[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/gerardo-herrera-balances-global-career-while-earning-executive-mba-online-at-faulkner\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/gerardo-herrera-balances-global-career-while-earning-executive-mba-online-at-faulkner\/","headline":"Gerardo Herrera Balances Global Career While Earning Executive MBA Online at Faulkner","name":"Gerardo Herrera Balances Global Career While Earning Executive MBA Online at Faulkner","description":"Gerardo Herrera For Gerardo Herrera, pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) while managing large-scale industrial construction projects across the globe was a challenge\u2014one he met with discipline and determination. A native of Venezuela, Herrera migrated to the United…","datePublished":"2025-05-23","dateModified":"2025-05-23","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/author\/jklose\/#Person","name":"Jade Klose","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/author\/jklose\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/602c91958b83d1415e80687c93f84a69?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/602c91958b83d1415e80687c93f84a69?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Faulkner University","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Official-Horizontal-480x128.png","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Official-Horizontal-480x128.png","width":480,"height":128}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/1660408526972.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/1660408526972.jpeg","height":142,"width":142},"url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/gerardo-herrera-balances-global-career-while-earning-executive-mba-online-at-faulkner\/","about":["Alumni","Business","News"],"wordCount":415,"articleBody":"Gerardo HerreraFor Gerardo Herrera, pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) while managing large-scale industrial construction projects across the globe was a challenge\u2014one he met with discipline and determination.A native of Venezuela, Herrera migrated to the United States in 2017 and settled in Pittsburgh. He chose Faulkner University\u2019s fully online EMBA program for its flexibility, enabling him to earn his degree in just one year while continuing his demanding international career. He graduated in May with a GPA equivalent to a Magna Cum-laude distinction in Undergraduate programs.\u201cI have read the chapters and done assignments in Mexico, India, my home in Pittsburgh, in airport lounges and even on long-haul or international flights,\u201d said Herrera. \u201cSince I am very interested in getting the most out of this MBA, time management has definitely been key.\u201dA conversation with a vice president at his former company encouraged Herrera to pursue a graduate degree to strengthen his career trajectory. That search ultimately led him to Faulkner.Now working as an expatriate construction manager in India, Herrera oversees the building of a petrochemical plant that processes natural gas into synthetic materials such as plastics, textiles and rubber. Despite the demanding schedule, he found time to engage with coursework\u2014often using lunch breaks, nights and weekends.\u201cI don’t waste time,\u201d Herrera said. \u201cI learned that there is always time for everything. It’s just a matter of discipline, commitment, priorities and organization.\u201dHe credits Faulkner\u2019s EMBA with equipping him with essential management skills and global business insight. \u201cI’m learning specific topics such as critical paths on schedules, decision making, international business finance, conflict management and how managers can adapt and thrive in international cultures\u2014like the one I\u2019m in now,\u201d he said.Herrera also highlighted the program\u2019s value beyond the workplace, noting its impact on his understanding of personal finance, investments and the broader economy.Used to taking handwritten notes, Herrera embraced the challenge of adapting to a fully digital learning environment. \u201cThe program helped me stay up to speed with technology and new ways of learning,\u201d he said.Looking ahead, Herrera plans to continue his work in international construction management, now with a stronger foundation and the skills to take on higher leadership roles.He encourages others\u2014regardless of location or workload\u2014to pursue higher education. \u201cStarting my MBA while working as an expat in Mexico showed me that anyone, in any situation, can earn their degree with the right mindset.\u201d"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Gerardo Herrera Balances Global Career While Earning Executive MBA Online at Faulkner","item":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/gerardo-herrera-balances-global-career-while-earning-executive-mba-online-at-faulkner\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]