Jose "EZ" Gonzalez, currently an Associate Vice President for Best Buy, started his professional journey with the organization as a part-time employee during college fifteen years ago. Since then, he’s worked in a variety of different roles (both in-stores and in their corporate office) as he ascended up the ladder, building expertise across different departments and troubleshooting unique issues. Despite the constant professional evolution, one thing has always remained constant—his passion for learning.
Jose had completed some programs at other institutions, but MIT had always been a dream and the live online course formats made it extremely feasible for a professional with his busy schedule to upskill without disrupting his workload. When he enrolled in his first course, he didn’t anticipate he’d earn an Executive Certificate. However, he was instantly hooked and quickly earned his Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation within the year.
Courses with a lasting impact
Breakthrough Customer Experience (CX) Strategy with Renee Richardson Gosline was the gateway to Jose’s journey. “I was interested in learning more about MIT’s perspective on mapping the customer journey and how to solve problems within the customer journey in the digital world. I was super inspired and it was one of my favorites, for sure!” Especially valuable (and relevant to his role) was the discussion around where and why friction exists in the customer experience and how solve.
"I have greater confidence in my innovation, strategy, execution, and problem-solving skills. Not only did I learn from some of the best in their respective fields, I was able to take those learnings and frameworks and make an immediate impact at work."
Digital Learning Strategy helped Jose expand his understanding around generative AI and how he might integrate the technology into his current role. The exercise on the power of questions from Hal Gregersen during Innovator’s DNA was also particularly insightful and he brought it back to his organization. While his team was hesitant to participate at first, it really clicked in the end. “I’ve done a number of different innovation exercises with my team now and extended teams have now requested them because of the feedback.” Jose’s manager has also been supportive. “When I completed a couple of courses, she was definitely challenging me to think how to bring that innovation into the organization.”
Flexible formats
Due to a hectic work schedule, Jose was grateful the live online experience was so flexible and approachable. “You’re able to commit to something that is impactful, you get to interact virtually and expand your network. Whereas I’ve found self-paced courses are more of an acquisition of knowledge.” Those connections were a large factor in what made the MIT experience so special compared to other programs he had completed. “I was very intentional about making connections – and it was easy to do so. I’ve been able to expand my network, share ideas, and get on the phone to discuss best practices with former classmates. I’m a big super-connector. You never know who may be able to help you with something – or who you can help.”
Stay curious
If you’re looking for a learning experience where you can just sit back and quietly absorb information, Jose acknowledges these courses are not designed with passivity in mind. “Consider it a hands-on workshop. You have to be engaged in the conversation and curious to reap the benefits.”
While being in any new social environments may feel intimidating, he assures future participants it’s a safe environment to explore questions and creative thinking. “Go in there with the expectation to contribute. I encourage you to ask a lot of questions.” He admits he held back during his first course, but afterwards learned to let go. This allowed him to get answers to some of his most vexing issues directly from faculty thought leaders.
Overall, Jose argues the value of the Executive Certificate proves itself professionally and personally. “I have greater confidence in my innovation, strategy, execution, and problem-solving skills. Not only did I learn from some of the best in their respective fields, I was able to take those learnings and frameworks and make an immediate impact at work.”
Learn more about Executive Certificates.
Contributed by Elaine Santoyo Goldman