Marc is from the United States and he is currently living in Miami. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, a M.A. degree from Middlebury College, Monterey, and a doctoral degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has distinguished himself through his research and passion. Since 2015 he has served as Faculty Director of the M.S. in Human Resource Management program at Florida International University (FIU).
We would like to get to know your story, Marc. What is your favorite memory from your time as a student? How did that experience shape your career path?
My favorite memory was from when I was a second-year student at UC Berkely. I was in a large enrollment class in political science. I recall visiting the professor during his office hours, and he began the conversation by commenting on the high quality of my work. Until that time, I did not even realize he knew who I was.
This gave me the confidence to pursue academic research and, later impressed upon me how impactful a few meaningful words can have.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice about employability, what would it be?
Work experience is a multiplying force for education. Higher education is great but is most valuable when built up life experience.
Diversity and inclusion are crucial aspects of modern education. How does your FIU foster an inclusive learning environment that celebrates different perspectives and backgrounds?
Diversity and inclusion are part of the DNA of FIU and reflects diversity of Miami, where about 30 percent of our residents are foreign born. Unlike, most Americans, most FIU students are multi-lingual. Diversity in the graduate program in HR at FIU goes beyond the ethnic and racial diversity. Our student’s range in ages from 23-60. Many have military experience; others come from the hospitality industry; others are already highly experienced in HR across multiple industries.
The pandemic has brought about significant changes in the education landscape. How has FIU adapted to these challenges, and what lasting changes do you see in the future of higher education?
Prior to the pandemic, about 1/3 of classes were already being offered on-line. With the onset of the pandemic, we quickly and seamlessly transitioned to on-line delivery. The transition was so successful, many students and faculty have expressed a decided preference for remote delivery. While I do hope for a re-invigoration of campus life, I do anticipate that remote delivery options will be a permanent part of higher education.
If you had the chance to switch careers for a week, what profession would you like to try out, and why?
I would enjoy being a captain on a large cruise ship. I like being in the role of directing others and travelling at the same time.
Technology has undoubtedly transformed education. What is the most mind-blowing tech tool or app you have seen that revolutionizes the way we learn?
Well, I am fascinated by the evolution of AI and ChatGPT 4. Although there are challenges with how best to integrate this technology into education, particularly in K-12 and for undergraduates, it holds a lot of promise. With our graduate HR students, we have already begun to incorporate this in our education, with the aim of training our students to use human intelligence to refine and build upon AI-output.
Who is Marc?
Full Name: Marc Weinstein
Occupation: Professor, Faculty Director, MSHRM Program
Nationality: US
Where do you live? Miami Beach
Do you have kids? Yes, an adult son.
Pets? A dog
Favorite Food: Pizza
Hobbies: Travel, history
Favorite place in the world: Spain
Let’s Rock
How would you describe yourself in one word? Curious
Favorite movie or TV Show: The Americans.
Favorite Book: 1984
If you could turn into an animal, what would it be? A dog.
Favorite music band or genre: Alternative, Talking HJeads
Your grounding activity is… Exercise
What are 2 things that cannot be missing from your backpack? Water bottle, laptop
Do you like sports? Are you a fan of a sports team?
Basketball a fan of Lakers
What contribution do you feel you make to a better world?
Helping students achieve their goals.
One piece of advice that you were given and would give:
“Plan for the future and live in the moment”
