Ellen Jordan

Video Transcript

Hi, I'm Ellen. I'm forty-four years old. I'm a project manager for Midland Steel Company, I live in St. Joseph, Missouri, and I'm a Wildcat. As a project manager for the steel fabrication in the buildings, I try to make sure that all the different entities that comprise our part of the building, all are coordinated, so that everything happens when it is supposed to and the steel gets put up when the schedule dictates.

Why K-State?

I found out about the distance program at K-State. I'm like, This is something I can do that's not going to be disruptive to my personal life, that I can handle with being a mother and having a full-time career. Still being able to go to school and do that—it was something that seemed like it was going to be very doable for me.

Was distance education intimidating?

In the work force, on a day-to-day basis, I deal with people all over the world to pull off a project. And we do so much by phone, and even more now with e-mail and Internet, and transferring digital transfer drawings and different things. It just seemed like an extension of what normally happens in day-to-day work life.

How did you balance work, school, and family?

When I went through the program, I took one class a semester and it took me six years to get through the program. My children were still younger, so they weren't involved in a lot of activities and they went to bed fairly early and I would have a couple hours where I could watch video tapes. I tried to do that two to three times during the week.

How did your degree change your life?

I've stayed in the same job after I graduated, so I haven't really changed jobs or done anything different there, but one thing it has allowed me to do differently with a master's degree is teach the construction engineering classes on a part-time basis at Missouri Western. One of the things I like about teaching is it brings a different experience to the students in the classroom. They see a lot of the instructors that are in the academic setting all the time, but those of us who are in the business world can bring them an entirely different experience and a different perspective on things that are going on actually out in the world that they will be in after they graduate.

Would you recommend K-State's Program?

Yes, I would definitely recommend the program at K-State to others. It was a very positive experience for me and it was something that was very doable, having a busy lifestyle.

Quick Facts about the Engineering Management Master's Degree Program

Degree: Master's
Description: Concentration in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, or software engineering or engineering management
Course delivery: Online
Application requirements: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields with 3.0 minimum GPA on last 60 credits. May require specific undergraduate courses*.
Completion requirements: 30-33 credit hours with 3.0 minimum GPA; *See website for complete listing.

Master's Degree in Engineering Management
St. Joseph, Missouri

As a project manager for a steel company and a working mom, Ellen wanted to earn a master's in engineering management to improve her communication skills. As a bonus, after completing her master's program, she discovered a way she could give back to her industry – teaching construction engineering courses part-time at Missouri Western University.