C.J. Holler
Baylor Online MBA, Global Trade & Supply Chain Management Concentration
Staff Product Manager, Walmart
Navigating Supply Chain Innovations with a Baylor Online MBA
Balancing a thriving career, family life and pursuing an MBA is no small feat, but for C.J. Holler, it’s all about being flexible, innovative and dedicated. As a staff product manager at Walmart, Holler is at the forefront of solving some of the most complex challenges in the supply chain industry.
Why Baylor?
Holler’s decision to pursue an MBA at Baylor was driven by the program’s strong reputation and its alignment with his values. He wanted a program that not only had a reputable name but also one that was close to home.
“I chose the Baylor MBA program due to its respectable name within the business world. Many admirable company leaders have received their MBA from Baylor,” he said. “Additionally, Baylor has great recognition within the state of Texas and beyond. I believe in investing where you live and work, so being rooted in a program that is near where I live was important to me.”
Applying MBA Knowledge to Real-World Challenges
For Holler, the Baylor Online MBA program has been instrumental in his professional growth, especially the Global Trade & Supply Chain Management concentration. This focus has equipped him with the tools needed to address the dynamic challenges faced by one of the world’s largest retailers.
“In my current role, I work within Last Mile Delivery, which is part of the broader supply chain ecosystem. There are many transferrable skills and scenarios from my courses that I have been able to apply to my day-to-day work,” he said. “In a broader sense, supply chain is ripe for disruption in terms of technology, sustainability and stewardship. By making more efficient supply chains, especially within the food sector, I believe we can create more equitable access to food as well as respect and economically support farmers and suppliers.”
One of the most impactful courses for Holler has been Manufacturing and Service Operations, taught by Clinical Professor Josh Strakos, PhD. The course not only provided him with essential insights into operational efficiency but also connected his work in modern software development to foundational manufacturing processes, with Strakos emphasizing the importance of stewardship in managing resources.
“Many of the processes and methods of modern software development are rooted in hard good manufacturing processes. So, to ‘go back to the origin’ was a thrilling experience to connect the dots,” Holler said. “Furthermore, Dr. Strakos placed emphasis that good operations management is truly just being a good steward of resources, which resonated with me greatly.”
In addition to his studies, Holler has already found ways to give back to the Baylor community, such as speaking in Strakos' undergraduate class, where he shared his insights and experiences with future business leaders.
From optimizing supply chain logistics to understanding global trade dynamics, Holler sees his coursework directly tied to his daily responsibilities at Walmart. The knowledge and skills he has gained not only empower him in his current role but also inspire him to contribute to the Baylor community. By sharing his insights and experiences with future business leaders, Holler demonstrates his commitment to applying what he has learned and helping others navigate similar challenges in their own journeys.
A Journey of Continuous Learning
Holler’s career journey to where he is today is unique. He began his career in education, teaching life sciences at varying grade levels. Originally, his plan was to enter graduate school in the healthcare sector, but an introductory public health course exposed him to data science, sparking his interest in pursuing a career in technology.
This pivot led him to a role as a quality assurance analyst for a small software company in the health and wellness industry. He then spent three years in digital product consulting, building custom business-to-business software from the ground up. Throughout his career, Holler always wanted to return to school for a higher degree.
“I did multiple tech certifications, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them, but I still longed to pursue a formal degree,” Holler said. “I am glad that I waited to get further along in my career before pursuing an MBA; the experience that I have had thus far has made the course materials much more relevant.”
Balancing Work, Life and School
One of the greatest advantages of the Baylor Online MBA for Holler has been its flexibility. As a father and a full-time professional, finding a program that fit his demanding schedule was essential.
“The program’s design allows me to manage my work and family commitments while continuing to advance my education,” he said. “They are understanding of working adults and adults with children. I was able to easily take a session off this summer as my wife and I welcomed our second daughter. Doing this without worry was such a blessing!”
While juggling work, life and school can be demanding, Holler believes that with dedication and effort, it’s definitely possible.
“The learning format and methods support individuals quite well,” Holler said. “It takes self-discipline and might call for some early mornings or late nights, but the point is that you can tailor it to your schedule and commitments outside of work and school.”
Looking Ahead
As Holler looks to the future, he sees his MBA as a critical driver of his career progression. The skills he has gained in economics, finance and organizational leadership will serve as the foundation for taking on more significant leadership roles within Walmart and beyond.
“The Baylor MBA program has already given me that 'level up' I was looking for in terms of business aptitude,” Holler said. “I am excited to continue the program and gain additional skills in economics, finance and organizational leadership.”
Reflecting on his journey so far and the impact of the program, Holler emphasizes the importance of choosing an MBA that aligns with both professional ambitions and personal life.
“Find a program that not only fits your career goals but also integrates with your life,” he said. “The Baylor Online MBA has done just that for me, and it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
With a solid foundation in supply chain management and the strategic insights gained from his MBA, Holler is prepared to make even more significant contributions to his field. His journey through the Baylor Online MBA program is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of continuous learning and the value of choosing a program that aligns with one’s career goals and personal life.
What’s Next
Considering an OMBA that provides flexibility, experiential learning, and strategic insights to boost your career? Baylor University offers an online MBA program taught by the same expert faculty as the on-campus MBA, which provides students with the same principled learning opportunities as their counterparts in the classroom. Reach out for a one-on-one consultation with our Enrollment Coordinators today to begin your OMBA journey.
To explore the Global Trade & Supply Chain Management concentration in the Online MBA program further please visit these webpages:
