Before every class Executive MBA weekend, Chordaryus Billingsley, Executive MBA '26, packs his class materials, fills up his gas tank, and prepares for a nearly four-hour drive from Madison, Alabama, to Midtown Atlanta’s Scheller College of Business.
The routine requires careful planning and commitment, but for Billingsley, the opportunity to learn alongside a diverse cohort of professionals at Georgia Tech makes every mile worth it.
Keep reading to learn more about life as a commuting Executive MBA student.
Hometown:
Madison, Alabama
What do you do professionally?
I am a senior security administrator for Integration Innovation Inc.
Why did you choose the Scheller College of Business Executive MBA program at this point in your career, despite living out of state?
The Georgia Tech campus and curriculum provide a different flavor to my norm. I see this as a positive because it provides breadth to my network, diversity to my ideas, and it gives me something to look forward to during the work week.
How far do you travel to attend classes and what does a typical weekend of class look like for you?
I travel about 3 hours and 40 minutes, or 240 miles, each way. Before each class weekend, I prep my clothing, essentials, and class materials. On the morning of my trip, I stop to fill up my car and grab snacks before hitting the road. When I arrive, usually early, I connect with my group members to see whether there are any loose ends to tie up before class begins.
Saturday mornings typically depend on what the day entails. On a normal day, I wake up early, grab some caffeine and breakfast on campus, and try to catch up on work before class begins. However, presentation days are more hectic. I wake up even earlier to do all those same things, but I also meet with my group to run through our presentation, review our speaking parts, and make sure everything goes smoothly.
What factors make your commute worth it?
First and foremost, my classmates. I was originally apprehensive about joining the program because I placed a great deal of weight on everything they had already accomplished in their careers. They are highly successful individuals with extensive skill sets. After going through this semester with them, I firmly believe joining the program was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
The staff and professors have also been amazing. They have made this academic journey well worth the investment.
What does it take to balance travel, work, family responsibilities, and graduate school?
It takes a TON of commitment. I spent countless hours ensuring that all my time was spent wisely and controlling the outcomes of everything that I could directly affect.
How have you built relationships with your cohort despite not being local?
I make the time I spend on campus count. I have attended birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, and other celebrations, and I have tried to spend one-on-one time with different classmates whenever possible to make sure our time together is meaningful.
How would you describe the culture of the Executive MBA program?
Diversity is everything. Diversity in the curriculum has provided me with insights I had never considered before. Diversity among my classmates has exposed me to experiences and perspectives different from my own, and diversity among the professors has challenged my ability to adapt and produce my best work.
What do you gain from being physically present with your classmates and professors?
The connections I have gained through this experience cannot be replicated virtually. It's not just the career connections. Struggling through assignments together, navigating presentations in front of my peers, and even the small talk with professors when we have spare time are all reasons why being in person wins.
What has been the biggest return on your investment in an Executive MBA so far?
Without a doubt, I’ve gained lifelong connections during my time here, but I’ve also seen a direct impact on my career. I started at Integration Innovation Inc. shortly before beginning the Executive MBA program and made my intentions known early on that I wanted to take on more strategic roles.
I’ve taken assignments directly from the classroom and adapted them to the work we were doing. When an opportunity for greater responsibility came up, I was immediately considered and ultimately promoted. The combination of what I’m learning and the knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained from my classmates has already made a world of difference.