PORTER GEDDES
management information systems graduate '24 outstanding grad

WHY WEBER STATE?   

---

My dad grew up in Ogden, so that's what originally attracted me to going. I also found the cost reasonable, and I got a scholarship. But the biggest draw was the proximity to the outdoors - rock climbing, ski resorts, etc. I grew up in Kansas City, MO. But because my dad was from Utah, I grew up visiting Ogden so I learned to ski at Snow Basin.  

---

WHY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS?   

---

The real reason I chose MIS was that I took Randy Boyle's intro class. I had just finished my Associates degree and I was in Economics. I had decided I didn't really like it, or any of the other business majors, because they weren't very technical. But the sales pitch that Randy threw us was that it was technical, and that you could move up, and he really sold various aspects and opportunities available in the industry. He is passionate about MIS, and it sold me.

---

COMMUNITY   

---

There are a handful of things I have enjoyed about my time at Weber - I like the community feel of the campus. I've made a lot of friends here. I've worked at the Outdoor program, and most of the friends I've made have come from that, and the climbing club. I like that the classes are small. This was especially helpful in getting into the Carnegie Mellon internship program. Since the classes are so small here you actually know your professors and they know you, so they send great letters of recommendation. I love the proximity to the outdoors; you're able to go camping every weekend, skiing every winter.

---

FACULTY IMPACT   

---

Randy Boyle has done a lot for me. Matt Thue has been one of my favorite professors. There wasn't one class of his that I regretted going to, or didn't laugh during. Professor Le - he expects a lot, and it was so enjoyable to have a professor that was willing to push us so hard, and I respect that and appreciate it.

---

ADVICE   

---

Make sure you have fun. Work hard so that you can enjoy your free time. Take advantage of the small class sizes and get to know your professors - get your money's worth. It will pay off in the end.

---

WHAT'S NEXT   

---

I am hoping to get my masters at Carnegie Mellon or the University of Utah in Management of Information Security. After that, the idea of working in Operational Security is intriguing. You can work in a variety of areas - anything from vulnerability management to cybersecurity management. There's a lot you can branch out to after that. We'll see what I'm excited about.

---