Each month Atkins University puts the spotlight on one student and their perspective on the university learning experience. These stories offer a glimpse into how students connect professionally, and often personally, with our continuing education program. This month meet Glenn Goldstein.

When hectic schedules, high expectations, and desire for continuous improvement collide with our need for a more harmonious, stress-free life we look for ways to strike a better work/life balance. Glenn Goldstein, Atkins University’s Student of the Month, has found that balance, and is improving his work performance and increasing his personal and professional accountability as well.

Goldstein, a senior engineer in the Transportation service, is based in the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) office in Austin, Texas. He began his career in October 2001, working in the structural engineering group designing bridges, tunnels, and runways.  With a masters in structural engineering from the University of Texas and the professional engineer credential under his belt, Goldstein’s work focus is on program development activities for the CTRMA project, and providing project support to the construction management group for a flyover project. Still, Goldstein found that Atkins University’s courses fit right into his substantial workload, professional goals, and personal commitments. “Education is something that benefits everyone and is available to us as our schedules permit,” Goldstein noted.

Since Goldstein is studying for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, he naturally focused on that area of study, but he also included courses on scheduling, budgets, and team management in his plan.  “These courses have helped to sharpen my project management skills and learn the roles that I’m currently filling,” Goldstein said.

“School teaches you the basic skills you need to secure gainful employment. These courses teach the process that supports those basic skills, and then teaches you how to apply what you’ve learned to the job,” Goldstein stated.  “Though there isn’t one specific course I can say is best, I would have to say the PMP exam prep has been the most valuable to me,” he continued. “Effective communication is critical in every aspect of our lives. As a technical professional I often bury myself in my work and do what’s necessary to get the job done.  Through these courses I’ve learned how to manage my project proactively and open the lines of communication with my clients.  I’m trying to make the transition from engineer to manager, and these courses have helped me learn the formal processes to do exactly that,” he noted.

Eric Ploch, Principal Project Director and Goldstein’s supervisor, is impressed with his accomplishments.  “Glenn has a lot on his plate here at work and at home as a new dad,” Ploch shared.  “He’s found a way to spend quality time with his family while completing training and growing professionally. He’s a great teammate and the training he’s completed has definitely contributed to his professionalism here at work. I hope this will encourage others to take the same initiative,” Ploch concluded. 

“If you have time to browse the internet or read the newspaper you have time to start or maybe even complete a University course,” Goldstein shared. It’s your life. It’s your career.  Let Atkins University help find the balance that is right for you.

Congratulate Glenn Goldstein at +1 (512) 327-6840 ext. 444-3251