MSIS Student Testimonials

Below is a selection of testimonials about the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at the David Eccles School of Business from current and former students.

Chris Candilora, Class of 2011
Vault Administrator, i365

The MSIS program was an amazing experience! I learned a great combination of hands-on and theoretical knowledge. The capstone project was one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had. It was the first time that I got to work on a University project that was so applicable to a real-world setting. I also met some great people who are now both great professional contacts and great friends. The knowledge, experience, and networking were all great reasons to complete the program, and the best part was that I started experiencing the benefits of having a master’s degree immediately after graduation.

Jeffrey A. Clements, Class of 2010
PhD Candidate, Florida State University

The MSIS program at the University of Utah really helped prepare me to enter the world of academia. Having the opportunity to work closely with such high caliber faculty on cutting edge research put me ahead of the game as I entered my doctoral studies. I knew what to expect and what was expected from me as a new PhD student because of the instruction and preparation I received during the MSIS program. I was equipped with the necessary skills and abilities to hit the road running and excel in both the research and teaching aspects of my doctoral program. I highly recommend the MSIS program at the University of Utah and would not be where I am today without it.

Sam Hart, Class of 2010
Application Engineer, RightNow Technologies, Inc.

The decision to go back to school and get my MSIS degree was the best career decision I have made so far. The interest from employers upon graduation was tremendous. I was able to choose between multiple employment opportunities after I graduated, even in a down economy. Now I work every day with large multinational corporations and federal agencies to help them improve their customer (or citizen) experience. I work with great people from all over the world. My MSIS degree has been a great advantage that has already paid dividends.

The MSIS program was a great experience all around. The classes were often challenging but greatly rewarding. The opportunities and projects available are first rate and allowed me to obtain valuable experience. Our data mining class project results were more impressive than my current employer's patented, proprietary technology. I was able to see giants in the tech industry guest lecture, answer questions, and offer advice. I made many valuable friends and acquaintances. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Kyle Holbrook, Class of 2011
Project Manager, Intermountain Healthcare

The decision to continue my education was an easy one for me. However, deciding where to continue my education was a little more difficult. I had researched several schools and programs and the MSIS program at the University of Utah matched up perfectly with what I was looking for: prestige, knowledgeable professors, hands on learning, and opportunity. The MSIS program provided me with the necessary tools and resources to successfully pursue my education. The professors and staff always kept my needs in perspective and were extremely helpful in providing me with the information and experience that I wanted. The capstone project was a great hands-on opportunity for me to gain real world experience and exercise what I had learned in the MSIS program. It was a great feeling of accomplishment to utilize what I was learning in class by working with a local company to implement a new technology. When it came time to look for a job the University of Utah faculty was a great resource for helping me find open positions. They also helped me secure a great job in my desired industry before I graduated! Overall, I am very pleased with my decision to attend the MSIS program. It has provided me with the right skills, knowledge and experience for a successful future and career.

Tim Jenson, Class of 2011
Senior Executive

The MSIS program has an amazing atmosphere. For me, as a former CFO of a Fortune 500 company and a CEO of a few technology companies, the MSIS program was the best choice because it combined technical knowledge, experience, practical application, and creativity. The MSIS program offers a superb faculty and excellent resources to develop one’s future plans and achieve one’s career goals. It helps make sure that graduating students are well prepared and know how to deal with most difficulties that will come along in their professional careers.

There comes a point in one’s life and career when you look to stretch your abilities and know-how by challenging yourself to improve your intellectual expertise and skill sets.  This program does this in a very practical and applicable way. Working in a fast-paced industry and a constantly changing environment demands that participants stay up to date on new business intelligence and successful strategies in multiple disciplines. The MSIS program was ideal for executives like me, who have no time for irrelevant information and welcome an intellectual, stimulating experience.

Marshall Pettit, Class of 2010
Manager of Data Management, ABOL Software

I enrolled in the MSIS program at the David Eccles School of Business after my partners and I sold our local trucking company where I served as CIO. My original systems training and undergraduate studies pre-dated many of today's ubiquitous technology solutions including data warehousing and analytics.

In the MSIS program, I quickly caught up to speed with today's data warehousing and analytics business solutions. I also broadened my exposure to emerging web technologies and reinvigorated my interest in systems design and development. Just as important, I developed valuable relationships with other students and faculty which also strengthen my new career in software.

I am very pleased with the new tool set and relationships I gained from the MSIS program at the David Eccles School of Business.

Ben Pressley, Class of 2011
Co-Founder and CEO, Highwire

I chose the University of Utah's MSIS program for its focus on entrepreneurship and its flexibility for working students.  I was thoroughly impressed with the applied nature of the program and the outstanding quality of instruction.  In the end, the program helped me take the next step forward in my career.  I would highly recommend the experience to anyone.

Trevor Schow, Class of 2011
CHQ Data Center Site Manager, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

While I was debating whether or not I should pursue my graduate degree, I looked into several different programs from several different universities. I wanted to find a program that would be beneficial to me and my career. I wasn't just looking for an advanced "degree.” I really did want to learn new skills that would be beneficial in the workforce that would in turn help me be effective, innovative, and a good leader. I debated about getting my MBA, or an equivalent computer related degree from many universities. Ultimately I decided on the MSIS program from the University of Utah. 
 
Looking back, I am SUPER glad I made the decision that I did to get my MSIS. My brother also got his graduate degree and he is having a hard time finding a better job or a promotion. I was able to update my resume and move immediately into a more involved and better paid position. Many companies are looking for IT professionals. The MSIS program at the U is good, and I think it is only going to get better as more electives are offered. 
 
Several of the classes in the MSIS program helped me learn new skills that are actually being used in the workforce. I learned about server virtualization, networking, database design, cloud computing, project management, and tons of other new and emerging technologies. One class had different guest speakers every week from large companies such as Google, Overstock, Verisign, and other industry leaders. Some of the classes were not so helpful and took a lot of effort to complete, but I think that is the same with every school and program. The MSIS program at the U is not a computer science or programming degree, so if that is what you are after look somewhere else. The MSIS program is a blend of business strategies and information technology, and it constantly encourages students to be innovative and entrepreneurial. Overall, the MSIS program at the University of Utah is a great value and worth it. 

Victor Gill, Class of 2010
Product Management, Arena Solutions

The University of Utah MSIS program has done an excellent job preparing me for a career in Silicon Valley. I'm surrounded by Stanford, MIT, and other graduates from very highly regarded schools. The education I received at the U of U has prepared me to succeed in this highly competitive environment. The Masters degree in Information Systems has given me the tools I need to face technical and business challenges of working in Product Management. Recent articles in VentureBeat and HBS indicate that Product Management is an excellent stop on the way to a CEO position. Balancing business skills with the appropriate acumen in technology is critical and the MSIS program was ideal in providing deep learning in both of these areas.

Becky Compton, Class of 2010
IT Business Analyst, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified

The MSIS program at the University of Utah was an incredibly rewarding and valuable experience. I was looking for a way to set myself apart from other job candidates in an incredibly competitive job market. The MSIS program provided me with exposure to real world tools and situations that proved to be critical in everyday life in the IT industry. Completing this program added a higher level of value to my professional portfolio and increased the business opportunities available to me once I graduated. The instructors were very supportive, knowledgeable, and actually worked in the areas they were teaching, which was extremely helpful. I would encourage anyone seeking a career in IT to complete this program and set yourself apart from all other candidates.

Jeffrey Proudfoot, Class of 2010
PhD Candidate, University of Arizona

Deciding to pursue the MSIS graduate degree from the David Eccles School of Business was a pivotal decision in my life. The multi-faceted nature of this program prepares students to succeed in a number of career paths and applications. While completing this program, I drastically changed the trajectory of my career from industry to academia. I am now furthering my education by working to complete a doctoral degree at the University of Arizona, while contributing new knowledge to the MIS discipline through my research. Furthermore, in comparing my experiences at a number of universities, I can confidently assert that the faculty involved in managing the MSIS program and administering the coursework are unparalleled in their desire to facilitate in the success of students. In short, the MSIS program is unique in its ability to place students in top jobs and at top research institutions, disseminate critical knowledge and skills via the curriculum, and open up opportunities to its graduates that would otherwise be unavailable.

Thomas McCrory, Class of 2011
Information Systems Analyst, Integratechs

Very few degree programs will offer as many opportunities upon graduation as the U of U's MSIS program. Even fewer can provide those opportunities in such a short time. In three semesters, I went from a Finance graduate struggling to find work in a post-credit crisis world, to an MSIS grad with multiple job offers. The University of Utah MSIS program is focused on providing you with what you need while still providing flexibility to custom tailor an education to fit your specific career goals. The professors and lecturers are genuinely interested in helping you succeed and the students you'll are just as impressive. Looking back, the decision to apply to the MSIS program was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Christi Wruck, Class of 2011
IT Project Manager, Vivint

The hard part isn't finding a job. The hard part is choosing one.

After completing the MSIS program in December, I took a couple months to look around for a job. Once I really dove in, there were so many positions that I found myself only applying to to those companies I was truly interested in. We, who have chosen this profession, are lucky (or smart... probably both).

Once I actually applied and started going through the interview process, I found that companies I had chosen to pursue were all great in their own way and I feared the day when I'd have to choose between them. That day arrived a few weeeks ago when all three companies offered me a position within days of each other. When I finally made my decision and notified the other companies, they started countering with offers. Exciting. Scary. Whoa. (Despite the encouragement I got from friends, I resisted the temptation to start yelling "Show me the money!" into the phone).

Anyway, I just wanted to say that the MSIS program is a HUGE reason why I was faced with that decision and I'm super grateful for it!! Rock on.

Rachael Lyon, Class of 2012
Tech Support II, Master Control

I chose the MSIS program because I worked right next to IT for most of my jobs, but didn't really understand everything. Now I am graduated and I already have a great job. The program gave me the opportunity to chose a job rather than beg for one. It was the best decision I have ever made. I now have more flexibility and I make more money. In fact, I am making more than two times what I made before starting the program. The program allowed me to customize what I wanted to learn and seek after that. I have had so many companies seek me out because of newly acquired IS knowledge.

One of the best experiences is the Capstone Project where you do real work for a real company. I really learned how to work in groups, as well as on my own. I now use Linux and love it, which have never happened before the program. If you are looking for a degree that will give you options, this is the choice!

Von Slade, Class of 2012
Specialized Application Developer, AT&T

Why choose the MSIS program at the University of Utah? Because of the hands-on Capstone project that provides students with the opportunity to work with a local company to put their skills to use.

Another great reason to choose is the program is the "MS" designation itself, which stands for Master of Science. Many other schools only offer a Master of Information Systems (MIS), which is less prestigious.

I also enjoyed the coding classes because I had to actually learn to code by struggling through the concepts. I had taken coding classes in my undergraduate program, but never really learned much. This program gave me the opportunity to expand my coding knowledge and skills. I am now a better Java and PHP developer because of going through the MSIS program, which is exactly what I wanted.