Alex Martin

STUDENT, Master of science in  SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Alex Martin is a nontraditional student – after his first attempt at college, he had to drop out and start working to pay bills. He started his career at AT&T and has been there for over 15 years.

In 2018, after years of being coached and mentored to consider a college degree for his personal fulfillment and growth, he enrolled at Indiana University East in their online program. This was his first experience with asynchronous learning, and I loved it. It fit his busy schedule and allowed him to accomplish his educational goals while still making a difference at his company. He graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. Now, he is one semester away from a master's degree… and isn't ready to stop!

Why he enrolled in the program:

First, it was convenient. Second, it was passion. I always wanted to be an engineer. As a child, I dreamed of making a difference and designing things. Systems Engineering was a unique degree offered to AT&T employees to grow the skills of the future, and it met me where I wanted to be in personal and professional growth.

His experience with online learning: 

This is my second experience [getting a degree with] online learning, and I love it!

It has been adaptable and easy to fit into my busy life. The degree is built around working adults and enables us to be successful in our academic life and our personal lives.

On how this degree has played a part in his employment:

Yes, it has, I sought the degree for the critical thinking and design skills, but the focus in requirements and communicating with stakeholders is something I was immediately able to apply to my position as a project manager. Sometimes, very technical things come across my plate, and being able to discern needs and help communicate those needs into requirements that can be used, is a huge boost to my skillset.

On whether he has the support he needs:

Absolutely, my family, friends and my professors are very supportive. Open communication enables your support system to manifest and assist as needed.

What he would say to prospective online students:

It’s an intense but fulfilling program, and it marks the second time that I see things in a different lens. The first time was being exposed to continuous process improvement methods for the first time, like Six Sigma. The second time was my Systems Engineering course work.

On whether he would enroll in this program again if he had to do things over: 

Absolutely, I have goals to continue a lot more learning at UTEP – it’s a great university, with great faculty and a wonderful campus. If you are online, you must visit it – and in person, take in the beauty of El Paso!