Meet Ryan
After 25 years of service in the United States Army, Patrick “Ryan” Gallagher decided it was time to leave his military career behind. In 2020, he accepted a civilian position in the Texas Military Department.
Ryan knew his long military career prepared him for this next chapter, but he quickly learned that his civilian counterparts handled daily operations very differently from how he was trained. Although his rucksack was full of lessons learned, he knew he needed more training to better prepare him for his new role in the civilian world.
"It has given me the ability to translate things that I've done in the military into things that people on the civilian side can better understand."
Follow Ryan as he Adds to his Rucksack
Finding the Right Program
Fresh in his role as the Deputy Director of Mobilization for the Texas Military Department, Ryan knew he needed to translate his decades of experience into terms that civilians could more readily relate to.
The Project Management Professional Certificate Program specially designed for soldiers seemed like the perfect training to bridge that gap.
Using Valuable Resources
Led by Garry Patterson, a retired U.S. Army Colonel with decades of experience in the civilian sector on top of his 30 years of military service, the Project Management Professional course is open to active duty service members and spouses, reservists and veterans.
Through the Army's Credentialing Assistance, the entire cost of the program was covered for Ryan.
Earning the Certificate
Ryan was one of more than a dozen soldiers who completed the Project Management Professional program in spring 2023, earning his certificate in just nine weeks.
"Being able to take this tool, and set of tools, and put them in [our rucksack] makes us more effective."
Are You Ready to Take Your Next Steps?
Join Ryan and the countless others who have changed their lives through the continuing and professional education programs offered at The University of Texas at Austin. The Project Management Certificate Program - Military Career Focus is accessible through Extended Campus, along with more than 200 other career-focused courses, certificates and degrees.
