Dones Mundadan

Home Country: India

Home State: Kerala

Undergraduate Institution: National Institute of Technology Calicut

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

Pre-MBA Industry: Oil and Gas

Pre-MBA Company: ExxonMobil

Pre-MBA Title: Portfolio Sustainment and Technology Lead

Desired industry post-MBA: Consulting

Desired job function post-MBA: Consultant

Degree Concentrations: Finance, Strategic Management

Student Organization Membership: CleanTech Association, The Adam Smith Society, Energy Association, Finance Association

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? Coming from a technical engineering background in India, the academic experience at Rice Business has been a refreshing and, at times, surprising shift. I was prepared for a rigorous curriculum, but I hadn’t fully anticipated how different the learning approach would be. The emphasis on strategic thinking, leadership, and soft skills—contrasted with the technical problem-solving of my undergraduate days—challenged me in entirely new ways.

One of the most pleasant surprises has been the case-based learning model. It immerses you in real-world scenarios and pushes you to think beyond frameworks and theories. I’ve found myself not just learning the material, but truly retaining it, because I connect with the stories and business dilemmas we analyze in class. This method has helped me develop a more holistic understanding of business decision-making.
Another standout surprise has been my cohort. The sheer depth of experience and insight my classmates bring from their diverse and accomplished careers has added immense value to my learning. I walk into class every day knowing I’ll gain perspectives that go well beyond textbooks. It’s incredibly motivating and humbling.

Lastly, I’ve been impressed by how well-regarded Rice Business is in the Houston business community. I knew the school had a strong local reputation, but the responsiveness and warmth from alumni and employers exceeded my expectations. That network has already played a pivotal role in shaping my internship journey and professional outlook.

In all, the Rice MBA experience has been eye-opening in the best way possible—and I’m loving every part of it.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite part of the MBA experience so far has been the casing preparation leading up to consulting internship interviews. What started as a daunting process quickly became one of the most rewarding learning journeys I’ve had—thanks entirely to the Rice community.

Working through cases with friends and classmates helped me develop not just the technical skills, but also a clear and structured approach to problem-solving. Beyond the frameworks, I learned how to stay calm under pressure, communicate with clarity, and think strategically in real time. More than anything, I realized that with enough motivation—and the right support—you can learn and master just about anything.

And that support was always there. My peers were incredibly generous with their time and guidance, constantly encouraging one another to improve. That spirit of collaboration truly defined the experience for me. I never felt like I was competing against my classmates—instead, we were in it together. I wanted my friends to succeed just as much as they wanted me to, and that shared mindset lifted all of us.

This culture of mutual success is what makes Rice special, and it’s something I hope to protect and enhance for future cohorts. It’s more than just a support system—it’s a community that wins together.

What do you love most about Houston? What I love most about Houston is its unique blend of being a big city with a small-town mindset—at least, that’s how it feels to me. It’s a massive, economically powerful city with global industries and opportunities, yet the way people interact, support one another, and take pride in their communities feels deeply personal and grounded.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Houston is its diversity. People from so many different backgrounds call this city home, and yet there’s a remarkable harmony in how communities live and thrive—both within their own cultures and alongside others. There’s a sense of mutual respect and coexistence that I find incredibly inspiring.

What really stands out is how people strongly identify as Houstonians and Texans, while also embracing and celebrating their individual cultural identities. That blend of collective pride and personal authenticity gives Houston a character that’s hard to put into words. It’s something I’m still observing, learning from, and admiring every day.

My understanding of the city is still evolving, and I know I’ve only seen a small slice of what Houston truly is—but from what I’ve experienced so far, it’s a place that makes you feel welcome, no matter where you’re from.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Ask yourself why MBA. If you commit, set the roadmap to success. Once you have it figured, set priorities and learn to make the right decisions - important to say more NOs that YESs. No substitute to hard work. The WHY gives you the motivation, chase your WHY.