Cyrus Mistry

Home Country: United States

Home State: Missouri

Undergraduate Institution: University of Missouri

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Mechanical Engineering

Pre-MBA Industry: Automotive industry

Pre-MBA Company: Rivian, Honda, and BMW

Pre-MBA Title: Senior attribute delivery engineer

Desired industry post-MBA: Automotive industry

Desired job function post-MBA: Automotive product planner

Degree Specializations: Marketing, strategic management

Student Organization Membership: Beer Club, The Consortium, Marketing Association, Technology Association, Other

Other Committee: The Global Food Experience Club

Officer: The Consortium: Academic and Wellness Co-Liaison; Marketing Association: Applied to be board member

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA?
One thing that surprised me about my MBA journey so far was how centered on consulting and investment banking most of the top MBA programs are. In that sense, Rice is not an exception. Many students are focused on consulting and investment banking (IB), and for those who had not planned to go into either, you can sometimes feel a fear of missing out.
In that sense, I think I bring a unique perspective to the table, as I knew I did not want to go into either consulting or IB. I would enjoy being able to speak to students about the large variety of opportunities out there for MBA students outside of consulting and IB.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience?
I love how engaging and interactive every element of our MBA program is. In basically every class, we have an open dialogue between the professor and each of our students. Our student body has backgrounds from many industries and nations across the globe, making the discussions particularly rich with unique perspectives.
Outside of class, all our extracurricular activities feel close-knit. First-year and second-year students form close bonds and learn from each other early in the school year. Lastly, our career development office is incredible to interact with as well. They are so personable, happy to help, and full of great advice. Speaking highly about our student body and staff is something I would be incredibly excited about if I were able to serve as an Admissions Ambassador.

What do you love most about Houston?
The diversity, the food, and the weather! It’s incredible to live in one of the most diverse cities in the United States. That diversity extends into our classrooms at Rice as well. A byproduct of Houston’s diversity is the number and variety of amazing restaurants and stores to visit. Finally, as someone who has primarily lived in the Midwest with cold winters and snow, the warmer weather has been very welcome to me.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student?
Stay open-minded and allow yourself to explore opportunities you may not have initially thought about!