With more than 20 years of experience in the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) industry, George Gouin has built a career defined by innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to continuous growth.
In early 2025, just over a year after earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) online through Penn State World Campus, he was promoted to chief operating officer at Mason Investment Advisory
Services, Inc.
Based in northern Virginia, George has spent more than a decade at Mason, where he has led multiple departments and spearheaded technology and process improvements that have helped the firm scale and evolve. But even with decades of experience under his belt, George recognized that advancing into executive leadership would require a broader, more strategic perspective. That’s what led him to Penn State’s Online MBA program — a decision he describes as pivotal to his professional development.
Below, George reflects on his experience as an online learner, how the MBA prepared him for his new role, and what advice he has for others considering a similar path.
Why did you choose to pursue the Penn State Online MBA?
When evaluating MBA programs, I prioritized three key criteria: flexibility, affordability, and reputation. As a working professional, I needed a program that would accommodate my schedule and allow me to balance my career and family with my studies. Regarding cost, my focus wasn’t simply on finding the cheapest or most expensive option, but rather on identifying the best return on investment. Ultimately, Penn State’s Online MBA program met all of my requirements and proved to be the ideal fit.
I started my MBA in January 2021 and completed it in December 2023.
What made this experience meaningful for you?
I found great value in the MBA’s wide-ranging courses, which significantly expanded my knowledge beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. Sharing the challenge of balancing work, family, and school with classmates in comparable situations created a uniquely meaningful experience.
Pursuing my MBA online was the only viable option for me, as leaving the workforce to attend school full-time wasn’t feasible. The program connected me with dedicated full-time professors and fellow World Campus students from around the globe, providing unexpected insights into team dynamics and diverse perspectives.
How did your MBA prepare you for this leadership role?
The data analytics courses were particularly engaging and introduced me to innovative perspectives I hadn’t previously encountered. The program’s well-organized curriculum provided valuable exposure to management, marketing, and data analytics — whether through entirely new concepts or deeper insights into familiar areas.
The MBA program has given me a new perspective on leadership and strategy. It opened my eyes to the diverse functional areas of a company and the leadership required throughout. Collaborating and learning alongside professionals from different fields made the experience meaningful and exposed me to new challenges and perspectives to evaluate.
What advice would you give to someone pursuing an MBA online?
Two key pieces of advice: First, don’t delay — start as soon as you’re ready. Waiting for the ideal circumstances often means postponing indefinitely, and you’ll benefit more from beginning sooner. Second, invest time in finding the right program for your situation. Look for one that offers the flexibility you need, aligns with your career objectives, and provides the areas of focus most relevant to your goals. The combination of starting promptly and choosing the right fit will set you up for success.
This Q&A spotlight is part of “40k alumni: 40 stories celebrating 40,000 graduates,” a series marking the milestone of more than 40,000 Penn Staters earning their degrees online through Penn State World Campus.