MIS-Understood??

Have you heard of MIS? Do you know what it stands for or what opportunities are available for MIS students? Let's understand what MIS is all about!

Management Information Systems(MIS): "A social science that primarily focuses on the role that computers play in human settings, either individual or organizational."(1)

MIS takes the internal controls used by management (application of people, documents, technologies, and procedures) to solve problems such as costing a product, service, or a business-wide strategy. This is different than regular information systems because MIS gets to analyze other information systems applied in operational activities in the organization. (2)

The University of St. Louis describes what MIS is and the "job description" of an MIS professional: "MIS professionals utilize their business-based backgrounds in working with managers and users to specify technology needs that benefit the organization.
They analyze, design, develop, codify, implement, and manage state-of-the-art telecommunications, business, web-based, and other computer based information systems. Besides maintaining traditional transaction processing systems, today’s MIS professionals are involved in exciting growth technologies such as decision support, e-business, database development and data warehousing, development and use of client server systems, development of web-based technologies for electronic commerce and other business applications, and the design and management of telecommunications systems."(3)

Now that we know what your future career looks like, what opportunities do you have as an MIS student here at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business?

"The Department of MIS has created a hands-on learning environment to allow students access to the latest hardware and software tools which provide them with a state of the art education."(1)

The MIS department has a willing faculty and staff filled with the expertise needed to guide you through your college experience. There are a variety of courses offered to give you the knowledge required to excel in your chosen profession.

Not only do we have a great faculty, a wide range of classes, a broad-range of career paths, but we have a club to get you connected with other professionals. The Association of Information Systems(AIS) Club is just taking off in the Huntsman School. The AIS Club is a student chapter of a global organization. This organization enables us to network and get connected with professionals, get hands-on experience with software and other computer programs, gain important knowledge about information systems, and participate in other events such as HackFest, where we learn about different web applications and technologies that some may not be familiar with.

With all of these great opportunities, why wouldn't we be MIS students? For more information check out http://huntsman.usu.edu/mis or http://huntsman.usu.edu/ais by clicking on the links.

1. http://huntsman.usu.edu/mis
2. http://www.occ.treas.gov/handbook/mis.pdf
3. University of St. Louis

-Cydnee Haws

Brian Regan Drawing

We have two Brian Regan DVDs waiting to be sent out to two lucky followers of this blog. As soon as we reach 50 followers, we’ll use the website random.org to select two winners who will each get a copy of The Epitome of Hyperbole.

In a few days from now, you could be adding this DVD to your collection. So invite your friends, your family, and anyone else who might be interested in keeping up with the Huntsman School’s activities. Feel free to share this post to your Facebook page by clicking on the Facebook icon below if you've got friends who blog. Good luck!

New Venture Consulting Group

As a student in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, I am getting an education that doesn’t end in the classroom. The entrepreneurial programs at Utah State allow students to become involved in the entrepreneurial process in real-world situations regardless of your major. I was selected to be a member of the New Venture Consulting Group (NVCG). The NVCG performs business plan due diligence and market research for early stage business ventures on behalf of owners, investors, and founders.

I am currently in my undergrad, studying accounting, and I hope to one day own my own business. The NVCG will help me make my dream a reality. Where else could I be given a chance to review up to 100 actual business plans over the course of a year, help determine a revenue model for a product, determine a valuation for a business about to receiving funding, and network with entrepreneurs, top students, and investors?

The NVCG is also a great resource for students and community members who are in the process of starting a business. At no cost the NVCG will review business plans and help individuals frame their business plans in order to get funding, improve their business process, or identify potential problems that need to be overcome to make their business a reality. If you would like to become involved with NVCG or would like us to review your business plan, please email us at NVCG@usu.edu.

Isaac Bottelberghe, student at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business

A Professor Who Goes The Extra Mile

Throughout my years at Utah State University, I have had the privilege to take numerous classes from many outstanding professors. Ron Godfrey is a perfect example of a professor that has made a substantial difference in my life. I am currently in Professor Godfrey's Operations Management class where he not only teaches students the basic operations of a business but how to be successful and productive throughout life. In addition, Ron also spoke to my MIS 2200 class, taught by Dana Swensen, on "owning" and succeeding in an interview. The passion Ron shows for his career is an attribute I would like to demonstrate when I enter into my career as an accountant.

The one thing about Ron that stands out is he wants to get to know each and every one of his students. At the beginning of the semester, he set up meetings with each one of his students to get to know a little about them and to allow for students to get to know what resources he has to offer as both a professor and a career accelerator. In addition, Ron is always giving examples of how to perform well in an interview. He stresses that everyone should have 8-12 "behavioral" based examples that are ready to be used in an interview. Ron has taught me how to "own" an interview, and through his class I will not only be a better employee but a better person.

Ron is always saying, "Live by your core values and you will succeed." This is a very strong quote that will stick with me the rest of my life. The great thing about Utah State is that students are surrounded by professors such as Ron who help you excel not only in the classroom but outside the classroom as well. I recommend that if you have any questions about how to succeed in life that you talk to Ron, and he will provide insight to things you could never have imagined.

--Mason Clark, student at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business

Internship Programs Update

The internship office has been pretty busy this past month. We’ve recently been working hard to develop opportunities with organizations such as IM Flash Technologies, Senator Hatch’s office, and Wasatch Property Management. We’ve also had companies like Target, Wal-Mart, and JC Penny visit the campus to talk about opportunities within their organizations. Both Krystn and Joseph, along with several other great Career Professionals, were able to facilitate lectures to the Great Work, Great Career class last month, and we were all very impressed to see students focused on getting a head start developing their careers.

We are currently focusing on signing up students to participate in the internship course for Spring 2011. We’d like to remind students that if they are currently in a job with business related responsibilities, they may be able to use it for internship credit. Many students have used the internship course as a chance gain more responsibility and experience within their own job.

An internship is a great way to enhance your academic career by getting professional experience while attending school. More and more employers are looking for graduates with more than just a good education behind them. They want students that can hit the ground running. From here on out we would like to highlight different stories from students and companies and their success with internships. Feel free to share some of your own as well.

Students can set an appointment with Krystn Clark or Joseph Banks in BUS 309 to see if their job qualifies and sign up to get academic credit, or, if they are distance students, they can sign up at http://huntsman.usu.edu/internships/htm/approval. They can also contact us with any questions at 435-797-2272.

Huntsman Marketing Association chosen to co-promote comedian Brian Regan!

As a student of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, I was encouraged to take ownership of my education. This led me to many different clubs and organizations across the campus, but one of the best opportunities I have had has been a project through the Huntsman Marketing Association. Today I was able to participate in a phone conference with Troy Oldham, HMA’s advisor, and Matt Leishman, a fellow Aggie and now the marketing assistant for United Concerts. In this phone conference we discussed how HMA could help co-promote comedian Brian Regan, who is coming to Logan on February 18-19. With the success of ticket sales so far, both Friday night and Saturday afternoon have less than 50 seats left; they have added a third show Saturday night. When they asked for our help, I thought they were desperate to fill seats, but it’s the opposite. The Ellen Eccles Theater seats over 1000 and it is already half full! United Concerts and Brian Regan are not looking for cheap labor to sell seats, but are giving Utah State students a chance to get real hands on experience in their preferred career. This just proves how willing the community and faculty members are to invest in the education of Utah State students. I have already started to see the benefits. It’s amazing the types of opportunities you will find in the Huntsman school when students get involved.

Steve Neelemen guest speaker

GSS lunch & lecture series presents guest speaker Steve Neelemen to speak November 23rd at 12:30 p.m. in the library auditorium. Steve Neelemen is the CEO of HealthEquity. Come learn how to use your education to be successful in your career. FREE pizza and drinks will be provided.

e-Toberfest

What do bratwursts, Apple Beer, and entrepreneurship have in common? They are all items that were celebrated during e-Toberfest on the ninth floor of the Eccles Business Building this evening.

Students flooded the OC Tanner Lounge where they had access to unlimited food, beverages, and German cake—all for a $3 entrance fee.

“She did an amazing job organizing the whole event” e-Club President Paul Rossiter said speaking of the event planning e-Club Officer Bri Petersen did in preparation for the party. Petersen said that one of the main purposes of the party was to serve as a kick-off event for the upcoming Opportunity Quest competition. “Many of the students looked at this event as a chance to network with other student entrepreneurs, to get ideas and feedback as they work on their business plans in preparation for Opportunity Quest.”

Those who are interested in participating in Opportunity Quest can view more information about the event by clicking this link.

- Sterling Morris

In 2007 the Huntsman School of Business sent me, an old guy, on the first ever summer trip to South America. It was an amazing experience. I can't believe how much I learned and I wasn't even doing all the coursework. (I learned never to leave your airplane ticket out in plain sight, for example.)

It was impressive to see first-hand what our students are capable of accomplishing. It was amazing to see them operate an eye-glass clinic and to help out struggling entrepreneurs. They are holding an informational meeting on Oct. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in room 214. We have trips that go to Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. You should come and take this in and see what you can learn about the "Go Global" possibilities. Rumors are that many of the cool students in the college will be there and Liz Allred might even make an appearance. If you've ever seen Liz Allred in person, you'll know why it is an unforgetable experience. - Steve Eaton

I scream for ice cream!

The main floor of the business building is THE place to be this week. Students were filing out the doors before noon waiting for the Aggie ice cream to be brought out.

Amidst the shouts for strawberry or cookies and cream, there was a buzz of excitement surrounding neighboring tables. All week students have been representing different clubs and organizations at display tables in the lobby. If they haven't already had plenty of feedback at their stations, the attraction of ice cream definitely brought some action. Students were guessing the number of M&Ms in jars, buying game day T-shirts, and cheering for Utah State all outside the elevators of the Jon M. Huntsman School.

What a neat thing to go to a University where the united and rowdy school spirit USU is known for isn't just displayed at sporting events but in the halls of our buildings in between classes. Go Aggies!

Last Dash Relay Race

Just under 100 runners from all over the world came to compete in tonight's Last Dash Relay race. The event gave race organizers every reason to believe it can be an annual experience and it will be exciting to see how much money we can contribute to the Huntsman Cancer Institute over the years.


I spent some time talking with a runner named Patrick who came all the way from Kenya. He was in the winning coed relay group with a runner named Lisa. Lisa wasn't done winning for the night, however. In addition to the iPad she won from winning the coed division, her name was drawn in the raffle for a backpack from Al's Sporting Goods.

Kelly Olsen participated in the race with two of her daughters and their friend. She had one major problem with the course, however: it went right by her home. Apparently, seeing her home was too much of a distraction and she stopped the race right there.

I was most impressed by how happy everyone was to be contributing to a good cause. The consensus was that it was well worth the money and expended energy. People would light up when I asked them about it and it seemed like they forgot that they were recovering from a 5 or 10 mile run.

My only problem with the race was that I wasn't in it. I have already committed to run in it next year.

-Connor Child

I attended the Dean's convocation that featured Roger Martin this morning. I thought it was one of the best presentations I've seen at a dean's convocation. He is the author of the book, The Design of Business, and he talked about how some people tend to be more analytical thinkers and others are more intuitive thinkers. He believes both sides can benefit by learning to communicate better with each other and suggested that everyone could benefit from seeing things from a new point of view. That's a vast simplification of his presenation. I have a recording of it and hope to write a story for the Huntsman Post or The Huntsman Magazine. There was a lot of valuable insight shared. If you missed it, you might want to check out his book.

I'm looking forward to the Stephen Covey convocation on Thursday and the Henry J. Eyring convocation on Friday. Both of them are outstanding teachers. If you miss one of those presentations you may up saying for the rest of your life, "Darn! I wish I hadn't missed that presentation."

Texas Roadhouse BBQ

I had a great time at the barbecue. There was a huge turnout for the Texas Roadhouse food. The line went all the way up the hill. It was well worth the wait though- only $1 a sandwich! The weather was perfect and the set up of everything was perfect. Very fun evening.

This was such a great event. Everyone seemed to be having a
great time and kalai had some awesome songs up his sleeve.



Post by Joshua Butts

Woodstock, without the mud

It was like Woodstock without the rain and mud. We estimated more than 1,200 people filled in the side of Old Main Hill. Little kids danced and spun around like they were Deadheads at a Grateful Dead concert.

You can tell who the old bloggers are, can't you?

They lined up for the Texas Roadhouse barbecue all the way up the side of the green hill and the people kept coming until we had to order more.

The weather was perfect. Old Main made for an amazing backdrop as the sun slowly set.

Kalai played like he was at home with friends. His Bill Murray side came out as he told stories about his life and music.

Even Skyler Jenks did some time on the stage. What a natural.

When I left we didn't know yet how much had been raised for the Huntsman Cancer Institute but it looked like people were being quite generous. - Steve Eaton

P.S. The picture above of Huntsman student Jay Castro and his son Tyler, was taken by Sara Eaton.

Kalai Concert

There has been quite the showing for the Kalai Concert on Old Main Hill. The sun is going down and it is cooling off. Everyone is settling in for a wonderful evening. Bring a blanket and come join us if you're not here.

--Jackie Schwartz

Kick-Off Party and BBQ Party Rockin'

The Kick-Off Party and BBQ were both huge successes. The party started in the Student Lobby of the Business Building where a ton of students gathered around to see what prizes they won with their raffle tickets. The Huntsman School gave out a lot of great prizes including headphones, bags, and other cool accessories.

Along the way to the BBQ and Kalai concert, students could get free popcorn, cupcakes, Halloween candy, snow cones, and cotton candy.

The BBQ attracted a very large line of people. It stretched from Old Main to the bottom of Old Main Hill. I'd love to write more but I'm going to settle in for a great Kalai concert.

Here's a short slide show of additional photos from the party and BBQ:

- Sterling Morris

$1 Texas Roadhouse Sandwiches are a Hit

The line for the sandwiches goes all the way from the bottom of Old Main to the top. Over 400 sandwiches have already been sold to benefit the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Thanks Aggies!

--Jackie Schwartz

Dance All Night

The dance competition on Friday hosted by Sigma Chi fraternity and the Huntsman School of Business was a big success. Laurel Simkins and Shawn Shahan were the winners of the tuition wavers. The second place winners of two iPads were Patrick Romero and Lindsay Blacker. Congratulations to those students!

-Jenna Jardine

Dancing the Night Away

The Sigma Chi Dance Marathon was a hit.


The dance went into the wee hours of this morning. Here's a slideshow of some of the pictures from the event:



Thanks to Sigma Chi for the great kick off to Business Week!

MIS Open House Party

I'm at the MIS Open House party and really enjoy the new renovations the MIS department has experienced over the summer. When you walk in the lobby, you see a brand new Samsung flat screen TV broadcasting the latest Huntsman School twitter feeds, national news, weather, and traffic cameras. The floor's lighting fixtures have been updated, the walls have been updated, and the MIS department has added great artwork to the walls. The floor now has a very modern feel to it.

Here's Department Head, John Johnson, telling you to come up and get some pizza:

The open house began at 11:30 a.m. today and will go until 3 p.m. so come up, grab some pizza, a cool beverage, and learn about some of the great MIS programs the department has to offer!

- Sterling Morris

Party Hearty Guys and Gals

Who wants to party? I want to party. Party! Party! Party! Be there or be square. Monday, September 27, 5 p.m. in front of the George S. Eccles Business Building, stampede to Old Main Hill. Good food, friends and fun. See you then. - Mary Price

I Can't Wait!

Huntsman students are often faced with a rigorous combination of homework, reading assignments, papers, and group projects. Add to this the fact that 75% of Huntsman students work 10+ hours per week and 86% provide volunteer service every week while in school. It's clear that Huntsman students work and study hard, play hard, and with any remaining time, sleep hard.

As a current student, I usually sleep deeply at the end of a long day but last night was an exception. I couldn't stop thinking about all the great activities that are planned for Business Week and the benefit we can be for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. It seems like there is enough variety in the events that everyone can find a few they are interested in.

"It's coming; you don't want to miss it; Business Week, 2010." - Sterling Morris

Free Tuition? HELLO!

Remember those old-school dance marathons when people would dance all night long and try to awkwardly keep moving even though they were falling asleep all over their dance partner? (What do you think they'd do to stay awake? I'm thinking slapping was involved.)

Does anyone remember what kind of prizes they'd win? Me neither. But I bet it was like, free tickets to the drive-in movie, or lunch at Happy Days or something. I'm betting that it WASN'T free tuition for a semester. What was that? You didn't hear me?

FREE TUITION FOR ONE SEMESTER!

Holy cow! Yes this is for real. Sigma Chi and the Huntsman School present our first Dance Marathon for this year's Business Week. And yes, you can get free tuition for a semester. But hurry and sign up, it's THIS Friday.

TOMORROW.

Registration is $20 a couple at the ticket office. If you want to watch the event, it's $5. Think you're a bad dancer? It doesn't matter....pretty sure you could tap your foot and wag your finger to qualify (or come up with your own moves and quit stealing mine). Don't think you can compete with other couples? Are you aware that if you DON'T place first, you could still win an iPad?

An iPad.

And 3rd place wins an iPod!

Seriously, what do you have to lose? Sleep? You already do that. Besides, I'd rather dance my heart out than donate (a.k.a. sell) my plasma 500 times. Wouldn't you? – Hilary Frisby

Poster designed by Kait Arndt

Fun times with shoes on

That picture to the left is of me even though it looks a little like Skyler Jenks. If you've seen Skyler recently, you know it can't be a picture of him. The picture is of someone who has his eyes open.

Skyler has been working very, very hard, along with the Business Council to put together Business Week. He's not getting much sleep. He staggers about during daylight hours, as if he has a broken foot.

Business Week is going to be a big deal this year. I predict someday people will fly home to Logan for Business Week just like they do now for Thanksgiving.

I'm an old guy and I remeber when when I was a kid and my dad used to take us to Business Week. It was always in February and we had to sit in the snow and listen to economists lecture. Of course in those days we didn't have shoes and our shirts were only made of cardboard. It was hard to focus but we made the best of our time, making funny jokes about supply-side economics and such things. What memories.

This Business Week is going to be way better. I have shoes now. They are going to be doing a Dance-A-Thon, a concert featuring this guy who is so cool he only has one name: Kalai. The real Stephen R. Covey is coming to speak. He's a Huntsman professor now and he doesn't ever lecture in the snow, so I'm looking forward to his speech.

I'll let some of the others chime in here and tell you what they are expecting. To say it like the young college kids do today, I'll put it this way: "It's going to be swell!" - Steve Eaton

Pac-Man in Switzerland

This is what happens when you mix design students and business students in a castle in Gruyeres, Switzerland. I swear this wasn't planned at all. Kudos to Brandon Weber for editing the video.

Thanks to Stephen R. Covey Group and Huntsman School

The Stephen R. Covey Group is a wonderful organization to intern with and I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to work with the Great Work, Great Career project. Janita Andersen has become a good friend of mine along with others in the organization as well. I also want to extend a thank you to the wonderful staff of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and Utah State University's Career Services. Without these people mentoring us along the way throughout the Great Work, Great Career process, I don't know how it would have turned out! Relying on people who have more experience than yourself is very important and Utah State University has plenty of faculty and staff with good experience.

I highly recommend that students at Utah State University, especially in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, take advantage of the internship program. They can open doors in your life that you never knew were there and I can't imagine my college experience without having applied the principles I learn in class into real life. If a student will visit the internship coordinators, the career accelerators, and Career Services, there is no way he or she wouldn't succeed upon graduation. Each of these three organizations have been very kind to me and true friends in my life.

Stephen R. Covey Certification & Closing Event

Last Tuesday night we celebrated the completion of the Great Work, Great Career Learning Group experience for over 30 students!

To receive certification, students completed the online learning lessons, set goals, attended weekly classes with other students, and made moves towards applying principles into their lives and career searches.

Janita Andersen of the Stephen R. Covey Group joined us once again for the celebration, along with Dr. Chris Fawson, Krystn Clark, and many other influential faculty and staff members of the Huntsman School of Business.

Students received the Stephen R. Covey Certificates one-by-one after a few opening remarks from Janita Andersen and Lynne Pettit, lead facilitator. Following the ceremony, students engaged with employers from over 13 organizations across Utah Valley in a special networking event hosted by Donna Crow and Melissa Scheaffer of Career Services.

Over the last two months of the group, many students have already obtained jobs, internships, and are engaging in applications and interviews towards graduate school. Many others have found their passion and are now striving to attain it. 

We are excited to hear about the many successes of the students from this first ever Great Work, Great Career Learning Group throughout the future!

Our Meeting with Covey Executives!

This week we had the privilege to spend time with Jennifer Colosimo!


Jennifer is the co-author on Dr. Covey's Great Work, Great Career. Jennifer currently serves as the Chief Learning Officer of FranklinCovey. Janita Andersen of FranklinCovey also joined us on this evening.


Jennifer shared her career path and life experiences, teaching us to take charge of our lives and "create our own weather." Jennifer emphasized the importance of controlling "what you think, what you say, and how you behave" in making real changes within your circle of influence. Students discussed reation vs response and shared their own experiences and real life examples with each other.

After class, students were able to meet and discuss with Jennifer one-on-one at a special pie social.

Of her interaction with Jennifer, one student, Anna Guadarrama, says, "Jennifer Colosimo has become one of the most influential of today's leaders I can look up to. She reflects confidence and truth that one can live a fulfilled life with great work, despite the challenges one must face."

This was a special evening with such amazing business leaders. Thank you to Jennifer Colosimo and Janita Andersen for spending time with our class!

This week, take special notice of the opportunities that come up in your work environment where you get to decide whether to be reactive or responsive. Avoid passiveness or passion/reactiveness. Take charge!

The End is Not the End

I can't believe it. Yesterday was the final day of "school," for the Design Thinking program. Only one week left to explore and create, or should I say, design more experiences that will shape my future. It's hard to believe that things are coming to an end. There was so much anticipation for this journey to begin and now we near the end. But I hope this is not the end. I don't believe it has to be. For me personally, I hope to make it the beginning of a new life. A life forever altered by all that has taken place the last three or so weeks.

Coming on this trip has been a sacrifice for all of us, some maybe more than others. Many left behind spouses and children with faith that what would take place here would be worth it. Me personally, I parted with my wife and my daughter, which has been something of a hardship at times. Regardless of each person's individual situations, weall left our homes, families and way of life with faith that this program would enrich our lives enough to make it all worth it. I can't speak for everyone (though I feel I possibly could), but for me, it has been worth it. The sacrifice feels to have yielded a greater, long-lasting reward.

The collaboration of the business department and the design department was a unique idea. I was curious to see how the two schools of thought would mesh. How we would learn from one another. We all seemed so different. But you know what? I think we found out we were more the same than anyone would have ever guessed. I learned so much from the business students and professors (I am a design student, by the way). Not only did we educate one another with our knowledge of our respective fields, but we taught one another more than that. Forging relationships-friendships would be a better way of saying it-I learned lessons from a perspective outside of my own. The two different brains, the left from the business and right from the design, brought together created a new way of thinking. We learned together the attributes of human centered design. Seeing and experiencing history, in person, specifically design in history, along with new and modern forms of human centered design, accelerated the learning process and made a huge impact. We learned a lot from all we saw and did, but I think we learned just as much from each other.

As I review all the events of the last few weeks, my initial feeling is that of sadness that it is so quickly coming to an end. Then I think of what will live on and feel nothing but joy. The lessons were not just for a grade, not just for USU credit-they were life lessons. They were real. I'm sure that years down the road I will recall my days here and pull inspiration and ideas from what took place in the beautiful land of Switzerland. The friendships forged here will go on. I have no doubt many of us will keep in touch for decades to come. Coming to Switzerland may have taken us away from home, family and our way of life for a time, but what I, personally, have gained during this time will be with me forever. It is not the end. It is only the beginning.

The view in Leysin:

Olympic museum:

Chillon Castle:

Castle ruins in Sion:

The Valley of Death on the way to St. Bernard Hospice/Monestary:

Cow fighting:

Yvoire, France:

Cathedral in Fribourg after a barefoot pilgrimage:

From the top of the cathedral:

Solar boat experience:

Rolex Learning Center:

Castle view in Spiez:

This is how you feel when you're in Switzerland:

The days are long, but always worth it:

Vitrahaus:

The most beautiful mountains and hike in history:

Freitag store:

Me with my mustache:

Thanks for reading!