Spring New Huntsman Student Orientation

Associate Dean Dave Patel started the spring new-student orientation by defining the importance of the Huntsman School's four pillars. He explained that analytical rigor is more than just doing well in class; it’s about thinking. “Thinking before we speak, before we write and before we do,” he said. Patel then explained that understanding the global economy can affect all we do. By having global vision, we can take advantage of opportunities that may have otherwise passed us. Entrepreneurial Spirit is a state of mind, Patel petitioned. “We must be open to new opportunities,” he said. Then he stated that there is no such thing as being 98 percent honest. Ethical leadership means we are always honest in all we do.

He concluded with three suggestions: work hard, live with purpose and be open to opportunities.

Ruth Harrison, Director of Undergraduate Programs, then explained how each student’s Huntsman Experience should be different than anyone else’s. She mentioned the importance of meeting with advisors on time, career opportunities available on campus (such as Career Aggie) and fostering meaningful relationships with faculty.

To finish off the orientation business senator, Scott Laneri, gave three pieces of advice. First was to get to know professors outside the classroom. “Introduce yourself after class and meet with them during their office hours,” he suggested. He also proposed to take advantage of all the opportunities available through the Huntsman School. He mentioned that his Go Global experiences shaped the way he thinks and lives every day. And lastly, he encouraged each new student to go on a Career Exploration Trip and join a club.

A True Huntsman Experience

By Steve Mortenson, 2013-14 Business Senator 

When I realize that my time at the Huntsman School is coming to an end, I am hit with a rush of conflicting emotions. Sure, I am a little sad to be leaving Logan, but I am very excited to enter the real world, and when it comes down to it, I feel quite prepared.

This feeling of preparedness is thanks to countless professors, advisors, deans and other staff members who have donated time out of their busy lives to benefit my education. My professors have done more than just prepare lectures. They have spent time in their offices with me, emailed back and forth at all hours of the day and helped me understand my potential and dreams. Dave Patel, assistant dean of students and external affairs, has taken valuable time to teach me lessons of leadership and how to motivate others to find their dreams. My academic advisors have surpassed expectations by really getting to know me. Every time I meet with them, it is like catching up with an old friend.

The Huntsman School also has many programs that have helped prepare me for my future. I have been on several career exploration trips that have helped me clarify my goals and understand the different options available in my field of study. I have also been involved with the business council, which is a group of very passionate students willing to serve. The council has worked hard to help students find their niches and get involved around the school.

The Huntsman School has also given me numerous opportunities to go beyond the classroom. This semester I am part of a group that has been tasked to help Pepperidge Farms remove waste from their production lines at their facility in Richmond, Utah. In my sales class I have had the opportunity to shadow a sales professional and reflect on their tactics of selling. This model of real world experience holds true for most of my classes, especially thoseI have taken my senior year.

I cannot think of a better place to have completed my undergraduate education. The opportunities I have had while studying at Utah State are second to none. I am so grateful for all of the hard-working individuals who have made my experience a true Huntsman Experience.

Initiative and Opportunities

Jim Allred

By Jim Allred, finance, economics, international business, '14

The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, despite being one of the oldest business schools west of the Mississippi, is a “start-up” compared to some nationally recognized institutions. Yes, the school has made dramatic steps toward national prominence in the seven years following Jon M. Huntsman’s generous donation in 2007, but we are still in the growth stage. As is the case with any start-up, the school provides incredible opportunities for personal growth and meaningful involvement - but it takes hard work and initiative. There will be long nights, there will be stress and you may not even succeed at first. Nevertheless, all those things will make you better. Having been at the Huntsman School of Business since the fall of 2008, I have worked through various growth opportunities.

As a senior in high school, I was introduced to the Huntsman Scholar Program and encouraged to apply before the deadline three days later. I finished the application, got an official transcript, wrote two essays, and secured three letters of recommendation in 72 hours. Now, after four years in the program, I have traveled to 10 different countries to meet with leaders of incredible organizations like the WTO, the UN, Microsoft and many others. Had I not pulled those late nights so many years ago, I would not have had these career-defining moments.

As a junior studying finance, I began pursuing a summer internship with Goldman Sachs Asset Management by leveraging contacts I had made at the Huntsman School. After securing a phone interview, I had 10 additional interviews over the course of two months before a final decision was made. While waiting, I maintained contact with key interviewers, monitored and discussed market activities, and even drove to Salt Lake City to have lunch with one particular interviewer. After securing the internship, I was told the major reason I got the position was my continued dialogue with the team. Had I not sent those simple emails or made the drive to Salt Lake, I never would have experienced Wall Street. Never underestimate how influential continual communication is in building key relationships. Never count yourself out.

Following Goldman Sachs, I took a semester off school to pursue an internship with a private equity fund in northern California. I was introduced to a partner in the fund through Chris Fawson, a professor at the Huntsman School of Business, who had brought him on campus as a guest lecturer. Following class and a group breakfast, I approached Dr. Fawson about the possibility of getting some additional time with this professional. Dr. Fawson managed to organize some time for us to speak more in depth. In the subsequent months, an internship opportunity arose which lead to a full-time job offer. Had I not asked for some additional time, I never would have developed this relationship with this key mentor of mine. Had I not taken a semester off school to intern out of state, not knowing if I would be paid or not, I never would have gotten my full-time job. The answer will always be no if you never ask.

The Huntsman School of Business is growing, and students that truly want to grow will grow with it. The education I have received at the Huntsman School of Business is as good as any institution in the nation. We as students have at our disposal everything we need for success; it just takes a little initiative and plenty of effort. While hard work opens doors, complacency leads to mediocrity. Opportunities abound for those who are observant, take initiative, and work hard.

Remember, “everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you ... the minute that you understand that you can poke life ... that you can change it, you can mold it ... that's maybe the most important thing." - Steve Jobs

Huntsman MBA Association and Marketing Association Host Charlie Denson, Former Nike Brand President

By Mike Tolman

Huntsman School of Business students had the rare opportunity to talk with former Nike Brand president, Charlie Denson recently. Mr. Denson candidly answered questions about the early days of Nike and his career path after leaving Utah State with his bachelor’s degree in marketing.

In 1979, when Mr. Denson started at Nike, he said it was “just a bunch of jocks selling sneakers out of their cars.” It wasn’t the company it is today. He called his choice to join the company in its early days “a big mistake . . . but one of the better mistakes I’ve made.” He went on to explain that he initially decided to work at Nike just “until he got a real job.”

Looking at Nike’s development over the past 35 years, it appears as though he made the right decision. He went on to advise students to find something that they are really passionate about.

Charlie Denson

“If you’re not passionate about something,” he said, “you’ll never be the best at it.”

Mr. Denson talked about monthly, quarterly, and yearly strategies that Nike would prepare each year. “In all my time at Nike, not one year went as planned,” he said. He went on to speak about the importance of not only planning and being prepared, but to also being able “learn on the fly” and improvise when things change.

Mr. Denson also reflected on the valuable lessons he learned at Utah State, the top two being able to organize his time and his thoughts. He described his feelings when he graduated, saying he was anxious to go to work and get started. “I was competitive and I wanted to go and do something,” he said.

Throughout his career, Mr. Denson sought out opportunities to grow and to learn more about what he loved.

­­­­“I’ll never regret anything I’ve done,” he said, “but I don’t want to be in a position where I have to regret something I didn’t do.”

He reminisced on some of his favorite successful marketing campaigns, mentioning the “Let Me Play” campaign that sparked a national movement championing the cause of women’s athletics throughout the nation and world.

As the evening concluded, Mr. Denson urged students to not get discouraged by mistakes.

“Sometimes, the hard and bumpy roads get you were you want to go faster,” he said. While there is no way to plan for every contingency, Mr. Denson told students, “It’s okay to make a mistake, so long as you make it at full speed.”

As I have spent some time at the Huntsman School of Business, I am proud I will soon be counted among distinguished alumni, like Mr. Charlie Denson. He, like many other successful Aggies, exemplifies so well the core values of Utah State University. That said, whatever distinction any graduate of the Huntsman School may gain professionally, it would be wise to remember Mr. Denson’s advice: “The best ones still listen, they still learn.”

To watch an interview with Charlie Denson click here.