Introducing Alexis Smith, Co-Chair of the Hybrid MBA Program's Rice Business Student Association

Meet Alexis Smith, Hybrid MBA Class of 2025, who selected Rice Business as her top choice, drawn to the program's core values such as authenticity and the opportunity to foster meaningful connections. Alexis is located in Houston, TX and works as the Vice President of Human Resources at Next Level Medical, an organization that operates several medical and urgent care facilities across Texas. “It was like Rice knew exactly what I needed,” she says. Learn more about Alexis and her decision to choose Rice Business. 

Why did you select Rice Business and why did you choose the Hybrid MBA program?

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Rice has been my dream school since I was a kid. When I started thinking about pursuing my MBA, there was no doubt in my mind — it had to be Rice. The networking component of the program was really important to me but juggling my job's demands with the weekend and evening programs felt overwhelming. A few days after I opened my application, the Rice Hybrid MBA billboard popped up on my daily drive to work. It was like Rice knew exactly what I needed.

Can you describe your preparation process for business school?

Once I knew that Rice was the only school I would be applying to, my preparation process was mostly A LOT of studying for the GMAT. It had been a minute since my last standardized test, and because Rice Business is a top-tier program, I wanted to ensure I put my best foot forward. I also prepared for the program by attending as many Rice events as I could and interacting with current students to get a sense of how I would need to organize my life for the next two years. 

What do you most look forward to as an MBA student?

I'm most excited about the connections I'll form with my cohort members, as well as students in the other Rice Business programs. I also look forward to enhancing my understanding in areas where I'm less confident, such as finance and accounting.

Can you describe your professional goals after Rice Business?

Short-term, my goal is to further ascend within my current company, with my sights set on ultimately attaining a C-Suite role. My longer-term aspirations extend to launching my own venture, with the focus of enhancing efficiency for HR professionals.

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What advice would you give to someone applying to the Hybrid MBA program?

If you're feeling uncertain, my advice is simple: Take the leap! The most common regret I've encountered amongst my cohort peers is that they wish they had taken the plunge earlier. The perfect moment to invest in yourself doesn't really exist. And while it might sound like a cliché, embracing your authentic self is crucial. The right program will value you for who you are, leading to more meaningful connections during your business school journey — and that's what it's all about.

Want to know more about the Hybrid MBA student experience? Attend one of our admissions events!