Anupama Bhide
Full-Time MBA, Class of 2019
Hometown: Pune
Home State: Maharashtra
Home Country: India
Previous Institution & Degree: National Institute of Technology, Surathkal (Electronics and Communication Engineering)
Pre-MBA Industry: Consulting
Pre-MBA Company: Ernst and Young
Pre-MBA Title: Consultant
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Technology
Desired Post-MBA Function: Product Management
Summer Internship Company: Dell
Summer Internship Title: MBA Marketing Intern
Degree Concentration: Finance and Marketing
Student Organization Membership: Blockchain Technology Club, Consulting Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Rice Business Women’s Organization, Rice Business Board Fellows, Rice Indo-American Business Club (RIABC), Technology Club, Wine Club
Student Organization Leadership: Officer, Entrepreneurship Club
What about the Rice MBA program has surprised you the most?
I have been amazed to find my own true potential and the MBA program has played a pivotal role in providing the platform. There were many situations which were uncomfortable, but the program really helped me become comfortable with the uncomfortable. You become a superhero of sorts and learn to manage time effectively. In my last term, I solved a final term paper during a 4.5 hour flight! You just roll with the punches!
What has been your favorite moment of your Rice MBA experience so far?
My favorite moment of my Rice MBA experience has been the Ignite Entrepreneurship trek. Being selected for the trek and having the opportunity to meet successful entrepreneurs from the Silicon Valley was an eye-opener. Hearing about their failures and just listening to their stories was an enlightening experience into entrepreneurship and I could not have asked for more. Dr Pamela, a woman entrepreneur, during her interview said, “There are very few behaviours that are acceptable for women, it’s taken me a long time but I have finally stopped apologizing for being me!” This was a huge ah-ha moment for me and something that I will keep in my mind throughout my life!
What is your favorite thing about and/or favorite spot in Houston?
Valhalla. Enough said.
In a sentence, what is the one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
Be open to try out new things, but also don't be swayed by anyone's opinions. Do the things that you intended to do and don't be afraid to fail, because you will fail a lot and through those experiences you will learn about yourself in a way that you have never known in the past.