JEFF MUSTARD
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT STUDENT, BGSU
INTERN, KWEST GROUP
You were a submarine sonar technician for the Navy. Now you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction management at BGSU. Why transition to civilian life and go back to school?
I believe that every eligible service member or veteran who wants to better themselves and obtain an education, should utilize [the GI bill]. It’s extremely valuable. If that didn’t exist, I don’t see how I could have really pursued school, at least not to the degree that I am right now.
And I knew that anything I pursued would be an overlap with my military training. The attention to detail; the rigorous mindsets that you have to inherit; the maintenance of discipline; all those sorts of things carry over into many career fields. I chose construction management specifically because its ROI is very practical. You get the opportunity for a good, high-paying career that you have the ability to move up in the command structure of your organization. And you know that what you’re doing is tangible and has real world effects. You’re building something that you can witness.
You’re also an intern at Kwest Group. Why pursue that as well?
I wanted to find an internship that I could practice my career. If you’re going for a PM position or project coordinator, you need that experience. I was seeking a professional and encouraging, growth-oriented culture. And Bryan [the student representative for the Veterans of America organization on campus] said he’s seen several veterans go to Kwest Group and that he couldn’t recommend them enough.
I’m currently working with Kwest through school. I’m definitely sticking with them.
Why do you think it’s important that people see stories like yours and understand it’s never too late to chase a dream or start something new? And why is construction such a conducive industry for success in that arena?
Mine’s not the traditional story, but it truly is never too late. I see a lot of people get discouraged with where their life is or where it’s heading or where they’ve been. It’s just about making the decision to move forward and chase something new, and there’s no one stopping you except for you. I consider myself to be extremely blessed and oftentimes I used to wonder, why am I so blessed? But it’s really because I take calculated risks and then I’m rewarded for those risks. That’s really what it comes down to: just taking action.
Construction’s an extremely objective industry. The effort that you put in gets noticed. Attention to detail gets noticed. So, if you put effort in, and you’re rewarded for that effort, then all of a sudden you start wanting to put more effort in, and you get rewarded even more—it’s compounding.
Between your studies, your work and your family, if you ever have any free time, how do you spend it?
Number one: I love hanging out with my family. And I love playing with my kids and watching them grow. Personally, I like to do a lot of hiking, backpacking and hunting, and projects around the house. I’ve helped my dad remodel a few houses over the years. We’re in the process of selling one right now.
Do you have a favorite college sport to watch or team to support?
I don’t get the chance to watch sports very often, but I do watch the Ohio State-Michigan football game every year. And how could I not support Navy?
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