Randy Marek

“I measure success not just in structures built, but in people developed and values upheld”

Hometown: Geronimo, TX

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve rebuilt infrastructure and renovated lives, whether in uniform, on site, or at home as a dad.

Undergraduate School and Major: American Public University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Weaver and Jacobs Constructors Inc., Project Manager

What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far? My journey has taken me from military service to construction leadership, with fatherhood keeping me grounded.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why?

Aggie. It’s more than a name—it’s a lifelong network, a set of values, and a standard of excellence.

What are one or two key aspects of this program that led you to choose the program, and why were they so important to you?

Flexibility and reputation. As a full-time working parent and project manager, I needed a program that respected my time while still offering academic rigor and national recognition.

What course, club, activity, or experience excites you the most and why?

The Data Analytics course was transformative. It taught me how to extract insights using SQL and Python, turning raw data into strategic decisions I once approached with instinct alone.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

I am currently engaging with the Project Management Institute (PMI) and exploring the Project Management Professional (PMP) framework. The principles of scope control, risk management, and stakeholder alignment directly complement what we’re learning in the MBA program—especially in courses like Operations, Strategy, and Data Analytics. PMI’s resources helped me bring structure to group projects, make clearer decisions, and communicate more effectively under pressure. It’s a valuable foundation for anyone balancing technical execution with strategic thinking.

What are two things you have learned that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

Academic: How powerful data warehousing can be when integrated with operations, it’s a game-changer for forecasting and resource allocation.

Non-academic: That collaboration can thrive virtually. My cohort is diverse, remote, and still incredibly tight-knit.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into your MBA program?

Be genuine in your application—show how your work and life experience shape your goals. And once in, stay disciplined but open. This program gives as much as you put into it.

© Copyright 2025 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.