Throughout the HDO Master’s program, Marcus Barnes combined his deep industry knowledge with innovative approaches to organizational analysis. His career began in the Marine Corps as a personnel administration specialist, where he developed a strong foundation in human resources. Today, he serves as a Lead Recruiter at Center Point Energy, where he plays a crucial role in maintaining and expanding the company’s talent pool, supporting the reliable delivery of energy services across multiple states. Marcus’s passion lies in exploring how to create holistic, employee-centric workplace structures that foster strong leadership and organizational success.
Broadening Perspectives and Building Networks
The HDO cohort enriched Marcus’s learning experience with a vibrant blend of perspectives and insights. The range of professional backgrounds and life experiences created a dynamic environment focused on understanding each other’s unique needs and building a collaborative approach to organizational challenges.
“Our cohort was incredibly diverse, both in age and professional background,” Marcus explains. “We had everyone—from executives and consultants to professionals in marketing roles at Amazon and Ronald McDonald House. This diversity created a rich mix of experiences. We had the opportunity to siphon all of that through the lens of how to be people-centric, how to create psychological safety, and how to build more productive and cohesive teams.”
The connections Marcus formed with faculty and classmates remain a valuable part of his life. “We were a tight-knit group,” he recalls, sharing that they continue to hold virtual meet-ups and local breakfast gatherings in Austin, with plans to connect in Houston. One memorable connection? “Art Markman follows me on Instagram. I’m such a fan of his work, and it’s incredible to see his updates and interviews.”
These relationships extend beyond professional networking; they have become a source of inspiration and ongoing support in Marcus’s personal and professional journey.
Leadership and Personal Growth
The HDO program significantly impacted Marcus’s leadership skills and self-confidence and gave him new tools to navigate challenges in his professional life.
“Being associated with a well-recognized institution and learning from it has made me proud of my education and experiences. It’s definitely boosted my confidence,” he reflects. “I’m planning to work with an HDO alumni coach to help bridge the gap between having great knowledge and freely sharing it. Sometimes, it’s challenging to voice my ideas openly, especially when not in a direct leadership role.”
Marcus admits, “In the beginning, I didn’t think I was ‘UT material’ or smart enough, but the program and my association with UT have really shifted my self-esteem. It’s been validating and has helped me see the value in my ideas and experiences that I didn’t fully appreciate before.”
A Transformative Educational Experience
For Marcus, the HDO program at UT Austin was not just a learning opportunity—it was a revelation that upended assumptions about higher education and redefined what an academic environment could be. He entered with reservations, believing UT Austin might only serve a narrow demographic and provide a detached, elitist experience. However, the reality was a complete reversal. “The program far exceeded my expectations,” he explains, “Instead, I found it to be the opposite. The faculty, especially Mary Rose and Art Markman, showed immense kindness and support. When I faced personal challenges, they helped me navigate these issues with empathy and support.”
This profound shift—from skepticism to deep engagement—was invaluable. Marcus’s experience highlights how vital it is to find an educational path that shatters preconceived notions, expands personal growth, and cultivates genuine connections. For many, including Marcus, the HDO program does precisely this: it offers a nurturing space to redefine self-perception, discover new dimensions of leadership, and make invaluable connections with supportive peers and faculty.
Exploring Intolerance and Identity Politics
Marcus’s capstone project was a profound exploration of how societal disconnection and intolerance impact organizational dynamics. Inspired by real-world experiences, including a pivotal conversation at the Black Professionals and Technology Networking Conference in Toronto, Marcus tackled challenges related to his organization’s DEI practices. His research emphasized that extreme political or social views often alienate potential allies, making the fostering of civil discourse crucial.
Drawing parallels with prominent figures like Angela Merkel and Michelle Obama, Marcus illustrated the challenges of addressing intolerance while underscoring the importance of radical empathy. His problem-solving approach included developing frameworks for psychological safety and promoting self-care. “It’s okay for people to fail and admit they don’t understand something,” he explains.
The capstone project also showcased Marcus’s journey through the HDO program, which was marked by evolving ideas and rigorous research. Marcus recalls the work process, “Initially, we all had many ideas about what we were going to do for our capstone. However, as we became more educated in the ways of HDO and learned more about race, the development of organizations, gender, and historical pieces, our ideas constantly evolved. I definitely changed my topic several times. Synthesizing everything to make sense and have a strong argument was challenging but also a lot of fun.”
Marcus’s advice to prospective HDO students is clear and encouraging: lean in, trust the journey, and don’t let initial fears hold you back. He highlights that the application process might be challenging, but the rewards of learning and connecting with others are well worth the effort. The program, Marcus explains, is not only about gaining insights from world-class professors or rich course material, but about self-discovery, building connections, and recognizing one’s own value. “The experience is like a therapeutic journey, and the in-person interactions make it richer. So, set aside your fears and perfectionism—it’s going to be fine.” Marcus’s experience in the HDO program showcases its ability to foster personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of empathy, diverse perspectives, and a supportive educational environment.