Watson's background includes teaching at both the high school and college level and 10 years of business experience.
He was subsequently attached to the 1st Civil Affairs Group at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
In February 2008, he deployed to Fallujah with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force as part of the United States involvement in Iraq.
[10] As of June 6, 2022, Watson continues to serve as the Executive Director of the Illinois Petroleum Council.
His other committee assignments include Financial Institutions, Elementary & Secondary Education, Telecommunications, Public Utilities (Republican Spokesperson), Gaming, and State Government Administration.