David Butler
Full-Time MBA, Class of 2019
Hometown: Houston
Home State: Texas
Home Country: United States of America
Previous Institution & Degree: University of Texas at Austin (Mechanical Engineering)
Pre-MBA Industry: Oil and Gas
Pre-MBA Company: Freeport-McMoRan Oil and Gas
Pre-MBA Title: Drilling Engineer
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Management Consulting Services
Desired Post-MBA Function: Consultant
Summer Internship Company: KPMG
Summer Internship Title: Associate - Strategy Advisory
Degree Concentration: Finance and Strategic Management
Student Organization Membership: Beer Club, Consulting Club, Energy Club, Finance Club, Private Equity & Venture Capital Club, Rice Energy Finance Summit (REFS), Strategy Club
Student Organization Leadership:
Programming Chair, Rice Energy Finance Summit (REFS)
Officer of Technology and IT, Consulting Club
Officer, Beer Club
What about the Rice MBA program has surprised you the most?
The benefit of having a small class size. It was not a particularly important factor in my decision when it came to which school I wished to attend, but after the fact, I'm incredibly pleased with the smaller nature of our class sizes. I find that it greatly enhances my experience getting to know all of my classmates rather than a small subset, and I also have found it to be a great boon in recruiting and getting access to facetime with different firms.
What has been your favorite moment of your Rice MBA experience so far?
The 2017 REFS. Getting to participate as both a first year committee member and getting to meet and listen to such titans of industry was an incredibly memorable time for me.
What is your favorite thing about and/or favorite spot in Houston?
FOOD! The quantity of high quality food in this town is strains both my belt and my budget.
In a sentence, what is the one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
Try as much as you possibly can while here because it will inevitably lead to having a better understanding of your interests and goals as well as create a wide social network with which to carry with you.