Daniel DeRuiter
FTMBA '24
Hometown: Katy
Home State: Texas
Home Country: United States
Undergraduate Institution: Texas State University
Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Exercise Science
Pre-MBA Industry: Military
Pre-MBA Company: United States Coast Guard
Pre-MBA Title: Petty Officer 2nd Class
Desired industry post-MBA: Tech
Desired job function post-MBA: Supply Chain Management
Degree Concentrations:
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
Student Organization Membership:
- Healthcare Association
- Career Development Office Ambassador
- Veterans in Business Association
What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience?
I would have to say the approachability of the professors is the most surprising part of my Rice MBA. I have been a student for a long, long time and I have never had such approachable and fun teachers. Calling a professor by their first name was a first for me, and it really underlines just how open the professors at Rice are.
What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far?
My favorite thing about the MBA program are the people here. My classmates are kind, funny, and just amazing people who really push you and bring out the best in you. They have helped me break out of my shell and I have had a blast getting to know everyone.
What do you love most about Houston?
The food. There is so much amazing food in this city that I have a hard time keeping within my budget. I am constantly eating out because of how good the food is.
What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student – one sentence?
Time management is the skill you need the most to succeed in your MBA journey.