Tanyali Rondon

Home Country: Venezuela

Home State: Zulia

Undergraduate Institution: Universidad Rafael Urdaneta

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Bachelor of Architecture

Pre-MBA Industry: Oil & Gas

Pre-MBA Company: Chevron

Pre-MBA Title: Business Services

Desired industry post-MBA: Management Consulting

Desired job function post-MBA: Brand Management / Marketing Strategy

Summer Internship Company: Suntory Global Spirits

Summer Internship Position: Brand Management

Degree Concentrations: Marketing, Operations Management

Student Organization Membership: Consulting Association, Latin Business Student Association, Marketing Association

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? Honestly, the most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience has been how collaborative and genuinely supportive the community is. I expected it to be competitive, but instead it feels like everyone is really invested in helping each other succeed, whether that’s preparing for interviews, working through difficult assignments, or just checking in.

Another thing that surprised me is how much I’ve grown outside the classroom. Through team projects, leadership opportunities, and just being surrounded by people with very different backgrounds, I’ve learned to think more strategically and be more confident in my ideas.

Overall, it’s been more than just an academic experience, it’s been very personal and transformative in ways I didn't fully expect when I started.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite part of my MBA experience so far has been the people. I know it sounds simple, but being surrounded by such a diverse and driven group has made everything more meaningful, from classes to late-night group work to recruiting.

I’ve especially enjoyed working in teams, because you get to see how different perspectives come together to solve problems. It’s pushed me to think in new ways and be more confident sharing my ideas.

Also, as an international student, I really value how welcoming and supportive the community has been. It’s made a big transition feel much easier and honestly a lot more fun than I expected.

What do you love most about Houston? What I love most about Houston is the diversity. It really feels like everyone comes from a different background, so in a way, we’re all a minority, and that creates a very open and welcoming environment.

I also love the food. You can find authentic food from almost anywhere in the world, and it actually feels real, not just adapted. It’s something I didn’t expect to appreciate this much, but it’s become one of my favorite parts of living here. And at the same time, Houston still has that strong Texas identity, which makes it a really unique mix of cultures. It’s diverse, but also very proud of its roots, especially during rodeo season!

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Stay clear on your priorities and trust your process. The sky is the limit!