CHRISTOPHER ALLEN
PROJECT MANAGER
FROM: Springfield, Missouri
THEN: Master of Science in Project Management – 2017
NOW: Project Manager 1 at Central States Industrial
Career Path:
Christopher’s journey began as a corrections officer for the Greene County Jail. After six years, little to no change in his career advancement, and the birth of his first-born-son, Christopher realized that it was time for a change. It was a turning point for him, “I realized I wanted to be able to provide an extraordinary life for my son. My current stagnancy was not going to allow for that. I had not used my time as a traditional student at Missouri State University wisely from 2000-2005, so I knew some rebuilding would be needed. I went back to OTC to repair the damage and finished a transfer degree that took me once again to MSU.”
Christopher was drawn to the Project Management industry through several factors, the industries strengths, the Technology and Construction Management Department’s success, and the advice of a close friend. The former corrections officer states, “I decided that the Project Management field was the path for me. After further investigation in the accessibility of all of the online coursework, I entered into the fully online, Technology Management program and was graciously given credit for the upper-level coursework from my earlier stint in college. This gave me a head start on finishing this program, and a mind to continue my studies into the graduate level.”
Christopher completed his Bachelor of Science in Technology Management in December 2014. The following summer, he began the Master of Science in Project Management (2017). Mid-way through his Bachelor of Science, Christopher started working with a local stainless fabrication and polishing company (2014-2016). He soon transitioned over to Killian Construction Co. (2016-2018). During his time at Killian Construction, Christopher realized his niche for stainless, so he applied for a posting as PM with Central State Industrial – local design fabrication processing equipment for food and pharmaceuticals. Christopher states, “I am loving every minute and enjoy making near double the pay while having the time and the freedom to enjoy watching my boys grow up.”
Greatest Accomplishment:
Through all of these changes in life, Christopher believes his most significant accomplishment is, “The Master of Science in Project Management from MSU is my crowning achievement so far, although I intend to continue shooting upwards. None of this would have been possible without such a fine university and a fine program.”
How MSU Equipped Christopher For His Career:
Christopher states that the education provided by MSU was a strong foundation for an entry-level position, “The coursework is engaging and difficult, and provided me with a great foundation that makes employers take notice when applying.” Christopher continues to add, “The day to day excellence still has to be learned on the job. But, when it comes to technical details and methods, and job utilities and skills, the TCM programs provide a rich stratum of the tools that will make students highly competitive in the job market.”
Advice for Current Students and Recent Graduates:
“The first important thing, organize yourself. It will help you to succeed in not only the program but in the job field as well. Second, hone your virtual team skills. Even if your future position is based in an office, you will be required to conduct all meetings and correspondence digitally, with team members across town and across the globe. Finally, strongly consider the MS program. If you can power through an additional 2-3 years, the value that MSU/TCM provides in graduate degrees is unprecedented. With my last job hunt, I actually received offers from 2 different companies at the same time. This was a first for me, and I attribute the respect of the MS to those opportunities.”