Eric Diehl

Professionals - Evening
Current Industry/Job: Commercial Banking
From: Allen, Texas

Favorite quote and why:

“The respect of those you respect is worth more than the applause of the multitude” – Arnold Glasow. I’m a sucker for good quotes, but reflecting on mentorship, this one stands out to me because cultivating relationships with my role models continues to shape my character. In today’s society it is easy to get wrapped up in popular opinions, but staying true to yourself requires a strong character.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor and why?

Benjamin Franklin. He is best known as one of America’s Founding Fathers, but Franklin was also one of America’s first entrepreneurs. In all of his ventures, he sought success to improve the quality of life for others, not for personal profit. His faith, devotion to family and drive for self-improvement produced a businessman of impeccable character that I truly admire.

Best memory from your first year in the MBA program:

This is a tough one! PCFs are always memorable and I have enjoyed getting to know my classmates outside of class. Earlier in the spring semester a group of us took an official Rice University campus tour, which the first time most of us had made it outside of McNair Hall or past our two “watering holes.” We were surrounded by undergrads and felt…old! I also participated in Week on Wall Street and the Texas Medical Center Trek, which gave me the opportunity to meet students from the other Rice MBA programs while exploring exciting new career opportunities.

What story does your family always tell about you?

When I was eight years old, my little sister was having a birthday party and evidently I was not getting the attention I thought I deserved. In a peaceful, yet obnoxious protest, I proceeded to walk up to everyone at the party and proclaim: “I’m sick! Boo hoo!” (I of course was not ill, and yes, there is video evidence.)

What advice would you like to provide incoming students?

The curriculum will push everyone to new heights, but my advice is to challenge yourself beyond the academics. Participate in as many events, clubs and organizations as you can. This gives you an opportunity to network with students in the other programs, alumni, and business and community leaders. Time management is the single greatest challenge of this program, but don’t let these two years pass you by without taking full advantage of what the Jones School has to offer. 

With all that said, make time for family and keep it sacred because all of our families make sacrifices for us to be a part of this program. Personally, I would have never made it into Rice without my wife’s love and support and I will always be grateful to her for pushing me beyond my limits.

Any additional unique facts you would like to share:

I play the drum set and at one point was pretty decent…then I started my MBA.