Andrew Abbott

Andrew Abbott has previously earned a bachelors degree in education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Andrew is currently enrolled at Jefferson Community and Technical College to further his education in welding. Andrew has been a part of the Metropolitan College program since Fall 2022.

Currently, Andrew works as a Package Handler at UPS. He has previously served as a Supervisor for the School to Work students. Andrew talks very positively about his experiences at UPS and their School to Work employees. Andrew has a constant positive attitude and takes his responsibilities seriously. 

Andrew has a passion for cycling. He was previously a member of the USA Cycling Team, competing with USA Olympic athletes. When he was a student at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Andrew created and coached their cycling team. Now, Andrew likes to make bikes.

This spring, Andrew was chosen as the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Metropolitan College Student Award, an award that recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, work-life balance, and academic success. 

As for next steps, Andrew would either like to continue his education at Jefferson Community and Technical College and get a degree in aircraft maintenance, or enroll at the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering. Either way, Andrew would like to use his education to further his career at UPS.

Learn more about Andrew Abbott in this MC Spotlight Q&A Interview 

Why did you decide to participate in the MC program?
It is an awesome opportunity that is simply hard to pass up.

How has working at UPS contributed to your personal and professional growth?
I would say the area that I have grown the most is my ability to lead. You have to communicate your expectations and encourage those around you to execute safely, take responsibility and thrive. You have to be able to read the room and lead accordingly. UPS is a fast paced environment that is ever changing. It is a huge operation with a lot of moving parts. As a leader you have to understand the big picture and connect all the dots. Understanding all the inner working components will allow you to pivot when things do not always go according to plan. Due to it being a fast paced environment, things can quickly become overwhelming for your employees. Therefore, you must understand that every second is an opportunity to learn and then teach. As a leader you have to give your people the time and respect they deserve. Share everything that you know. If you can make the big picture make sense to them they will than gain that knowledge and become influential and empowered.

In the little time as a supervisor, I made it one of my goals to encourage my employees to become supervisors themselves. If you allow them to take on responsibility and therefore they start achieving shared goals it will build their confidence. Always give praise and acknowledgment and they will grow a sense of belonging. I am happy to say that a lot of my past employees are current supervisors. That is what it is all about.

What advice do you have for prospective and current students in the MC program?
Do not be shy! The Metro College Program's staff members are always available. They have been an influential part of my achievements in the program. I could not have done it without them.

The MC website also is a powerful tool that houses awesome resources that are easy to navigate. They have so many features that help you plan and stay on track.

What are your hobbies and interests?
If you knew me before COVID and my time in the Metro College Program, then you knew I was a running and cycling machine. It is a goal of mine to re-qualify for Boston and maybe even go after an Olympic standard time in the Marathon. I have a long way to go to get back at that level, but I have never been more eager to achieve those goals. Beyond running I want to cycle across Iceland soon. I have cycled across more than 40 countries so far and Iceland is next.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in life?
To have the ability to not ever be afraid to take risks and do things that might have been recognized as unconventional. Quite the noise and just go for it.

What is an interesting or fun fact about yourself?
I've ridden bikes with both President Bush and President Obama.

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We are proud of our current students and alumni and their incredible accomplishments! The MC Spotlight is a way for us to highlight the amazing things our current students and alumni are doing. As you read their stories, you will learn how their Metropolitan College experiences helped to shape their futures and influence their careers.

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