Award for Excellence winner Corey Louis Coleman came to Boston University’s Metropolitan College (BU MET) with a clear set of goals. Motivated by the academic legacy of his grandfather, he wanted to take his career skills in the field of construction and amplify them with a Master of Urban Affairs, to further his ambitions to make an eventual transition into higher education and teaching.
Corey took a business-minded approach to his studies, attacking each assignment with the same seriousness and commitment he would were it a professional opportunity. He also took advantage of BU MET’s flexible course offerings to accommodate the demands of his schedule as director of virtual design and construction as well as education at P&H Electric Services. Corey even found some innovative tools of his own to assist in balancing his studies with his career.
For Corey, urban planning is a field predicated on cohesion, and his studies only deepened his commitment to collaboration. Thanks to the opportunities presented by BU’s Initiative on Cities, he got invaluable practical experience, and the lessons he learned about data analysis brought immediate dividends at his place of employ.
Read on to learn more about Corey’s Metropolitan College experience, and how the Master of Urban Affairs “played a pivotal role in shaping [his] understanding of our complex world and how it has evolved.”
Corey Louis Coleman
Director of Virtual Design and Construction/ Director of Education P&H Electric Service
Master of Urban Affairs (MET’23)
Recipient of 2023 Commencement Award for Excellence
What motivated you to earn your master’s degree at this point? Why did you choose to fulfill your goal at Metropolitan College?
I’ve always had this deep desire to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps because he had such a passion for academia. Getting this degree is like taking a crucial step towards my dream of becoming an instructor in my own right. It just felt like the perfect moment in my life to fully commit myself to this goal.
What attracted me to BU MET’s program was its flexibility in scheduling and the variety of classes I could take to complete the degree, allowing me to tailor the degree to align perfectly with my field of construction.
What do you find most fascinating about the discipline of urban affairs?
What really captivates me is how much compromise is needed from everyone involved just to achieve even the tiniest results. It’s amazing to think that our entire world is constructed on this constant quest for balance, and with each endeavor we edge closer to a more ideal equilibrium among all the parties involved.
Congratulations on your high achievement in the Urban Affairs program and your Award for Excellence in your studies! Looking back, what do you consider to be the main ingredients of your success?
One of the keys to my success was truly appreciating the valuable resources given to me by my professors. I made it a point to approach every assignment as if I were handing it in to my own employer. This mindset pushed me to delve deeper into the theories, grasp the principles more clearly, and receive more constructive feedback on my work. As a result, tackling the subsequent classes became a lot easier and more manageable.
How were you able to successfully balance your studies with your commitments outside the classroom?
I had to do some serious self-reflection and really understand how I approached my work. It was crucial for me to allocate the right amount of time to get things done. Balancing a full-time job alongside my studies meant I had to give up a few weekends and cut back on certain activities just to meet assignment deadlines and keep up with the reading. However, I also got creative and found some clever ways to make the most of my time. For instance, I discovered a nifty software that could read articles out loud to me. That way, I could listen to research articles during my daily commute and make the most of that time.
Was your success in the program driven by a particular outcome—such as professional advancement, educational achievement, personal satisfaction, or something else?
I believe that my success stems from a personal philosophy I hold dear: everything I create is an extension of who I am. I am determined to ensure that my work is never subpar because it doesn’t accurately represent the best version of myself. I strive to make each piece of work a shining example of my true potential. By embodying this mindset, I have discovered that it leads to successful outcomes in any endeavor one pursues in life.
Is there a particular course or project that enhanced your experience in the Urban Affairs program?
The course that significantly enhanced my Urban Affairs program experience was Urban Research Methods (MET UA 703). Interestingly, it was the first class I enrolled in, which turned out to be quite lucky. It provided me with a solid foundation in research paper production, identifying high-quality research papers, and critical data analysis. Without this course, my understanding of assigned articles would have been shallower, and I would have been less prepared to engage in critical thinking regarding program topics and theories.
Additionally, I had the privilege of participating in the Metrobridge program through BU’s Initiative on Cities, where we worked on a real-world problem for the Town of Easton, Massachusetts. It was a rewarding experience to apply the skills we learned in a practical setting and contribute to a report that could be utilized by the town for future development. This opportunity showcased the tangible impact of our studies and further solidified the value of our education in a professional context.
Can you share any examples of skills, principles, or practices learned in the program that you were concurrently able to apply to your job?
The Urban Affairs program at Boston University Metropolitan College equipped me with valuable skills that directly benefit my work in the construction field. Specifically, I have gained a deep understanding of collaborative decision-making processes, allowing me to actively contribute to project discussions and make informed choices that align with project goals. Additionally, learning data analysis enabled me to provide evidence-based justifications to supervisors, demonstrating the impact of my decisions and actions on project outcomes. These skills have become integral to my daily work, empowering me to contribute effectively and communicate the rationale behind my choices to stakeholders and supervisors with confidence.
What’s next for you? Would you say that your program helped prepare you for the next phase of your life/career/education?
Currently, my focus is on contributing to the growth and development of P&H Electric by expanding their education program and enhancing their technical capabilities. However, my long-term aspirations lie in pursuing a doctorate in education and ultimately transitioning into a professorial role after gaining valuable experience in the construction industry.
The Urban Affairs program at Boston University Metropolitan College has played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of our complex world and how it has evolved. This program has equipped me with the knowledge and insights necessary to leverage my expertise and make significant strides towards achieving my career goals.
You were recognized by faculty and peers for your hard work and dedication to the Urban Affairs program. What words of advice or encouragement have served as a guiding principle, or simply inspiration, for you? Any words of wisdom you would like to pass along to students starting in the program?
The value of any program ultimately depends on the effort you put into it. If you simply skate by and do the bare minimum, you may end up with a degree, but you’ll miss out on the true value and potential of the course.
Remember, this journey is an investment in yourself, so it’s crucial to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Embrace the work wholeheartedly, engage actively with the material, and strive to exceed expectations. By doing so, you’ll unlock the genuine value of your educational experience, paving the way for personal growth and rewarding outcomes. So, seize the moment, give it your all, and watch as your efforts transform your path to success.