Student Spotlight

Eric Charlick

Fresno, CA

Achieving Balance and Real-World Impact: Success in Family, Career, and Education

Eric Charlick (MPA '24), a dedicated law enforcement professional with a full-time job and a busy family life, embarked on his educational journey at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) after discovering the institution at a professional event. "I had the opportunity to speak with a UMT representative at their booth; they provided me with valuable information about the programs they offered," Eric shared. This initial encounter piqued his interest, leading him to look into UMT as a serious option for advancing his education.

One of the key factors that influenced Eric's decision to enroll was the support he received from UMT's Admissions office. "My Admission's counselor answered all of my questions and made me feel confident that UMT was the right fit," he recalled. This personal touch made UMT stand out among other schools he considered. Moreover, the flexibility of UMT's coursework was essential for Eric, who balances his studies with professional and family responsibilities, including raising his seven- and ten-year-old children. "I needed a program that wouldn’t require me to choose between furthering my education and family time while working full-time. UMT provided that balance," he explained.

As Eric pursued his Master of Public Administration (MPA), he soon recognized the degree's potential impact on his career. "I now have the qualification to apply for part-time college teaching jobs. It also gives me more credibility in my profession," he stated, expressing his excitement about the new opportunities that lay ahead. A notable application of his UMT learning came during discussions at work about whether to continue using a costly system that was failing to meet their needs. "I utilized what I learned in the project management class to educate the group on the 'sunk costs,' which ultimately helped the team realize that continuing to invest in the system wasn’t the best option. Ultimately, we decided not to renew the contract," Eric shared. This experience underscored the practical value of his education and how it directly influenced decision-making in his job.

Throughout his UMT experience, Eric appreciated several aspects of the program. "The feedback from the instructors was very helpful and assisted me in fully comprehending the material," he noted. He also found the UMT online learning platform, Moodle, to be user-friendly, enabling him to focus on his coursework without unnecessary distractions. Eric is grateful for the supportive environment UMT provided, allowing him to pursue his education without sacrificing his career or family life.

"Discovering UMT was a turning point for me. The supportive Admissions Counselor guided me through the process, and the flexible coursework allowed me to balance my studies with my family life. Obtaining my MPA not only enhances my credibility in my profession, but also opens doors for future opportunities, including part-time teaching. My education has already made a tangible impact at work, demonstrating the real-world applicability of what I’ve learned."


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