MBA Applicant Voice: Arizona Atom-Splitter Hopes To Advance Energy Career

 

 

Ben Iglesias is an energy control centre supervisor at the Arizona Public Service. He is about to begin an MBA at the Texas A&M University-Commerce Graduate School. He talks to BusinessBecause about his atom-splitting career in the energy sector, the MBA application process, and the example he hopes to set for his children. 

 

 

Through a small number of employers, in one way or another, I've worked in the energy industry most of my adult life. It all began in nuclear energy with the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion program. I spent about eight years splitting atoms to make steam to propel two aircraft carriers through the oceans, and make electricity and drinking water.

 

After leaving the navy, I worked for close to five years in the construction industry to help build two central energy plants for commercial purposes, followed by eight years at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in Southern California, to make electricity. 

 

Since September 2013 I've been working with Arizona Public Service in Phoenix as an energy control centre supervisor, monitoring and controlling the power grid and ensuring that there is a balance of power to meet customer demand, while also maintaining reserve power for contingency. 

 

 

The most important reason for me to pursue an MBA is opportunity. I want more options for career advancement, and possibly even work location. 

 

I have many talented co-workers, and it is with these fine folks that I will compete with for other positions; I believe having an MBA might give me the edge that I'll need.

 

Another reason is to show my children that education does not have to stop in your early 20's. I feel that it is a life-long pursuit, and I want my children to know that there is value in attaining higher educational goals – at any time in their lives.

 

 

When considering a university, I looked for program availability, school recognition, affordability and convenience.

 

 

Although I looked at different schools, I decided on Texas A&M because it appeared to have the four factors [that I wanted]. 

 

I can pursue an MBA with a minor in economics, Texas A&M is a recognized name here in the States, the cost of tuition is much less than [other schools], and the convenience of being able to learn and attain my MBA online is a good fit for my rotating shift-schedule, and family commitments. 

 

The online reviews I read helped me solidify my decision to continue with the school's application process.

 

 

In order to meet the application requirements, I had to study for and score well on the GMAT examination, submit a letter of purpose, provide letters of recommendation from current and former employers, and provide transcripts of prior education. There was a small application fee as well. 

 

I was able to submit documents online as I received them, and did not have to submit them all as one package. 

 

 

The most difficult part of the application process for me was getting ready for the GMAT. I studied for it using a combination of VERITAS Preparation software from the iTunes store, and by taking practice exams on mba.com.

 

 

I will apply for positions of higher responsibility with my employer and other employers in the energy and utility industries. I hope that my experience as a front-line worker in the [energy] industry will help me contribute efficiency to decision making.

 

 

I would advise anyone to be certain that they are at a point in their professional life where they have gained enough work experience to be a respectable leader who knows what the difficulties of the front-line are, and what the goals of the company are, in order to provide solutions that will make a company more efficient, and more successful.

 

Be a strong contributor, so that you will have good written recommendations from your employers, and have proof that you are trying to advance yourself both professionally and academically.

 

And study for the GMAT.