Diego Sordelli

Home Country: United States

Home State: TX

Undergraduate Institution: St. Edward's University

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Bachelors in Business Administration

Pre-MBA Industry: Oil & Gas

Pre-MBA Company: CITGO Petroleum Corporation

Pre-MBA Title: Capital Planning and Performance Analyst

Desired industry post-MBA: Consulting, Private Equity, Venture Capital

Desired job function post-MBA: Managment Consultant

Degree Concentrations: Entrepreneurship, Finance

Student Organization Membership: Athletics Club, Beer Club, Consulting Association, Entrepreneurship Association, Finance Association, Golf Club, Latin Business Student Association, Jones Christian Fellowship, Private Equity & Venture Capital Association

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience has been the increase in my confidence. Coming into the program, I knew I would grow academically and professionally, but I didn’t expect how much it would impact the way I view myself. A big part of that confidence comes from being genuinely proud of where I am and what I’m doing. It’s empowering to be part of a program like Rice—surrounded by motivated peers, supportive faculty, and engaging coursework.

I’ve learned far more than I anticipated in just the first year, and that knowledge has inspired a deeper sense of self-assurance. Classes like Business Communication pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in doing so, helped me become more comfortable speaking up, presenting, and expressing my ideas clearly. The curriculum doesn’t just teach technical skills—it challenges you to grow in ways that stick with you beyond the classroom.

Even though I haven’t secured an internship yet, I feel confident in my ability to find an opportunity that aligns with my interests and values. That in itself is a major shift from where I started. I’ve learned to trust my process, lean on my network, and recognize that confidence isn’t just about outcomes—it’s about how you carry yourself through uncertainty.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? Without a doubt, my favorite part of the MBA experience has been the friendships I’ve made along the way. For example, one of the most meaningful connections I’ve made is with Joseph Fields—we became friends about halfway through the first semester, and now he honestly feels like a brother. It’s crazy how fast you can bond with someone in this environment, but I guess trauma bonding is real when you’re working through cases, presentations, and recruiting stress together.

What makes these friendships so special is that they go beyond just academics or networking. Whether it’s long nights preparing for a group project or grabbing food after class to decompress, these moments have made the entire experience richer and more enjoyable. Everyone brings something unique to the table, but there’s a shared sense of support and ambition that brings us all together.
The people I’ve met have helped me grow, made me laugh when I needed it most, and reminded me why I chose Rice in the first place.

What do you love most about Houston? As a proud Houstonian, I can honestly say I love just about everything this city has to offer. I moved here when I was one and I will always call it home. It’s an incredible place to build both a career and a life. There’s a reason so many people stay once they move here—the opportunities are real, the culture is diverse, and the community is genuinely welcoming.

Professionally, Houston is unmatched. Whether you’re in energy, healthcare, tech, or looking to start your own venture, there’s room to grow without the pressure of a sky-high cost of living. Personally, I love that there’s always something to do—great food, live music, sports, parks, and festivals. And let’s be honest, I prefer the heat to the cold. I’d rather sweat through a Houston summer than shovel snow any day.
More than anything, it’s the people and the vibe that make Houston special. It’s big, but it feels tight-knit. It’s diverse, but it feels unified. Houston is home in every sense of the word.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? You’re more capable than you think—lean into the challenge, stay open to growth, and great things will follow.