Empowering Careers

When Mythili Chaganti (MBA ‘19) set out to advance her career in the energy sector, she knew that technical expertise alone wouldn’t be enough. 

To drive meaningful change, she needed business acumen, leadership skills and strategic insight — enter the MBA program at the C. T. Bauer College of Business. 

Now serving as Director of High Voltage Resilience Operations at CenterPoint Energy, Chaganti tackles complex challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. Early in her career, she recognized that a strong foundation in business strategy would be critical to her success. 

“Pursuing an MBA at Bauer gave me the business acumen and leadership skills I needed to elevate my career within my organization,” she said. “The program provided a strong foundation with integrating real-world applications with a focus on leadership.” 

One of the most transformative experiences of her MBA journey was participating in the Cougar Investment Fund, a student-managed portfolio that sharpened her analytical and decision-making skills. 

“The Cougar Fund allowed me to develop analytical skills that I continue to apply in my current role,” Chaganti said. “The program’s emphasis on teamwork and collaboration also gave me the confidence to lead in high-stakes situations at work.” 

For Chaganti, one of the key advantages of the Bauer MBA was its flexibility, which allowed her to balance coursework with her fast-paced career. 

“The flexible scheduling made it possible for me to manage my studies while excelling in my job,” she said. “I was able to apply what I learned immediately — from understanding market dynamics to navigating complex negotiations. These skills were invaluable as I took on more strategic responsibilities.” 

With the support of both her employer and Bauer College, Chaganti has advanced in her career with CenterPoint, making a significant impact in the energy sector and illustrating how a Bauer MBA serves as a catalyst for career growth, leadership and long-term success.