Jett Sutton’s Playbook for Success
By Victoria Wu
Jett Sutton, a standout student-athlete at the University of North Dakota, who’s excelling both on the football field and as a finance major at the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration. From balancing athletics and academics to staying motivated through challenges, Jett shares his insights and experiences in this exclusive spotlight.
About Jett Sutton
Jett is from Kansas City, Missouri, and is currently a junior majoring in finance. Beyond the classroom and football field, Jett is actively involved in Dakota Venture Group, the first student-run venture capital fund in the nation. In his free time, Jett enjoys watching sports and movies, hanging out with friends, and exercising—activities that help him unwind from his busy schedule.
Balancing Football and Academics
How does Jett manage the dual demands of being a student-athlete and a Nistler business student? For him, it’s all about time management and discipline.
“Following a structured schedule and making the most of the time between classes and meetings has helped me stay on top of my schoolwork while staying prepared on the field,” he shares. His approach ensures that he excels in both areas without compromising on performance.
Lessons in Growth and Resilience
The combination of being a football player and a finance major has significantly shaped Jett’s personal growth.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires consistent effort and a focus on long-term goals,” he says. The challenges of balancing both roles have instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience, qualities he believes are essential for success in all aspects of life.
Football, in particular, has taught him the importance of teamwork and communication, skills that translate seamlessly into group projects and professional settings. These experiences have helped him develop a growth-oriented mindset, preparing him for both academic and athletic challenges.
Time Management Tips
Jett emphasizes the importance of effective time management for student-athletes striving to stay organized and productive. He suggests maximizing less hectic days, such as the NCAA-mandated off-day, to focus on completing schoolwork and getting ahead for the week. Leveraging technology, like calendar and reminder apps on your phone, can also help keep you on track during demanding weeks. Additionally, Jett highlights the value of building a support network by studying with classmates. This not only fosters accountability but also creates a collaborative environment for tackling assignments and preparing for exams. Together, these strategies help balance the demanding schedules of academics and athletics.
Q&A with Jett:
If you could have dinner with any business leader or professional athlete, who would it be and why?
If given the chance, Jett would love to sit down with Elon Musk and Marshawn Lynch.
“Elon Musk’s wide range of business endeavors is inspiring, and I’d love to learn from his accomplishments,” Jett shares.
As for Marshawn Lynch, Jett admires not only his football legacy but also his business acumen. “He’s a successful businessman with an impressive investment portfolio, and he was one of my favorite players growing up.”
How do you stay motivated during tough times, whether it’s a difficult game or a challenging business course?
“It’s easy to feel motivated at the start of a new semester or before a big game, but it’s discipline that carries you through tough times,” he reflects. Jett views difficult periods as opportunities for personal growth, which has helped him embrace and appreciate challenges throughout his college career.
What’s your go-to pump-up song before a big game? Does it change depending on your mood or the importance of the game?
When it comes to getting game-day ready, Jett relies on upbeat, catchy music to help him stay calm and loose. Favorites like U.G.K by Lucki and Sorry Not Sorry by Veeze are often on repeat.
While the mood of the game doesn’t change his playlist, Jett emphasizes that every game is an opportunity for him and his teammates to grow and excel together!
