6 Reasons These Working Professionals Chose the Rice MBA

Class of ’27 students have begun their MBA journey, which means Rice Business continues to grow — in both numbers and ambition. Kicking off this year’s Launch Week, we asked a few of our new Professional and Hybrid MBA students: Why did you choose Rice?

1. Rice Reputation 

Rice Business is nationally recognized for academic excellence, innovative curriculum and strong career outcomes, making it a top choice for ambitious professionals.

“I knew about the university reputation and prestige of Rice. Plus, it’s right in the center of the energy capital,” says Professional MBA Kunal Chopra, a project controls lead at ExxonMobil.

Hybrid MBA Shanker Nair, a senior reservoir engineer, was influenced by alumni in his own workplace. “Several of my colleagues have completed the Rice MBA and spoke very highly of their experience, which gave me confidence that this was the right place for my professional and personal growth.” 

2. Community Matters

Image

With small class sizes and a collaborative culture, Rice Business fosters meaningful relationships among students, faculty and alumni.

Professional MBA student Ali Mroue was drawn to the “tight-knit community, diversity among the cohort and prestige that comes with it.”

Hybrid MBA student Marcelo Bini, a U.S. Department of Treasury special agent, agrees. “I chose Rice Business for its close-knit and collaborative community. The world-class faculty create an environment where meaningful relationships and mentorship thrive.” 
 

3. Networking and Industry Representation

Located in Houston, Rice Business offers unmatched access to leaders across industries — from Fortune 500 companies to fast-growing startups.

“It offers a diverse cohort with people from multiple industries, which brings in various perspectives to the classroom discussions,” shares Chopra. “This creates opportunities for me to learn from people external to my organization and hopefully allow me to gain insights and skills that I can apply to my work.” 

4. Work-Life-School Balance

Rice’s flexible programs help students manage careers, coursework and personal responsibilities simultaneously. For many, it’s this balance that makes an MBA possible.

“With a baby on the way, due in September 2025, and the ongoing process of rebuilding our home after losing it to a fire during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the Hybrid MBA program was the ideal choice,” says Nair. “It allows me to balance personal responsibilities while still pursuing my goal of earning an MBA from a top-tier institution.”

5. Face-to-Face Learning

Image

In-person interaction is central to Rice’s MBA programs for working professionals, creating dynamic discussions, collaboration and meaningful networking.

“I chose Rice’s Professional MBA program because I wanted an in-class MBA experience that would allow me to actively engage with my peers, build meaningful connections and collaborate with professionals at a similar stage in their careers,” says Mroue.

6. Immediate Impact 

Rice MBA students apply what they learn in real time, turning classroom insights into workplace results from day one.

“Not only did the Professional MBA program fit best with my schedule, it allows me to apply what I learn in the classroom directly to my work the very next day,” says Blair Walker.

For Bini, the hybrid program made that impact possible. “The Hybrid MBA format aligns perfectly with my career demands, allowing me to apply lessons from the classroom directly to complex real-world challenges,” he says. “Rice’s strengths in strategy, leadership and entrepreneurship resonates with my goal of driving impact.”

For our newest students, the decision was clear: the Rice MBA combines academic excellence, industry access and a collaborative culture. No matter what brings you to Rice Business, the result is the same: a life-changing MBA experience. 

Explore the Rice MBA

Featured Students

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image