Chakib Khechai

Home Country: Algeria

Home State: Algiers

Undergraduate Institution: USTHB

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor if applicable): Electrical Engineering

Pre-MBA Industry: CPG

Pre-MBA Company: Unilever

Pre-MBA Title: Brand Manager

Desired industry post-MBA: Cleantech

Desired job function post-MBA: Founder

Degree Specializations: Entrepreneurship, Finance

Student Organization Membership: Consulting Association, Entrepreneurship Association

Officer: RBSA Social Chair

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? My journey at Rice was filled with surprises; the most unexpected one was the cultural difference that is definitely something I was not ready for. Learning more about US history and discovering this diverse and open culture was an amazing experience that allowed me to grow personally by being more open-minded and professionally by networking my way into exciting job opportunities.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? That’s an easy one: Lilie Lab, Rice University’s startup incubator. I get to be surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs who are passionate about building businesses.

What do you love most about Houston? The diversity, the food, the growing entrepreneurship climate.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? Define your career goals prior to the start of the program.