Highlights from Investiture 2013

Last week the Rice MBA Class of 2013 graduated from the Jones School and celebrated with Investiture!  Congrats to the newest alums, especially Dane Roberts - who was celebrated as the 5,000th student to graduate from the Jones School. 

Students celebrating at graduation

Investiture 2013

Dane Roberts is the 5,000th student to graduate from JGSB

Jimmy Battista, the M.A. "Mike" Wright Award winner for the Full Time Class of 2013, speaking at Investiture
 

Looking Back at the Jones School

Joey Barnhill,
Rice MBA for Professionals - Evening
Class of 2013

It’s hard to believe that I’m getting ready to graduate from the Rice MBA for Professionals program in a few weeks.  It seems like just yesterday that I was going through the admissions process and visiting the campus and coming to information sessions.  I remember being so excited to start the program so that I could learn and grow and explore new opportunities.  I can honestly say that this experience really was a dream that has come true.

As I reflect on my time here, the one thing that has surprised me the most about this experience was the intensity of the program.  I had heard stories of how busy and time-consuming this adventure would be but I don’t think anything could actually prepare me for how truly intense it was until I was actually experiencing it.  This intensity came in many forms: academic rigor of the program; taking classes that I had not been exposed to before; learning a whole host of new skills that I didn’t even know existed; meeting so many classmates and colleagues who are now my good friends and part of my growing professional network.

On top of all of that, I have developed a greater ability to think creatively on how to solve complex business problems.  The fact that I took on this program while working full time at a demanding job and also trying to have some sort of a personal life is probably one of the proudest moments for me.  I proved something to myself.  I learned that I am able to handle a much greater workload than I had ever thought possible and this perseverance will definitely translate to other areas of life as this program is finished. 

If you are a prospective student who is considering this Rice MBA for Professionals program, I leave you with a few words of advice: The Rice MBA is a very accomplished program with a world class faculty, curriculum, and facilities.  I am highly pleased with my decision to come to Rice to pursue my MBA, and I would recommend the same to any students considering graduate school.

As I spend these last few weeks saying goodbye to classmates, professors and staff, I sent a message to the Admissions Office saying how grateful I have been for this opportunity to be a part of this program.  I am thankful for having the chance to grow this much both professionally and personally.  That little letter of admittance to the program has significantly improved my life and will continue to do so as I continue my journey.

 

Value of the Rice MBA Panel - Sign Up Today!

Rebecca Goodman
Associate Director of Admissions

Next week the Admissions Office will be hosting an alumni panel highlighting how the Rice MBA experience changed their lives.  Sign up  today to attend this event on May 8!  Also, the deadline for the last application round for the MBA for Professionals is May 28 - there is still time to apply.  If you have any questions regarding the application or the admissions process you may email me at Rebecca.Goodman@rice.edu. 

FAQ: Immersion 101

Rebecca Goodman
Associate Director of Admissions

Immersion is the two-week period prior to the start of classes for all first-year full time MBA students.  International students are also required to attend an additional one-week Immersion for all international students.

Is Immersion required?

Yes.  The entire Immersion session is required for all students with no exceptions. 

What will I do during Immersion?

Immersion is a combination of business school orientation with real classes – students actually earn credit during Immersion and begin their communications, strategy, and accounting course work.  During this time students will also get to know their teams they will be working with the entire first semester.  The Office of Student Services also plans lots of fun activities for students to get to know each other and explore Houston.

 

Why is there an additional International Student Immersion?

Most international students are new to Houston and often to the United States. International Student Immersion allows extra time on campus to meet with the Career Management Center and Communications Faculty to enable international students to get a jump on the internship search.  There are also social activities to learn about Houston, and even opportunities for administrative tasks like getting a Texas drivers licence.

 

What is the schedule for Immersion?

The schedule for Immersion changes every year, but you can count on long days at McNair Hall to prepare for the start of classes.  Whether it is working on a case analysis with your team or attending an on-campus wine tasting, the schedule is full and students are advised to move to Houston and have time to get settled in and get to know the city prior to the start of Immersion. The schedule will be finalized during the summer.

 

When will Immersion be held this year?

International Immersion – Monday, August 5 through Saturday, August 10

Regular Full Time Immersion – Monday, August, 12 through Friday, August 23

First Day of Class for Rice MBA Full Time Class of 2015 – Monday, August 26

Alumni Blog: Why I Chose Rice



Aneesh Kothari
Rice MBA Full Time, Class of 2010

Tell us about yourself, what is your background?

Hi, my name is Aneesh Kothari. Born and raised in Houston, I decided to venture north for college, surviving the perilous 150 miles trek to Austin where I studied electrical engineering at the University of Texas.  My family has a business called Systel, which manufactures rugged, industrial computers for oil and gas companies and the Department of Defense.  I knew that I wanted to work for the family business one day, but I wanted some outside work experience first.  After graduating, I worked for two years as a Software Engineer at a company called QuickFlex, spending my days writing line after line of code until I started to feel a lot like this guy (minus the threat of killer dinosaurs):

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA and why were you interested in Rice?

I felt confident in my technical abilities and knowledge but my business acumen was sorely lacking, which is what ultimately led me to pursue my MBA.  Rice was my number one choice and thankfully I was admitted to the Full Time MBA Program.  I was very attracted to Rice’s great Entrepreneurship and Finance programs, as well as the fact that it was nationally ranked with good class sizes and great professors.  Rice’s prime location in the heart of Houston was a big plus as well.

Considering you work for a family business, how has the Rice MBA experience impacted you professionally?

I joined Systel soon after business school as a financial analyst.  Today, I find myself grateful for my well-rounded MBA experience.  Even though my job is technically in finance, I quickly learned that while working for a small business I will have involvement with nearly everything – human resources, accounting, marketing, you name it.  Taking a variety of electives has been really helpful, and Rice’s specialized entrepreneurship classes, like Topics in Family Business Management prepared me for what to expect as I moved out of the corporate environment and into an entrepreneurial venture.

What advice do you have for prospective MBA students?

I highly recommend taking a wide variety of classes across the spectrum of disciplines throughout your two years at the Jones School.  Even if you absolutely know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you want to be an Investment Banker after graduating, I think it’s a no-brainer to take a Marketing elective, a Health Care class, learn about Real Estate Finance, and work on a team creating an idea and then writing and pitching a business plan, just to name a few of the myriad options.  The opportunities provided by the Jones School to truly set yourself apart from your future colleagues with the depth and breadth of your business knowledge are staggering. 

I had a blast in business school.  There can be some stressful times in school but don’t forget have fun and enjoy the people you’re spending these two years with.  Take advantage of the international trips, play intramural sports, participate in Follies, and definitely go to Partios and Valhalla for some well-deserved (and cheap) beers!