Career Path in an Unfamiliar Place

Boise State Alum finds success serving with U.S. Marine Corps

When Brian Garretson graduated from Boise State University in 2016, he, like many other Broncos before him, looked toward to a bright future with endless opportunities. His communications and business management degrees could have landed him positions in either a nonprofit organization or the corporate business world. Instead, Brian sought career opportunities in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“If you want something you’ve never had before, you have to be willing to do something you’ve never done before. As someone with virtually no military experience or knowledge, I embarked on this career with nothing other than the drive to pursue opportunity through challenge and a sense of patriotism to serve our country,” Brian said.

In the short six-plus years since he was commissioned, Brian earned officer status as a captain serving in the 1st Battalion and 11th Marines in Camp Pendleton and is currently serving in Okinawa, Japan where he is working with the III Marine Expeditionary Force. He also earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University.

He is awaiting orders for his next assignment, with plans to continue serving his country.

“I have been reluctant to explore any other path that would deviate from this unplanned expedition, for what I gained has proven invaluable,” Brian said. “The sense of purpose, disciplined foundation, and unmatched experiences retain my determination for continued service. The people, junior and senior alike, who have trusted, challenged, and molded me are also a driving force that keeps me focused on serving and supporting this institution and our country.”

Regardless of his next assignment, Brian says the foundation for his career success today is rooted in his time at Boise State where he served in leadership positions for the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) and as a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

“As I reflect on my past experiences, I can attribute almost all of my career to the foundation that Boise State helped me build. Between the brotherhood gained from Greek Life, the leadership experience tried and challenged from ASBSU, and the ability to effectively communicate I learned in and out of the classroom, I certainly left Boise State prepared for the next chapter,” he said.Brian Garretson

Today, Brian looks forward to his continued service, and new opportunities, all while reflecting on how blessed he is to be on the path that led him to where he is today.

“The Marine Corps is a brother and sisterhood in its own right. It is an incredible warfighting organization built on honor, courage, and commitment. Historically and currently, the Marine Corps remains engaged and committed to protecting our nation and allies from the adversary. It is a privilege to be stationed in Okinawa as there’s no better place to serve with the world’s finest fighting force other than the first island chain in the Pacific,” Brian said.Brian Garretson

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