May 28, 2026
Taleb Al-theanat works in the energy sector and is seeing that industry being transformed
by artificial intelligence, renewable energy and evolving market dynamics.
He decided to earn his MBA at Trine University to obtain the strategic and business skills he needed to contribute as a leader.
“I wanted to bridge the gap between my technical background in electrical systems and the business strategy skills required to lead in today's rapidly changing energy landscape,” he explained.
Taleb was named the Outstanding Student for the MBA program for the Class of 2026.
Perfect fit
Taleb was drawn to Trine University by its reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to producing practice-ready professionals.
“The flexibility of the MBA program, combined with its strong focus on real-world application, made it the perfect fit for someone like me who was working full-time in the electric utility industry while pursuing graduate education,” he said.
He especially valued learning how to think critically across disciplines, connecting concepts like economics, finance, strategy and data analytics to solve complex business problems.
“My capstone project, which examined the impact of artificial intelligence on a major energy company's leadership, operations and market position, was a defining experience,” he commented. “It challenged me to synthesize everything I had learned and apply it to a real company in my own industry. That process sharpened my analytical thinking in ways I will carry throughout my career.”
“I also deeply appreciated the quality and dedication of the faculty, whose guidance and mentorship pushed me to produce work I am truly proud of.”
His goal is to move into a strategic leadership role within the energy sector.
“I am passionate about helping utilities navigate the transition to cleaner, smarter energy systems and I plan to continue expanding my expertise in how artificial intelligence can drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth,” he said.
“I wholeheartedly recommend the Trine University MBA program to anyone who is serious about advancing their career with a rigorous, yet accessible, graduate education,” he said. “The program strikes the perfect balance between academic depth and real-world relevance. The faculty are invested in your success, the curriculum is modern and forward-thinking, and the flexibility allows working professionals to thrive without sacrificing quality. For anyone in a technical field looking to grow into leadership, this program is an outstanding investment.”
Alence Poudel had a strong civil engineering background but saw the need for wider expertise in his work. Seeing missed opportunities to use data to solve increasingly complex infrastructure challenges, Alence enrolled in Trine University’s Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program.
Sabina Minta-Jacobs enrolled in Trine University’s Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program to gain expertise in areas relevant to her field.
Michaela Doiron hopes to one day design prosthetics for children or veterans, and the Trine University biomedical engineering major has made two big strides toward that dream.