MC Spotlight: Dustin Weber

“The best career advice that I have ever received was given to me by a frontline supervisor on my very first day at UPS”, said Metropolitan College alum, Dustin Weber. Weber’s frontline supervisor expressed to him that "if you approach [this job] with a good attitude, it makes all the difference." Having a positive attitude is a key factor to succeeding in all areas of life and these words of wisdom have proven to be especially true for Weber.

Weber was introduced to the Metropolitan College program as a high school senior at Evangel Christian School (Louisville, KY) through the UPS School to Work program. Through the UPS School to Work program, Weber attended high school in the morning, worked at UPS as a package handler from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and earned college credit hours through Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC)

After graduating salutatorian of his high school class in May 2008, Weber promoted to frontline supervisor at UPS and continued his studies at JCTC through the UPS Earn and Learn program. Weber graduated from JCTC in May 2012 with an Associate in Arts degree with distinction for academic excellence. Afterwards, Weber went on to attend the University of Louisville (UofL) where he joined the Metropolitan College program working nights to receive a tuition-free post-secondary education

In May 2013, Weber graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Arts in English. To this day, Weber proclaims that his proudest accomplishment in life thus far has been participating in the Metropolitan College program and graduating from college debt-free. “Thanks to UPS, I was able to graduate college debt-free, develop valuable leadership skills, and create friendships that will last forever,” said Weber.

After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Weber taught middle and high school English at Evangel Christian School for a couple of years, while also continuing to work nights at UPS. In July 2016, Weber moved on from UPS and accepted a gainful employment position with Ops Plus, Inc., an official Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) contractor; he was hired on permanently with the company within seven months.

Today, Weber works at LG&E as an Engineer Design Technician in which he coordinates the completion of new gas construction projects with multiple groups while upholding company regulations and scope of work with all parties involved. “The most rewarding part of the work that I do is organizing a project to see that it is completed in the most efficient manner possible, all while striving to ensure customer service,” said Weber.

Weber acknowledged that, “Having the management experience at UPS helped me to develop leadership skills to deal with stressful situations, employees, and customers.” In the next five years, Weber sees himself continuing to be a part of LG&E and actively involved in community outreach ministry.

Weber shared that mentors were paramount to his career success and professional development. Weber remarked:

Weber recently decided to volunteer to be a mentor for the Metropolitan College Online Career Guide Program, a new career development initiative which connects current students and recent graduates with experienced professionals for valuable career advice and one-time feedback on their resume, LinkedIn profile, and online career portfolio. Weber looks forward to connecting with students through the Online Career Guide Program.

Weber concluded the interview by sharing, “I am very thankful for the opportunities I had in the Metropolitan College program and at UPS. If given the chance to choose that route again, knowing what I know on the other side of it, I would definitely choose it again.”

Learn more about Dustin Weber’s Metropolitan College experience and career advice in this Q&A.

Q: What professional skills and qualities do you find to be most valuable in the workplace and why?

I find that there are many professional skills needed to be valuable in the workplace, beyond one's specialized field of study. Time management, critical decision making, leadership ability, teamwork, and effective communication are all very important to be valuable in the workforce, no matter what role one may have. In addition, kindness and respect go a long way when working with others and being a part of a team.

Q: How has your degree or credential shaped your career or supported your success? How have you applied it to your field?

My degree and career experience has supported my success by giving me the tools necessary to be a critical thinker and problem solver. This is made easier by my ability to effectively communicate on various mediums while relating to customers and team members from all walks of life.

Q: What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your field?

I would advise those who are interested in going into management or project coordinating, to evaluate themselves and be certain that they love to work with people. It will take a passion to work with people and a lot of patience in order to be successful and not be frustrated with this field.

Q: What were your biggest challenge as a MC participant? What contributed to your success with balancing academic, work, and personal life?

The most difficult challenge as a MC participant is managing a hectic schedule and maintaining endurance by staying focused on the end goal. My mother contributed to my success with balancing academic, work, and a personal life. She helped me to manage a hectic schedule in so many ways: from helping make sure I ate healthy, got enough rest, and maintained a work/life balance.

Q: What advice do you have for incoming MC participants who want to make the most out of the program?

My advice to incoming participants is to prepare yourself in every area of your life by understanding what will be required of you to succeed in the program. Be sure your support structure (family, friends, counselors, etc.) are also aware of the requirements that you will accept. Finally, be willing to sacrifice certain areas in order to succeed.

Q: What is your Favorite Quote/ Life Motto?

'If you find something you love to do, you'll never work a day in your life."

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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.

We are always on the lookout for inspiring MC Spotlight stories. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing a story with us, contact us at askmetro@kctcs.edu.

Note: At Metropolitan College, we consider our alumni anyone who has ever completed coursework and received tuition benefits with us.