Advancing from a tactical role to a leadership position requires more than just technical expertise — it demands strategic thinking, business acumen and effective leadership skills. For GeJuan Cole, pursuing an Executive MBA was the key to making the transition and unlocking new career opportunities.
GeJuan, who now serves as Asset Integration Director for New Energy Ventures at Williams, has had a dynamic career journey that spans both engineering and entrepreneurship. He joined the company as a project developer, and after enrolling in the Executive MBA program at the University of Houston C. T. Bauer College of Business, he gained the business acumen and leadership skills necessary for a steady stream of promotions.
Here, GeJuan shares his personal journey and offers advice to prospective students considering an Executive MBA program.
Why I Chose the Bauer Executive MBA Program
As someone who grew up in Houston, it was important to me to find a university I could truly call home — right here in my city. I wanted a program that would allow me to stay connected to my family and career while gaining the business knowledge to support my ambitions. The Bauer Executive MBA program was the perfect fit.
During an admissions event at Bauer, I was struck by how welcoming and supportive the staff and students were. They made me feel like my journey mattered. It reminded me of the advice I often give high school students: once you’ve narrowed down your school choices, choose the one that feels like home. Bauer felt like home, and that made my decision easy.
How I Knew It Was Time to Pursue an Executive MBA
For years, I debated whether to pursue an MBA. My background was in mathematics and mechanical engineering, but I had always been passionate about entrepreneurship and business. I worked in various business ventures — investing in real estate and working as a financial advisor — while advancing my engineering career. Despite my successes, I lacked the formal business education I needed to fully understand the broader corporate landscape.
When I became involved in developing capital projects and collaborating with business development teams at my company, I realized I needed more business knowledge. I often found myself lost in meetings, struggling to understand the terminology and strategic discussions happening around me. It became clear that in order to progress to the next level in my career, I needed to pursue formal business education.
But timing was always a concern. With a young family and a demanding career, I questioned whether it was the right time to go back to school. Ultimately, I realized that there would always be reasons to wait. Life never slows down, and the right time to act is whenever you decide it is.
How the Bauer EMBA Program Benefited Me Personally and Professionally
The Bauer Executive MBA not only expanded my knowledge but also had a profound personal impact. I learned how to apply business concepts in real-time, which allowed me to immediately implement what I was learning at work. What stood out to me most was how the program prepared me to transition from being an individual contributor to leading teams and managing larger projects.
The friendships I formed at Bauer were invaluable. The cohort I joined brought together talented leaders from diverse industries, each bringing unique perspectives. I also appreciated the flexibility of the program. The weekend format allowed me to balance family, work and school without sacrificing any of them.
On a personal level, the program allowed me to lead by example for my children. I could show them the value of hard work and education by sitting alongside them at the table, doing my homework while they did theirs. And my daughter, Kalyn, even visited one of my classes and proudly asked my professor if I was “taking care of business!”
Advice for Prospective Executive MBA Students
For anyone considering an Executive MBA, my advice is to involve your family and your leadership team at work. This journey is not something you do alone. You need the support of those around you — whether it’s your family, mentors or colleagues. Discuss your goals with them and help them understand how the program will benefit both your professional and personal growth. Having that support system will be crucial to your success.
Finally, know that you don’t have to wait for the “perfect time” to pursue your MBA. Life is always full of reasons to wait, but the best time to invest in your future is now.
Surprises Along the Way
One thing I didn’t expect when enrolling in the Bauer EMBA program was how much fun it would be. As a seasoned professional, my goal was to gain new skills and grow my career, but the experience exceeded my expectations in ways I didn’t foresee. From late-night group work sessions to attending local events with my classmates, the Bauer EMBA allowed me to form genuine bonds and shared experiences that made the hard work feel lighter.
The international residency in Munich and Prague was another highlight. Experiencing business cultures in these cities and gaining firsthand insight into global business challenges was a truly enriching experience.
The Bauer EMBA Experience
Looking back, the Bauer Executive MBA was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career. It helped me grow personally and professionally, and it gave me the tools I needed to become a more effective leader. Whether you’re looking to expand your business knowledge, make lasting connections, or achieve your career goals, the Bauer EMBA program provides a supportive and dynamic environment to help you succeed.
GeJuan Cole is the Asset Integration Director for New Energy Ventures at Williams, where he leads capital projects and drives business strategies to fuel growth in the energy sector. With a background in mechanical engineering and entrepreneurship, GeJuan has a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. He earned his Executive MBA from the Bauer College of Business, which equipped him with the leadership skills needed to transition from an engineer to a strategic leader in the energy industry.
