Student Spotlight

Charles Kirkpatrick

Tampa, FL

Building an IT Leadership Future with UMT's Career-Focused Programs

For Charles Kirkpatrick (MSIT '24, BSIT '15), the University of Management and Technology (UMT) offered an academic path tailored to his demanding career and personal life. His journey with UMT began in 2013 while stationed overseas, thanks to a recommendation from a colleague. "Back then, online education was still relatively new, and UMT stood out as a front-runner," he recalled. "The self-paced nature of the courses and the variety of programs they offered made it an easy choice."

Balancing work, life, and academics was no small feat for Charles, who served 22 years in active duty and was a senior enlisted leader when he started the program. Deployments often disrupted his studies, and transitioning out of the military in 2022 brought its own set of challenges. Yet, UMT's flexible and supportive structure helped him stay on track. "What drew me to UMT was how accommodating they were," he said. "The ability to adjust my coursework to fit my unpredictable schedule, and even take breaks when life got overwhelming, made all the difference." This adaptability allowed Charles to pursue his education steadily over the years.

Charles's education at UMT has had a profound impact on his career trajectory. After retiring from the military, he secured a position as an IT Project Manager, where he regularly applies the knowledge gained from his coursework. "My degree gave me the qualifications I needed to work as an IT project manager," he explained. "During job interviews, I was able to demonstrate the skills I gained at UMT, and my current coursework continues to align directly with my job."

Charles found insightful and constructive feedback provided by instructors, particularly in the master's program, impactful and valuable. "The feedback wasn't just about grades—it was meaningful and added real value to my learning," he shared.

In addition to valuable instruction, Charles appreciated the program's affordability and flexibility. These elements contributed to his consistent choice to remain with UMT for both his undergraduate and graduate studies, a decision that employers noticed. "The fact that I stayed with the same school for both degrees showed my dedication, which resonated with employers, " he said with pride.

Besides advancing his career, Charles’s experience at UMT has inspired him to recommend the program to his colleagues and even his employers. “The coursework directly aligns with what I do every day,” he said.

Looking back, Charles attributes much of his academic and professional progress to UMT’s unwavering support and flexibility. With his master's degree nearly complete and the tools he's gained, Charles is ready to continue advancing in his career while inspiring others to pursue their goals.

"UMT's flexibility and support allowed me to balance deployments, life, and career while steadily pursuing my education. The knowledge and skills I gained directly aligned with my IT career and have been instrumental in advancing my career and preparing me for even greater opportunities ahead."


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