From Digging Ditches to Driving Infrastructure: Distinguished Graduate Brian Mueller’s Journey

About this episode

Brian Mueller shares his journey from a public servant to a leader in infrastructure while balancing education and family life.

Chicago public servant Brian Mueller went from digging water lines to leading the team that keeps the city running—and he did it while earning two WGU degrees late at night after his kids went to bed. He shares how a career-altering injury pushed him toward education, how competency-based learning fit a union schedule, and how real-world field experience became the backbone of his leadership style. Brian’s journey is proof that late-career pivots are possible: 50% higher pay, greater impact, ...

People in this episode

Guest: Brian Mueller

Topics covered

• career development
• education
• personal growth
• leadership
• public service

Keywords

• Brian Mueller
• WGU degrees
• career pivot
• competency-based learning
• public service
• leadership style
• field experience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: WGU

Places: Chicago

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