Senior Analyst, Fuel Strategy; Vistra Energy
Mueller, a recent Jindal School graduate, has spent a decade in mining engineering and operations, most recently at Luminant Energy in Dallas and Martin Marietta Materials in San Antonio. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degree in mining engineering at Southern Illinois University. Now with Vistra Energy in Irving, Mueller does financial modeling, scenario analysis, project valuation and business case development to guide strategic capital investment and operational decisions.
How has your MBA degree impacted your career?
The knowledge and skills gained from business school have enabled me to transition from engineering to a finance role within the company. This has given me a much better realization of “the big picture.” Engineers tend to get focused on the minutiae but understanding a variety of topics like accounting, finance and economics has been a paradigm shift that has been invaluable in my career development.
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
I enjoy aspects of the analysis process like building a model, understanding the various factors that can benefit or diminish project value, and how those inputs will impact financial statements. It’s a puzzle that I enjoy solving. I’ve been privileged to work with a team of coworkers and mentors who have taught me useful skills and helped guide me in my career.
How do you see your profession changing in the next 5 or 10 years?
The demand for electrical power will always exist, however the type and delivery of that power will change over time. I think the energy industry will continue to see an increase in renewable generation as technology advances, and a potential disruptor is on the horizon in the form of energy storage (battery) solutions. This will be a significant challenge to the existing business model and will require power generators and retailers to adapt in order to survive.
Why did you come to UT Dallas?
UT Dallas was a great fit for several reasons: Reputation, value, location and the structure of the Professional Cohort MBA program were the main factors in my decision.
What advice do you have for college students hoping to succeed professionally?
Try to know a little about everything. You can probably only be an expert in a few topics but understanding at least the basics of a wide scope of fields will help you immensely. Joining different activities around campus and networking as much as you can will help expand your worldview and can pay dividends in the form of a valuable professional network.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family, travel, exercise, and read about personal finance and investing.
