Why did you choose Rice Business?

Being a native Houstonian, I have known about the prestige of Rice University since elementary school. In my 5th grade memory book, I was asked where I would be after graduating high school, and I said, “at Rice University playing Football.” Even though that dream did not come to fruition, when I started looking at MBA programs, I already knew Rice would be at the top of the list. Once I visited the campus and spoke with admissions representatives and students, I was sold on the culture. Rice has an elite entrepreneurship program, small classes – and a small cohort that allow you to really connect. The familial culture permeates throughout the school, and it is in one of the most diverse cities in the U.S.

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

I am proud of the way Rice students help to support each other. I have seen students unofficially tutor one another in courses they were familiar with and help each other prepare for case interviews, review resumes, cover letters and elevator pitches. I have also seen the applicable student organizations do everything in their capacity to help incoming students prepare for the recruiting process.

How has your Rice helped you in your career?

Rice has already helped tremendously with my career. Shortly after acceptance, Margaret Kazibwe, former Rice Business admissions, provided me with an opportunity to apply to the Consortium. After being accepted, I was able to attend the Consortium conference over the summer. Through the conference and with the help of the Rice Career Development Office, I was fortunate enough to receive multiple internship offers before I even started the program.

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

DO IT!! 

In all seriousness though, attending Rice is one of the best decisions I’ve made. You develop a new skillset and build a network that will follow you the rest of your career. I feel like I am constantly having stimulating and enjoyable conversations because I am surrounded by like-minded individuals with great personalities. We are all working towards a common objective while offering support and advice to each other. I would advise prospective students to just start the application. From there, they can reach out to the admissions office and current students to develop a better understanding of the school. Once they receive a decision letter, they can further evaluate whether they want to pursue the opportunity. I feel like a lot of prospective candidates talk themselves out of applying. In doing this, many decide against an MBA and limit themselves before even trying. I would advise that it is better to have the letter in hand and to be fully informed when making that final decision than to decide before even beginning the process.

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

I believe there are a few things organizations can do to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. First, they need to develop opportunities that allow for diverse representation within the leadership of the organization. Second, they need to implement processes that not only recruit, but help to retain diverse candidates. Finally, I feel that it is crucial for asset management firms (i.e., venture capital and private equity) to develop investment criteria to fund diverse founders. Through this investment, we will have more organizations owned and operated by diverse entrepreneurs, providing representative examples of achievement and an even higher probability of opportunities for diverse candidates.

Do you have any other comments or anecdotes you would like to share?

“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” – Barack Obama

Why did you choose Rice Business?

Prior to Rice, most of my educational and professional experiences have been within large institutions where it is often times difficult to have a voice and meaningful impact. To change that narrative, I chose to pursue my MBA at Rice. Given the smaller class sizes, collaboration and diverse community, I knew Rice would be perfect for me. In fact, the diverse community Rice has built has allowed me to be my authentic African-American self.

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

I have a lot to be proud of and most times I don’t give myself enough credit because of how much more I know there is to be done. To count my flowers, however, I will say I am proud of the job offers I received since being admitted to Rice, and I am proud of the work I am currently doing with the Consortium as a first-year rep to bring even more diversity to Rice! 

How has your Rice helped you in your career?

The Career Development Office has been extremely helpful in helping me navigate my career pivot, but the Rice network – or family, as I like to call it – has helped me tremendously on my journey to Rice and during my time here. The network is extensive and always willing to help in whatever way they can. Talking to alums in the industry about their MBA journey and careers has been enlightening and helped me carve out my goals and aspirations in the field. 

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

The MBA journey is very much one of re-discovering oneself and truly being honest with what impact you want to have on the world. That said, do not take it lightly. Allow yourself to go through the process and get clarity along the way. When done right, it is a very rewarding path. Do not doubt yourself because you belong wherever it is you want to go. Last but not least, be intentional. Write down what it is you want to get out of an MBA and go where you can accomplish that.  

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

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Organizations first need to truly understand why diversity is important and see its value in a community. It’s not about satisfying a quota but seeing value in every human being and breaking societal norms and biases. To build diverse, equitable and inclusive organizations, they need to be conscious of where their weaknesses lie and have active plans set in place to evolve. These plans do not stop at recruiting diverse talent but ensuring safe environments to keep and promote diverse talent.

What suggestions do you have to work with allies within the workplace or at school?

The beauty of the MBA at Rice is the opportunity to learn firsthand about biases different groups go through. They are highlighted within our circles and in the classroom so that as leaders of tomorrow, we do not fall into the patterns of the past. As an ally, LISTEN to the concerns of others and learn. Understand boundaries with other groups and speak up for others when needed. 

Do you have any other comments or anecdotes you would like to share?

In honor of Black History Month, I’d like to recognize the Black Business Student Association (BBSA) which has created a community within a community for Black MBA students. Representation as we know is vital in any organization; the BBSA has created a safe space and constantly enforced the importance of our presence on Rice campus. They truly are Black Excellence. 

Why did you choose Rice Business?

I chose Rice Business because I felt I would be supported in my MBA experience. I knew the stellar reputation, small class size, ample financial aid and focus on entrepreneurship would provide the foundation I needed to successfully launch the next chapter of my career. 

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

I am proud of the fact that I will be one of the first alum to enter the Luxury Goods industry. I accomplished my main goal when entering business school which was to secure a product development internship and a full time offer at a beauty company in New York City. After an amazing summer internship, I will be moving to NYC following graduation to work for a leading company in the Luxury Goods sector as a Product Development Manager. I look forward to the opportunity to create a pipeline for future Owls who come after me that are interested in beauty, fashion and luxury goods, as that is an extremely underrepresented student demographic at Rice Business. I hope to encourage others to pursue more unconventional paths with your MBA. My MBA journey has led me to my dream opportunity, so I believe it is possible for other people as well. While there were times I felt somewhat isolated and misunderstood due to how unique my experience has been, ultimately I feel like a trail blazer and am extremely proud of what I have been able to accomplish throughout my time at Rice Business. 

How has your Rice helped you in your career?

My time at Rice Business has fueled my passion for business strategy and has helped me to recognize the broad applications of that skillset. Additionally, being from a top tier program like Rice has enabled me to have extremely meaningful conversations in my industry of interest. People are very receptive to students at top MBA programs so I am thankful to have the Rice name supporting me. 

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

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If you are interested in pursuing an MBA do your research, put in the work, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Even if you believe you have an unconventional professional background like myself (I was a hairstylist before business school), what matters most is you believing you belong in an MBA program, and how you communicate your belief that an MBA fits into your unique story. 

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

I believe that diversity training is an extremely important first step for organizations. There must be a space to facilitate uncomfortable conversations. Additionally, inclusivity is the most important element of diversity, equity and inclusion. Without ensuring diverse members of an organization are included in an equitable manner, there is no point!

What suggestions do you have to work with allies within the workplace or at school?

Identifying and aligning around a common goal is always the best way to begin when working with others. Whether that goal be directly related to workplace tasks or related to ethical concerns, that must be the starting point for any fruitful collaboration.

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Owl Have You Know

Season 2, Episode 7

Sha Hornsby joins host David Droogleever to discuss her work at Rice Business, how to recruit top job candidates and the impact the Great Resignation has had on the working world.

Subscribe to Owl Have You Know on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

Owl Have You Know

Season 2, Episode 6

Sean Self (Rice BA ’93, EMBA ’06) joins host Christine Dobbyn to discuss pivoting from being an employee to an entrepreneur, how Rice Business helped him on that journey and advice for budding entrepreneurs.

Subscribe to Owl Have You Know on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.