My name is Edward Leal, MBA. I can’t express enough how enriching my career experience has become since earning my MBA from the G. Brint Ryan College of Business in the Spring of 2022. As a non-traditional student, I knew attaining an MBA would be the jump start I needed to take my career to the next level. I wanted to pursue a career in HR management, and with my MBA with a concentration in HR and Strategic Management, I was able to make that career change. I recently accepted a position as Denton County’s Civil Service (HR) Manager. In this role, I provide policy interpretation, counseling and grievance resolution to managers and employees regarding matters such as FMLA, ADA Reasonable Accommodations, EEOC charges, disciplinary actions, as well as many other HR areas.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and how did you balance the demands of school with your other responsibilities?
I knew it was time for a career change. Experience had only gotten me so far. I needed an edge to break into an HR Management role. I had plenty of experience investigating complaints related to EEOC and employee relations, but I was essentially a subject matter expert in those areas and HR encompasses so much more. The role I was in did not afford much for vertical or lateral movement, especially in other HR areas. My MBA gave me the prerequisite foundation in areas such as compensation, workforce planning, leadership development, etc.

I was able to balance the demands of school, work, and domestic affairs because I was fortunate to have a supportive wife. She was steadfast throughout it all and had so much patience, especially when I was taking some of the more challenging classes. I spent many hours outside of my full-time job doing what needed to be done in the evenings and on weekends. It was tough but well worth the effort.

Were there any experiences with a class or professors that made a lasting impact on your learning journey?
Dr. Gavrilova Aguilar was a godsend to me. I was at a crossroads in my career after I graduated. She graciously met with me via Zoom a couple times and exchanged many emails to help me explore options on the next steps of my professional journey. With her advice, my determination, and a little luck, I was able to pursue an HR management role in County Government. The role I landed was over a 20% increase, was more in line with what I wanted to do professionally, and I now work with a great team. I am a very happy man. What makes the RCOB’s MBA program so effective is the dedication of its faculty to its students.

What specific skills or knowledge from the MBA program have you found most valuable in your day-to-day responsibilities in HR management?
I am constantly learning new skills and finding myself out of my comfort zone. The mental agility and drive I leaned into while completing the MBA program has carried over into how I approach my role in HR management. HR management requires you to be a problem solver to a very high degree. The MBA program gave me the tools that I use to this very day.

What advice would you give to other non-traditional students considering an MBA, especially those looking to make a significant career shift like you did?
I finished my MBA when I was 41 and did a 180-degree career change a year later. It’s never too late to take the plunge. Fortune favors the bold!