25 years ago, Daniel Jones was laid off from his job and as he began searching for a new one, his wife informed him that her uncle worked at BYU Continuing Education (CE) in the Information Technology (IT) department. Jones applied for a job, was interviewed, and was hired as a report writer for software systems and, 25 years later, is still working at CE, now as a web application developer.
However, Jones's first interaction with CE came before he joined the organization as an employee. As a teenager, he attended a youth conference through BYU, which he believes was organized through CE. "I suspect that was one of my earliest interactions with Continuing Education,” he said. At that time, he was simply a participant, unaware that one day it would plant the seed that would later define his career.
When he first started working at CE, Jones was glad to be at work again, but after some time working here, he realized there was something more. "I was just happy to be employed, and it'd be a place where I knew it was going to be good,” Jones explained. “One of the things I appreciated is that a lot of what I'd experienced in previous jobs in corporate America and the typical problems you have there and annoyances just weren't here."
Jones also highlighted another difference between CE and other workplaces: the integration of gospel principles. “To be able to work for the Church and in CES, specifically in Continuing Education, is just a great place to be,” he said. "When I'm having a challenge or something frustrating at work, I can pray about it. And other people in other businesses can do that, but here it's just normal."
One of the reasons Jones has chosen to continue working at CE for so long is that he believes in its mission and impact. "What we do here matters and makes a big difference in people's lives,” he asserted. Working in IT, Jones mentioned he doesn’t always get to see the direct impact, but occasionally it does trickle back to him. "The little part that I have in this makes a difference. And it's for a greater good that really impacts people's lives."
Jones also highlighted that the Savior is always at the center of what is trying to be accomplished at CE. "We are always trying to follow the principles and teachings that the Savior taught and gave us. And as a business, that's not normal." But Jones noted that following the Savior, it changes the way everything is. "We value each other... We value our customers, and really, we're trying to put together the best programs to make a difference."
After 25 years at CE, Jones is convinced that its greatest strength is its people and purpose. While his role has evolved and changed over time, Jones' opportunity to contribute to programs that bless people’s lives has helped him find greater meaning in his work. As he reflects on his time at CE, Jones offers a simple explanation for why everything is so worthwhile: "As a group of BYU Continuing Education, we're really looking to change people's lives and make that difference and draw them close to the Savior. And so the work we do is important and fulfilling and great."