Catherine Ratcliffe

Home City: Oklahoma City

Home State: OK

Home Country: United States

Undergraduate Institution: University of Oklahoma

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Bachelors of Business Administration, Finance

Pre-MBA Industry: Commercial Real Estate

Pre-MBA Company: Robinson Park

Pre-MBA Title: Senior Investment Analyst and Asset Manager

Desired industry post-MBA: Commercial Real Estate

Desired job function post-MBA: Commercial Real Estate Investment Management

Student Organization Membership: Real Estate Association, Finance Association, WILC

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? The most surprising part of my MBA experience has been the strength and closeness of the Rice community. Coming from a large state university for my undergraduate studies, I was accustomed to a much more independent and less personal academic environment. I did not expect the level of accessibility, support, and genuine care that I have experienced from professors, staff, and classmates throughout the program.

What has stood out most is how intentionally collaborative and supportive the community is. Professors are incredibly approachable and invested in student success, and staff members go out of their way to ensure we feel supported both academically and professionally. At the same time, my classmates have quickly become some of my closest connections. In a relatively short time, I have built relationships that I truly believe will last well beyond the MBA.

Equally impactful is the diversity of backgrounds represented within the class. My peers come from a wide range of industries, cultures, and professional experiences, which makes every discussion and group project an opportunity to learn something new. The combination of close community and diverse perspectives has made the MBA experience far more enriching than I anticipated.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? My favorite part of my MBA experience has been the people and the many opportunities Rice creates for students to connect with one another. The program is incredibly intentional about building community, and the wide range of events and organizations makes it easy to meet classmates and form meaningful relationships beyond the classroom.

I have especially enjoyed getting involved in organizations such as the Women in Leadership Conference and the Rice Real Estate Association. These groups have provided opportunities not only to explore my professional interests, but also to engage with classmates who bring different perspectives and experiences. Being part of these communities has allowed me to build connections with people I may not have otherwise met through classes alone.

The many mixers, networking events, and student-led initiatives consistently create space for new conversations and relationships. What I appreciate most is that these events are not just about networking, they are about building genuine connections. Time and again, I have walked away from these gatherings with new friendships, professional insights, and a stronger sense of belonging within the Rice community.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student – one sentence? The MBA experience is truly about people; make the effort to meet as many classmates as possible and engage in campus events, because the most meaningful learning comes from collaborating, exchanging perspectives, and developing strong teamwork skills.