Sometimes the most rewarding careers begin with an unexpected opportunity.
As an undergraduate at BYU, Bob Ure never imagined he would spend his career in technology. His original plan was to become a doctor. But late in his undergraduate studies, he took a part-time job at WordPerfect, one of the original tech companies, where he worked in IT swapping backup tapes.
“That introduced me to technology and grew into a career I couldn’t have imagined,” Ure said.
That first job sparked a fascination with technology's ability to solve real-world problems. For Ure, technology has always been about more than the tools themselves.
“I love how technology can be used to solve personal, social, or business problems,” he said. “While technology on its own is cool, the way it can make the world around us a better place is what attracted me the most.”
Over the years, Ure built an impressive career that spans startups and global corporations alike. After returning to BYU to earn his MBA, he held positions at Hewlett-Packard, a startup in the Java management space, Mercury Interactive, and Oracle.
Many of the experiences that shaped his career came from stepping into the unknown.
“I took a job in IT with no IT experience, moved across the country to New Hampshire to start a company with people I had no history with, and moved into marketing roles after several technical positions,” he said.
He also credits his experiences working across startups, acquisitions, Fortune 50 companies, and international organizations with broadening his perspective and helping him better understand people, cultures, and organizations.
Now, Ure is bringing those experiences back to BYU.
His connection to the university runs deep. At the beginning of BYU's MBA program years ago, President Henry B. Eyring delivered the keynote address. The experience left a lasting impression.
“I had a strong impression then that coming back to BYU was something I should pursue later in life,” Ure said.
Today, he serves as the Director of Information Systems Career Management in the Business Career Center (BCC), where he helps students prepare for internships and launch successful careers.
“What drew me to the current role is the opportunity to help fuel the success of a new generation of information systems leaders in an environment where my experience and the guidance of the Spirit can work together,” he said. “It's an honor.”
Through the BCC, Ure works with students on career strategy, résumé development, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation, and internship and full-time placement. He also helps connect students directly with employers and professional contacts.
What excites him most about joining the Information Systems Department is the people.
“The interaction I get to have with such stellar students and peers is what excites me the most,” he said. “I learn from both groups every day, and they help me raise my game as I continue to learn and grow.”
He is also eager to leverage his industry experience and professional network to keep IS placement strong.
Beyond technical skills, Ure hopes students leave BYU with a broader perspective about their careers and their purpose.
“My hope is students get a sense that getting a job is part of a bigger plan and to be open to what that plan is for them,” he said. “Heavenly Father needs Christlike leaders in all kinds of roles and all over the world.”
His advice for students entering the job market is straightforward: “Work as hard at getting a job as you worked to get A's in class, always be hopeful, and be open-minded to all kinds of roles and locations.”
Outside of work, Ure enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, backpacking, fly-fishing, road biking, and skiing. He also loves traveling, particularly to Europe and anywhere that offers new experiences.
Students may be surprised to learn that he has biked several stages of the Tour de France and even ran a 10K on the Great Wall of China.
One of his favorite books, Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose, reflects the adventurous mindset that has guided his own journey.
“It reminds me to be curious, take risks, and never stop exploring.”
As he begins this new chapter at BYU, Ure is helping students do exactly that—explore possibilities, embrace opportunities, and confidently take the next step in their own journeys.