Our Business

Impressions

Our students know how to work hard — but they also know how to have a good time. Follow along for the freshest recommendations in the business from current students in our undergraduate, MAcc, Hybrid MBA, MBA@Rice and Ph.D. programs.

Check out our fall issue to hear from students in the Full-Time, Executive and Professional MBA programs.

Aramide Ogunmekan

Program: MAcc
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Favorite class: Accounting Ethics and Professionalism
What’s one small thing that always makes your day better? When I get a good parking spot or only have green lights when driving. Or having really cold, crisp water.
If you could add any dream course to the curriculum, what would it be? (And who would teach it?) Tax Avoidance – a debate-style class about creative ways people have tried to use tax loopholes and defended from the point of view of the IRS. Ideally, it would be taught by a former IRS agent.
Go-to karaoke song? “Halo” by Beyonce

Tae Won “Theodore” Kim

Program: Ph.D.
Hometown: I’m originally from South Korea but have lived in the Chesapeake Bay area, the Pacific Northwest and now Houston.
Favorite class: Design of Business Research
Go-to study spot: The new Brochstein Pavilion
What books/podcasts are you currently obsessed with? My favorite author is William Somerset Maugham, who explores the human struggle between ideals and reality, or living on the razor’s edge. I also enjoy listening to “The Best One Yet” podcast to stay updated on business news and trends.
Go-to karaoke song? Shin Hae Chul’s “Growing Up”

Shaina Perry

Program: Hybrid MBA
Hometown: Houston, Texas
What’s one small thing that always makes your day better? Watching my rescue dogs play and be happy!
Best advice you’ve received during your time at Rice Business? Graduating from Rice should lead to a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Today is a good day to start thinking about what you want your legacy to be.
If you could add any dream course to the curriculum, what would it be? (And who would teach it?) A Women in Leadership course led by Sheryl Sandberg
Go-to karaoke song? “My All” by Mariah Carey

Monique Pourkarimi

Program: MBA@Rice
Hometown: Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley (McAllen, Texas)
Favorite class: New Enterprise and Power and Influence, because I am starting a new venture.
Go-to study spot: Business Information Center
Best advice you’ve received during your time at Rice Business? I learned so much in Ruth Reitmeier’s Leader as Coach Program. She taught me the “foreign languages” of coaching and the art of active listening. Like any new language, I hope to keep it in practice to help others along the way.
Go-to karaoke song? “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton

Daniel Zhao

Program: Undergraduate business major
Hometown: San Diego, California
What book are you currently obsessed with? “Elon Musk” by Walter Issacson
What’s one small thing that always makes your day better? A latte from Chaus
Best advice you’ve received during your time at Rice Business? It’s hard for people on your team to understand what you’re thinking unless you explain it to them. No one is a mind reader.
If you could add any dream course to the curriculum, what would it be? (And who would teach it?) Financial Crises Throughout History: A Study of Risk, taught by Howard Marks
Go-to karaoke song? “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims