Michael Martin and Frank Zendejas had built long, respected careers, earning credibility through years of hard work and expertise. Yet as Artificial Intelligence moved from concept to reality, influencing decisions and driving innovation, they both recognized a new challenge: staying ahead would require more than experience; it would demand learning the tools and skills shaping the future of their fields. For them, the real question wasn’t whether AI would impact their work, but how prepared they would be to lead when it did.
Michael Martin: From Supply Chain Insight to AI Integration
In the world of supply chain and logistics, decades of experience are built on tangible systems and established processes. Based in Reno, Nevada, Michael Martin spent 20 years as a consultant, mastering the complexities of warehouse management, labor, and transportation. But in recent years, he began to witness a fundamental shift: the foundational tools of his trade were being redefined by a technology he had to understand. As Michael saw it, the rise of AI was not a distant trend but a present-day reality in his field. "A lot of the companies that I am working with are transitioning to leveraging some sort of AI within their application," he shared.
Michael has also worked as an Associate Director of Supply Chain for BD, one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. For a professional with his depth of experience, this was both a challenge and an opportunity. He knew that to continue leading in his industry, he needed to do more than just observe the change. "I wanted to make sure I was staying on top of the changing technology," he said, a decision that led him to the Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. By upskilling, Michael was not just adapting; he was ensuring his two decades of expertise would continue to drive innovation.
Turning Skills into Solutions
The program’s structure made learning both practical and engaging. Weekly video lessons, quizzes, and case studies allowed him to test concepts against real-world problems. “For me, just learning Python alone was incredibly valuable,” he shares. “It is very powerful and allows me to do a lot with the datasets I work with.”
Before, Michael’s workflow relied heavily on SQL for data extraction, followed by reporting tools. Python opened new possibilities, enabling more advanced analysis and automation.
The hands-on exercises were a turning point, especially the case studies. “That really drives home the concepts,” he explains. “I could relate what we were learning directly to the work I do.” With strong faculty guidance and support from his peers, Michael not only built new skills but also reinforced his confidence in applying them to supply chain innovation.
Frank Zendejas: Becoming a Creator, Not Just a Consumer of AI Outputs
Based in Houston, Texas, Frank began to see how AI was shaping the systems his team was building. This shift compelled him to go beyond understanding the technology and learn how to use it for hands-on problem-solving. The Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin offered exactly what he was looking for: a comprehensive foundation in using AI to build solutions. “From what I call the ABCs of AI to creating AI-based solutions, the experience has been more in-depth than I anticipated,” he shared.
Expanding Horizons Through Python
Frank has an experience of over 25 years in data management, enterprise architecture, and technical implementations in the United States and Latin America. He came to the program to learn AI, but the biggest surprise was how the training enhanced his existing skills and opened up new possibilities. “I did not expect my hands-on understanding and leverage of Python to be as deep as it has become,” he said. While Python is foundational to AI, he has already used his newfound proficiency for tasks like data movement and analysis within his current role. This unexpected value demonstrated how the program's practical approach went beyond the core curriculum. The combination of structured video content, mentor-led weekend sessions, and extensive reference material created a constant opportunity for growth. “There’s always something to learn in this program,” Frank reflected, adding that the chance to deepen and widen his understanding was his favorite part of the experience.
A Shared Commitment to Growth
Michael and Frank work in very different sectors, supply chain and enterprise IT, but their paths share common ground. Both recognized that to lead in their industries, they needed to go beyond awareness of AI and gain the skills to apply it.
Through the program, they found more than technical knowledge. They found a way to future-proof their careers, adapt to evolving industry demands, and ensure that when AI reshapes their work, they will be the ones driving the transformation.
