Jared Fryksdale
Jared Fryksdale
Class Year
’10
Current home
Chicago, Illinois
Major(s)
International Political Economy and Economics
Current Position
Vice president at Cresco Labs
Jared Fryksdale graduated from Carthage in 2010 with majors in international political economy and economics. Mr. Fryskdale currently works for Cresco Labs in Chicago, Ill. as the vice president.
Some of the highlights from his time at Carthage are meeting his wife, learning how to defend his approaches, and traveling for J-Term. Mr. Fryksdale credits many professors with his success and uses the knowledge he gained at Carthage every day in his career.
How did Carthage prepare you?
“The interdisciplinary courses and nature of the liberal arts approach at Carthage really helped me to develop a systems thinking approach critical to the workplace. Moreover, interacting with faculty, classmates, and friends from student organizations really prepared me for working with others and understanding their perspectives.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“Understanding how law, government, and business intersect is critical in my role, in human resources, and for business success. Being able to analyze a given problem and think through the impact on the business, regulatory frameworks, and most importantly, the impact on people is a vital process that the liberal arts approach has instilled.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I had a few cousins that went to Carthage, so I was always familiar with it. However, I happened to visit a few times and just felt it was the right fit for me. Also, as a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions, I always joked that I didn’t know too many 19-year-olds with lakefront views like Carthage has.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“Because of Carthage, I have had the opportunity to explore other thoughts and cultures and to expand my perspective. For instance, during my time at Carthage, I was able to travel during a J-Term trip to China, study multiple viewpoints and subjects, and become a more well-rounded individual. These experiences left me more open to trying new things.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“I credit many faculty members for preparing me for post-Carthage life. There are many days where I use approaches from my finance courses with Professor Ron Cronovich or macroeconomic analysis techniques from my courses with Professor Brent McClintock or defend my approaches as I did in my courses with Professor Art Cyr. My minor in political science has helped me think through issues in my professional life that I learned and discussed with Professor Jerry Mast and Professor John Marshall. Nearly every day I think through an issue where the principles I see I first saw when attending Carthage.”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“In many ways, it impacts my daily life: Being honest with yourself when seeking truth and being able to see the flaws in your own thinking. Building strength by defending your ideas in the face of criticism and feedback. Finally, recognizing that you can serve others and create good by always reminding yourself of the human impact of what you do on a daily basis.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Some of my favorite Carthage memories were, of course, meeting my wife. But I also cherish the experiences with others like going to China, joining a fraternity, and doing nothing in particular but being around good friends. The genuinely good-natured people, faculty, staff, and students are really what have shaped me. In 2010, I had a health scare, and so many members of the Carthage community had an impact on my recovery.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“There is no one singular moment or credential that determines your success; rather, it’s about building relationships and trying to gain a better understanding of yourself and your world. Do that, and you will have a great experience, not only at Carthage.”