Josh, MBA '22
“The program structure is very conducive for the working professional.”
Why Weber State?
I grew up in Lubbock, TX. After graduating high school, I enlisted in the Marine Corps and served on active duty from 2001 through 2008. After separating from the military, I moved back to Lubbock and earned my Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management/Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Texas Tech University. Life had different plans for me, though and I found myself moving in a different direction and into the business world and the Outdoor Industry. In 2015, I moved to Ogden for a work opportunity and as I grew in that role, I recognized that I lacked the core educational background needed to take myself to the next level. I looked to Weber State University and the MBA program to fill that void.
Why the MBA?
I chose the MBA because I saw it as the catalyst I needed to become a better asset to my employer and to prepare myself for future growth and professional opportunities. I wanted to build on what I had learned through my personal experiences and fill in the gaps in areas that I was weak in. The ultimate goal is to capitalize on my current skillset while growing my knowledge and confidence to provide more value in any assigned task. I saw the MBA as my key to becoming a “Swiss Army Knife” Team Member.
Incredible Access
The program structure is very conducive for the working professional. The night courses gave me the opportunity to attend classes without significant disruption to my work schedule. Perhaps the main reason I chose Goddard was for the in-person experience. Countless online options were available, but I firmly believe in-person classes provide richer learning and networking opportunities. Of course, life had different plans here - entering the global pandemic - but I was fortunate to attend a couple of semesters and establish strong relationships with several other students and staff before things were forced online.
Faculty Impact
I had several outstanding instructors, but I’d like to call out a few specifically. Loisanne Kattelman was the most effective and energetic instructor I have ever had. Period. She has an uncanny ability to connect with the class and made learning Accounting, something almost completely foreign to me, I dare say fun and interesting!
Second, I would like to recognize Shane Schvaneveldt. I was excited about Operations and Supply Chain because I work in that area already. Still, I gained a ton of value from his course and his experience and teaching ability – a very effective and information-rich course.
Lastly, a shout-out to Doris Geide-Stevenson. Global Macroeconomic Conditions is widely considered one of the most challenging courses in the program. Still, I found the course and her teachings very valuable, especially given the last two years' events and their implications on the world economy. Thanks to each of you and all the other faculty members who are so engaged in the student learning experience.
Advice
My one piece of advice would be to take your time through this program and not try to rush through. I only ‘doubled up’ a few times and those eight-week blocks were very challenging for me to juggle family, work and school. The more you put into each class, the more you will take out of it. Don’t be in a hurry!
Where are you now?
I recently moved to New Hampshire, where I am the Logistics Manager in an industry I am passionate about. My career aspirations are to continue to grow on the operations side of things in this industry and to drive meaningful and lasting change for my organization and the industry as a whole. We’ll see what opportunities come in the future – all doors are open.