UTSA employee Amir Ravassipour establishes career path while earning advanced degree

DECEMBER 6, 2024 — Amir Ravassipour’s journey to earning a master’s degree at UTSA began with a new chapter in life that included a relocation and a career reset. After earning a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in his home country of Iran and working as a sales engineer, he migrated to the United States. Upon arrival, he found himself starting over, working in retail in California before moving to San Antonio five years ago in search of better opportunities.

This December, Ravassipour will cross the Commencement stage to receive his M.S. in Facility Management. He earned the degree through UTSA Online while working full time as the facilities coordinator for the UTSA School of Data Science (SDS).

“It did require careful time management to balance my personal life with my responsibilities as a student and full-time employee,” Ravassipour said. “That means studying on the weekends and staying late a few nights a month to get done what you need to.”

Ravassipour entered the advanced degree program uncertain of where it would lead.

“I was halfway through my program, and I was having a discussion with my advisor, who was a former associate vice president for facilities, and he encouraged me to look for job opportunities within the university,” Ravassipour said.

“Every time I drove around campus, I found myself in awe by the vibrant atmosphere and thought, ‘I want to experience this environment for myself.”

Securing the role marked a pivotal moment where his academic pursuits and professional aspirations converged, laying the foundation for his new career.

“I took his advice, and now here I am in my new role,” he added.

Ravassipour first encountered UTSA while driving his roommate to classes during his early days in San Antonio.

“Every time I drove around campus, I found myself in awe by the vibrant atmosphere and thought, ‘I want to experience this environment for myself,’” he said.

Two years later, he turned that thought into action by enrolling in UTSA Online.

As a full-time UTSA employee and graduate student, Ravassipour quickly discovered how the two roles complemented each other. His studies broadened his perspective, equipping him with strategic tools to tackle daily challenges, manage projects and create safe, productive environments at the university’s San Pedro I Building downtown.

“The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical role that facilities teams play as essential employees responsible for ensuring safety and maximizing asset performance,” he said. “I was one of those essential employees, and this experience reinforced my decision to pursue formal education in facility management.”

Since beginning his role as a facilities coordinator in March 2023, Ravassipour’s responsibilities have expanded from managing office and lab assignments to broader operational tasks, such as becoming a crisis prevention certified trainer and organizing academic visits and tours. These growing responsibilities align closely with the knowledge he gained in his master’s program.

“My degree has been significant in broadening my perspective and equipping me with a variety of approaches to overcome challenges, manage projects and handle daily operational tasks,” Ravassipour explained. “It has not only opened new doors for career opportunities but also enhanced my ability to apply strategic thinking and best practices in my current role at UTSA.”

Ravassipour credits the UTSA community for its steadfast support. From the guidance of his advisor to the encouragement of colleagues and supervisors, Ravassipour always felt surrounded by a network invested in his success.

“The university’s resources, such as flexible online programs, the educational benefit program and collaborative opportunities, made it possible to balance my professional and academic commitments,” he said.

One moment stands out as a culmination of his hard work: receiving his diploma in the mail. Holding it, he reflected on the sacrifices and resilience that defined his journey as a graduate student.

“That moment truly made everything feel worthwhile,” he said.

Ravassipour’s story is one of many at UTSA, where employees are pursuing opportunities for academic growth. According to UTSA Office of Institutional Research and Analysis, 400 current faculty members have earned a degree from UTSA and 174 full-time employees are currently enrolled in degree programs. Among them, 20 are anticipated to graduate in Fall 2024.

Looking ahead, Ravassipour is excited about the future of UTSA.

“I’m most excited about UTSA’s continued growth and expansion,” he said. “As the university evolves, it brings new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and contributing to the success of our students and the community.”

Ravassipour has advice for other UTSA employees considering returning to school.

“Don’t hesitate. It’s never too late to invest in yourself and your future.”

— Rosalinda Montero