Walter Cummings, MSEM ‘24

Walter Cummings

MSEM ‘24

Virginia Beach, VA

Finding His Destiny Thanks to UMT

From 2021 to 2024, I pursued my master’s degree in engineering management at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), a period that profoundly shaped both my professional and personal journey. Entering the program with years of engineering experience, I sought to blend technical expertise with strategic leadership and project management insight. The coursework challenged me to think critically about efficiency, innovation, and the human element in managing large-scale engineering projects.

There were moments of difficulty—balancing deadlines, research, and personal commitments—but perseverance and faith carried me through. During this time, I often reflected on the timeless words: “I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” These words reminded me that success is not merely a product of strength or intellect, but of patience, grace, and opportunity. 

By the time I completed my degree in 2024, I had gained more than an academic qualification—I had developed resilience, wisdom, and a deeper appreciation for leadership grounded in humility and purpose. My journey at the University of Management and Technology became a testimony that time and chance indeed shape every man’s destiny under the sun.