Ashley Ward

What was your pre-MBA industry and function?

Higher Education, Student Organization Accounts Services Lead at the University of Michigan

What is your internship?

I signed with Amazon as a senior marketing manager. Post-MBA, I'd like to work in product marketing management in technology

Why did you want to pursue your MBA? Why did you choose Rice Business?

I wanted to pursue my MBA because I knew the vision that I wanted for my life, and that could only be achieved by obtaining an MBA. Business school provides a basis of knowledge that allows you to adapt to a changing marketplace, understand best management practices, and make decisions in the face of ambiguity. I wanted to utilize my communications background and pivot to a career that I have always been curious about, which is technology. By doing so, I am able to dive deeper into user experience, marketing research, and have hands-on experience in product management work, but in a classroom setting. I have also always had an interest in entrepreneurship and wanted to explore and learn the fundamentals of starting my own business. Careers in general and small business ownership, in particular, can be full of volatility, and having sound decision-making frameworks provides the skills needed to thrive. 

I chose Rice specifically because my sorority sister, Victoria Hills, was a current student who shared many of her great experiences at Rice with me. As a prospective student, I knew it was important to feel a sense of belonging, no matter the school. To say I felt a sense of belonging at Rice would be an understatement. Every time I met a current student or attended an event, everyone treated me as if I were already admitted. I received phone calls from admissions officers who genuinely took an interest in not only my educational background but my personality holistically. I knew early on that Rice is where I needed to attend business school because I wanted this journey to be one taken with intentionality. I love the small cohorts, engaged alumni and the culture of doing it together.

What was your favorite memory or experience from your time at Rice? 

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My favorite experience so far was being able to attend the orientation program as a Consortium Fellow and being able to bond with my classmates before school started, as well as land my internship before even taking a course.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?

Being a woman in business for me means that you are constantly learning, growing, empowering, and then building up other women. Women have so much power and influence in the world and should not be afraid to disrupt the status quo. When we do that, we show other women that stereotypical barriers can be knocked down. There are seats at the table for all of us, and it starts with advocating for your sister(s). 

What do you think organizations should do better to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive organizations?

Building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization requires effort from all levels of the organization. The most important things to me are recognizing and addressing bias. When organizations are aware of their unconscious biases and take steps to eliminate them from various practices, it creates a more inclusive environment. I also believe organizations must foster a culture of inclusivity. This can be as simple as implementing DEI workshops for people to openly share their experiences/fellowship or even celebrate cultural differences. Lastly, an organization should hold its leadership accountable to not only recruiting diverse talent but making sure they have the tools and resources needed to be successful. 

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What suggestions do you have for working with allies in the workplace or at school?

My suggestion for working with allies in school is to be vulnerable and show genuine compassion and curiosity about the lives of the people with whom you interact. Everyone wants to be an expert at everything, and it often prevents learning. When you take the opportunity to get to know someone else, so much learning takes place, and you are able to build new relationships; that requires being open and approachable. 

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

I would tell prospective students to not be afraid to apply, to take a leap of faith and invest in your future. Considering an (FT) MBA is scary because you are leaving your job, disrupting your family norm and potentially moving to a new city. This is the one opportunity that you will get to do something challenging while pivoting careers. Fully commit and immerse yourself in the experience and network as much as possible because you never know what connections can change your life. The MBA is about networking and if you aren’t networking, you are doing it wrong.