Highlighting Jonathon Garrigues, Contender for Master of Science in Finance, Class of '25
In this enlightening piece, we delve deep into the inspiring story of Jonathan Garrigues, an exceptionally motivated, hardworking, and dedicated online student at Johnson & Wales University. A former Marine Corps veteran, Jonathan overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to pursue his passion for business and finance, all while managing work and family life.
Life as a Marine Corps Veteran
Jonathan's dreams didn't revolve around a corporate career during his twenties. Instead, he joined the Marine Corps with the goal of flying. After performing exceedingly well in the Marine Corps Reserves, he made it onto active duty, eyeing a career as a Marine Corps Aviator. However, life threw him a curveball. Despite a series of near misses, Jonathan had to accept that his dream of flying was out of reach.
Turning the Page
After more than a decade in the service, Jonathan transitioned onto active duty with the intention of becoming a Marine Corps Aviator. Though he passed the Aviation Selection Test Battery on the first try, paperwork drama prevented him from pursuing the opportunity. Instead, he decided to focus on his education, enrolling in a liberal arts program with a concentration in counterterrorism, geared towards a potential career with the Three Letter Agencies (CIA, FBI, NSA, etc.).
Beginnings in the Corporate World
Everything changed when Jonathan joined Waste Management (WM) as an Account Executive. Though he admired his colleagues with MBA degrees, he didn't want to fit in with the crowd, so he chose Johnson & Wales University's Master of Science in Finance program instead. With a focus on advanced financial expertise, Jonathan figured it would set him apart from his peers at WM, allowing him to excel in the logistics hauling company.
Jonathan's Academic Journey
Though he enrolled in a challenging program, Jonathan didn't back down. By juggling academics, work, and family life, he managed to maintain outstanding performance while showcasing his natural ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions – skills that served him well during his military career.
Jonathan's self-discipline and dedication to his studies have been instrumental in his success, allowing him to balance school, work, and other responsibilities without sacrificing his social life or sleep. Asking for help when needed, Jonathan made a habit of reaching out to his professors, allowing him to grasp difficult concepts and deepen his understanding of the material.
Life in the Marines and Corporate World
The rigors of military combat and corporate America have striking similarities. The professional world may not be a matter of life or death, but learning to work efficiently in a team, solve problems, communicate effectively, and lead with integrity are essential in both environments.
Jonathan's military experiences not only forged his unwavering commitment to integrity and his ability to lead under pressure but also fueled his competitive spirit and drive to succeed, both personally and professionally.
Balancing Act
For Jonathan, achieving harmony in his various roles hinges on maintaining a strong work-life balance. An early riser, Jonathan dedicates his mornings to schoolwork, leaving the rest of the day for work and personal pursuits. On the weekends, he indulges in leisure activities, ensuring his academic life doesn't interfere with his loved ones.
Jonathan strives to be organized, efficient, and drive towards excellence in everything he does – from schoolwork to professional endeavors, relationships, and self-care.
Master of Science in Finance: The Perfect Fit
The Master of Science in Finance program at Johnson & Wales University has proven to be the perfect fit for Jonathan. By putting his academic pursuits into action, Jonathan is better equipped to make strategic, data-driven decisions for his company. As he grows in his career, Jonathan hopes to occupy leadership positions in the financial sector, using his education to forge a bright future.
Though the program presents challenges, Jonathan encourages anyone ready to take on the responsibility to pursue their dreams and excel in the face of adversity. With determination, time management skills, and an unwavering drive to succeed, there's no limit to what one can achieve.
- Jonathan's early career aspirations were not aligned with the corporate world; instead, he harbored dreams of becoming a Marine Corps Aviator.
- Despite joining the Marine Corps Reserves and performing admirably, Jonathan was unable to pursue his aviation dreams due to paperwork complications.
- After leaving military service, Jonathan decided to focus on his education, choosing a liberal arts program with a counterterrorism concentration aimed at potential employment with the Three Letter Agencies.
- An opportunity arose when Jonathan joined Waste Management (WM) as an Account Executive, where he developed a keen interest in the corporate world.
- Rather than conforming to the MBA mold, Jonathan opted for Johnson & Wales University's Master of Science in Finance program to set himself apart in the logistics hauling company.
- Demonstrating resilience and dedication, Jonathan managed to balance his intensive academic coursework, full-time job, and family commitments.
- Jonathan's military training instilled in him invaluable skills that served him well in the corporate world, such as working effectively in a team and making swift decisions under pressure.
- The fierce competition and demanding nature of the Marine Corps developed Jonathan's competitive spirit and drive to succeed both personally and professionally.
- To maintain harmony in his life, Jonathan adheres to a strict routine, dedicating mornings to academic work and the rest of the day to work and leisure activities.
- On weekends, Jonathan prioritizes leisure activities to ensure his studies don't interfere with his family and social life.
- The Master of Science in Finance program at Johnson & Wales University has provided Jonathan with the skills to make informed, data-driven decisions for his company.
- With aspirations to ascend to leadership positions in the financial sector, Jonathan utilizes his education to build a promising future.
- Jonathan emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, organization, and commitment to excel in all aspects of life, from academics to professional pursuits, relationships, and self-care.
- The rigors of the Master of Science in Finance program present significant challenges, but Jonathan encourages those ready for the challenge to pursue their dreams with determination and a strong work ethic.
- Achieving a balance between academic pursuits, work, family life, and personal hobbies is crucial for Jonathan, as it enables him to excel in all areas without sacrificing any component.
- Jonathan's remarkable trajectory highlights the value of perseverance, self-discipline, and resilience in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in both the military and corporate worlds.
- The lessons Jonathan learned in the Marine Corps have served him well in the corporate world, teaching him the importance of integrity, leadership, and problem-solving.
- The Master of Science in Finance program has equipped Jonathan with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex world of accounting, operations, and finance.
- The combination of Jonathan's military background and his financial education makes him an invaluable asset to the business world, where his strategic thinking and analytical skills are in high demand.
- By choosing Johnson & Wales University, Jonathan gained access to a diverse range of resources and support, empowering him to excel academically despite the challenges he faced.
- Jonathan's journey serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.
- The acquisition of new skills and knowledge in the Master of Science in Finance program has prepared Jonathan for a future in venture capital, real estate, stock market investing, and wealth management.
- With his sights set on making a lasting impact in the financial sector, Jonathan continues to invest in his personal growth and combine his military experiences with his financial education to create a successful and fulfilling career.
- The culinary, interior-design, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, dining, lifestyle, outdoor-living, home-and-garden, home-improvement, beverages, sustainable-living, budgeting, technology, and gardening sectors all present opportunities for Jonathan to apply his financial expertise and generate innovative solutions.
- By prioritizing family-dynamics and seeking a balanced approach to life, Jonathan ensures that his loved ones are never neglected, establishing a harmonious foundation for long-term success and happiness.
