Meet Andrew Waguespack, MBA '22

What was your pre-MBA Industry and function?

• CPA in External Audit and Financial Due Diligence

What will be your post-MBA Industry and function?

• Management Consulting

Why did you want to pursue your MBA?

During my undergraduate corporate accounting internship, I was introduced to two individuals who worked in the Corporate Development department, both of whom had MBAs. Throughout the rest of the internship, they would take me to lunch and share their experiences and how the MBA path accelerated their careers. It was that summer in 2012 I purchased a U.S. News Best Graduate Schools magazine and began thinking about what it would be like to have the opportunity to attend an MBA program one day. Three years later I moved from Louisiana to Houston to begin my accounting career. Six years into my career I decided it was the perfect time to pursue an MBA to polish my finance, leadership, and business strategy skills and expand my network.

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Why did you choose Rice Business?

Having worked in a client facing role in Houston, I have seen firsthand the advantages that having a Rice MBA brings to the table. My fellow Rice MBA colleagues at my previous job shared a unique camaraderie among their peers and clients alike, one that emphasized teamwork, collaboration and respect. Every Rice Business alum I encountered throughout work engagements, recruiting visits and community events were eager to share their insights, experiences and advice, making the program feel like home. I also knew the smaller cohorts would offer a more personalized experience which was important to me.

What are you most proud of from your time at Rice Business?

I am most proud of the sense of community at Rice Business. I look back on the times spent helping each other with interview prep and all the hard work that goes into recruiting. It is a rewarding feeling seeing others succeed and being able to pay it forward to the next class of Rice Business students.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I am most proud of earning my CPA license and being able to share that moment with my family. My mother is also an accountant but never had the opportunity to finish her CPA exams. Being able to dedicate it to her for the sacrifices she made for my siblings and me is something I am most proud of in my career.

How has the Rice MBA helped you in your career?

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The Rice MBA experience helped me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace change. Leaving a full-time job and switching careers is daunting, but I have no doubt that this experience has only made me more prepared to handle uncertainty in the business world. Further, the diversity of thought and how different individuals approach business problems has helped me develop a more well-rounded mindset.

Why is it important to you to support women in business?

As my mother re-entered the business world after 12+ years raising my brothers and me, I recognized the unique challenges that women face in the workplace. Seeing firsthand the struggles she experienced, I felt it was important to gain a better understanding of how to be an ally to women like my mother.

What advice would you give prospective students who are considering an MBA?

I spent several years thinking and talking about it but hesitated when it came time to leave my job. I would encourage everyone to go for it. It has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding process and I am very happy I did it. I have met lifelong friends and look forward to joining the Rice Business alumni network.