Daniel Barvin

Hometown:
Houston, TX

Undergraduate School and Major:
Case Western Reserve University, Mechanical Engineering

Employer and Job Titles:
Looking for the next challenge!

What led you to pursue an MBA?
After college, I pursued a career as a design engineer in the oil and gas industry. While I achieved success in that field, I found in that role that I was underutilizing my interpersonal skills, so I moved into the sales division of my firm. I was able to apply my technical expertise while working with clients to sell our products. My previous training was focused on the development of products themselves, but this new role exposed me to the business side of manufacturing. I have thrived in sales, but it also underscored that I had more to learn. The courses offered by the Jones School and the connections I’m making within my cohort have already helped to bridge this gap and allowed me to take on more responsibility. With my MBA, I hope to further propel myself to a position of added influence and impact.

Why did you choose Rice for your professional MBA?
Growing up in Houston, I had always seen Rice as the pinnacle of higher education. When I was exploring an MBA, Rice's small class sizes, world-renowned professors, and connections to Houston businesses made it my dream school. Underscoring this, my fiancé is a double Rice Graduate (undergraduate and graduate school), and this allowed me an inside view into the campus culture. Through the recruiting office, I was afforded the opportunity to sit in on classes and have conversations with current students. My background research and first-hand exposure solidified for me that Rice was the right place for me to take this next step in my career.

What has been a highlight of the program?
The connections I have made with classmates throughout the program! Through these connections I have been exposed to new careers, interests and ideas. I've also been impressed by the skills and dedication my teammates have brought to our projects and I look forward to facing new challenges together.

What has surprised you about the journey so far?
I have been surprised at how quickly I've been able to implement lessons learned. From lessons on how to be a more effective manager to the basics of financial accounting, there are takeaways which I've been able to apply immediately.

What advice do you have for prospective students?
It's worth the sacrifice! The limitless opportunity which awaits you can and will change your life. Your classmates will inspire and support you through every step of the program.

What is something your classmates don’t know about you?
I backpacked through the Wyoming wilderness for a month.