Collin Wong

Home Country: United States

Home State: WA

Undergraduate Institution: University of Washington

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): B.S. Biophysics

Pre-MBA Industry: Commercial Real Estate

Pre-MBA Company: NBS Real Estate Consulting

Pre-MBA Title: Associate

Desired industry post-MBA: Commercial Real Estate

Desired job function post-MBA: Development

Degree Concentrations: Finance, Real Estate

Student Organization Membership: Real Estate Association, Entrepreneurship Association, Golf Club

Officer: Real Estate Association - Currently the 1st-year rep for FT program, and expecting to be president next year.

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising aspect of my Rice MBA experience has been the experience itself – specifically, the depth of community, connection, and institutional pride that comes with being a part of Rice University. Over the past nine months, I’ve found myself continuously impressed by how different this environment is from my previous academic experiences. Coming from a large public university, I had not anticipated just how impactful it would be to be a part of such a close-knit and nationally respected program like Rice Business.

The size and reach of Rice University is truly unique. There’s a tangible sense of excellence and pride that permeates the community. It's both humbling and motivating to be a part of it. Across campus, throughout Houston, and on a national level, I’ve consistently felt how well-regarded the Rice name is. I’ve represented Rice in two national case competitions this year, and on both occasions, I was surprised by how engaged my colleagues (e.g. Northwestern, University of Chicago, UCLA, Harvard, etc) were in learning more about Rice and the broader Houston area. Not to mention the interest I’ve received from my colleagues back home in the Pacific Northwest. 

Since relocating to Houston, I’ve had the opportunity to travel throughout Texas - including visits to the state’s major cities and even West Texas - for both personal and professional reasons. No matter where I go, the Rice name is met with respect and genuine interest. That level of recognition has been both surprising and empowering. Within Houston especially, being part of the Rice MBA program has given me the confidence to connect with people I never imagined talking to including founders and CEOs of companies I’d only read about in the news. There’s a quiet credibility that comes with this affiliation, and it’s one that I value deeply.

In short, the most unexpected part of my MBA journey has been realizing how much this program extends beyond the classroom. Rice Business has given me access to a broader community than I’ve ever experienced - and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? Without question, the best part of my MBA experience has been the sense of community and the meaningful friendships I’ve made at Rice Business - and with the type of people I truly enjoy (i.e., down-to-earth, hard-working, eclectic, and intelligent individuals). After coming from a professional environment where personal connections were limited, it has been incredibly rewarding to form genuine relationships with my classmates. These friendships have added depth to my experience and will surely extend well beyond the MBA program.

What do you love most about Houston? What I love most about Houston is its remarkable diversity – and the inclusive, dynamic community that comes with it. As one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Houston offers a cultural richness that’s noticeable in every aspect of daily life, from the foods and languages to the people and perspectives. This diversity doesn’t just exist on the surface. It actively shapes the identity of the city and the way Houstonians interact and make connections.

Moving to Houston for the MBA program, I was struck by how naturally people from different backgrounds come together – not just in academic or professional spaces, but throughout the broader community. It’s a place where everyone seems to belong, and where differences are not only accepted but genuinely valued. For example, somehow the Vietnamese population discovered a way to combine Cajun food with Vietnamese food in a way that’s distinctly different and equally good. It’s remarkable. Whether attending local events such as the Houston Rodeo, exploring new neighborhoods, or simply starting a conversation with someone at a restaurant, there’s an openness and authenticity that makes the city feel welcoming and grounded. It’s truly a global city in every sense, but with a deep sense of Texas hospitality and history. That combination makes it uniquely easy to feel at home here, no matter where you’re coming from.

The diversity of Houston also enhances the Rice MBA experience. It adds depth to class discussions, broadens perspectives, and helps build meaningful relationships with people I might not have otherwise crossed paths with. In many ways, the city reflects the same values that attracted me to Rice Business: excellence through collaboration, and the idea that people are better together.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? The best investment you can make is in yourself (Warren Buffet) - align yourself with the organization that best allows you to accomplish this.