He was very involved and helped with various career services which was instrumental in developing myself professionally, so I could be prepared when graduation came.  Matt Thue, my business ethics professor who nominated me for the PLF program, provided guidance during office hours and beyond. He also kept me in the loop about internships and other great opportunities.  

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ADVICE 

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If you can, find a way to be involved with the WSU community that works around your schedule and at a level you can commit to. I was a non-traditional student myself, so I know it can be difficult to make time. In the end, this will better set you up to succeed and give you a more fulfilling experience. You will get an education at Goddard, but for the friendships, connections and networking, you need to go beyond just the classroom. 

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WHERE ARE YOU NOW? 

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I am currently working for Goldman Sachs in FICC Product Control. My plan is to continue on this career path, really learn the Controller world and take full advantage of the professional and education opportunities that come my way. I am all about growth and self-improvement. 

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