Gustavo Biato Oliveira

Home country: Brazil

Home state: Rio de Janeiro

Undergraduate institution: UFRJ

Undergraduate degree and major (and minor, if applicable): Mechanical engineering

Pre-MBA industry: Energy - oil and gas

Pre-MBA company: Petrobras

Pre-MBA title: Petroleum engineer

Desired industry post-MBA: Management consulting

Desired job function post-MBA: Consultant

Degree specializations: Energy, finance

Student organization membership: CleanTech Association, Consulting Association, Energy Association

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising aspect of my Rice MBA experience has been the academic challenges I encountered. Coming from an engineering background with additional postgraduate courses under my belt, I initially assumed that certain subjects, such as finance and marketing, might not present entirely new concepts to me. However, I quickly realized that my assumptions were unfounded as I went deeper into these subjects.

Despite my prior knowledge, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity of the material covered in the program. The professors consistently pushed boundaries, presenting nuanced perspectives and encouraging critical thinking. Their expertise and passion challenged me to reevaluate my understanding and approach to these subjects.

Moreover, the collaborative nature of the program fostered an environment where I was constantly challenged by my peers. Working within diverse groups allowed me to gain insights from different perspectives and learn from the experiences of my classmates. Together, we navigated complex case studies, tackled real-world challenges, and debated strategic decisions, all of which contributed to my growth as a business leader.

Ultimately, while I may have had some familiarity with certain topics before joining the MBA program, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of knowledge and the level of intellectual rigor demanded by the coursework. The academic challenges I encountered have been instrumental in shaping my learning journey, pushing me to continuously expand my horizons, sharpen my skills, and strive for excellence in all aspects of my MBA experience.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite thing about my MBA experience so far has been the invaluable lesson I've learned about the power of networking, particularly within the context of the U.S. business landscape. Hailing from Brazil, where I previously worked in a national oil company, I've come to appreciate the significance of networking in establishing connections, fostering opportunities, and advancing one's career. This realization has been truly transformative for me, as now I recognize the importance of cultivating professional relationships and leveraging them to achieve my goals.
Additionally, I've been pleasantly surprised by the exceptional support provided by the Career Development Office (CDO) and their unwavering commitment to our success. As a CDO ambassador, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication and diligence of the CDO team in assisting MBA candidates with every step of their career journey. From resume workshops to mock interviews, the CDO team goes above and beyond to equip students with the tools and resources necessary to secure their dream job opportunities.

The collaborative environment fostered by the CDO and their genuine concern for each MBA candidate's success have exceeded my expectations. Working closely with the CDO team has not only enhanced my appreciation for their work but has also deepened my understanding of the pivotal role career development plays in the MBA experience. It's been immensely rewarding to be part of a community where everyone is committed to helping each other thrive professionally, and I'm grateful for the invaluable support and guidance provided by the Career Development Office throughout my MBA journey.

What do you love most about Houston? What I love most about Houston is its suitability for my family's needs and preferences. After residing here for eight months, I'm convinced that this city is the ideal place for us. Despite experiencing a challenging summer, the city's infrastructure, with air conditioning available in every building, helped us cope with the extreme heat. As October rolled in, we were greeted with perfect weather conditions that surpassed what we could find elsewhere in the States. Had we chosen another business school last year, I'm certain my family and I would have struggled during the harsh winter months.

Moreover, Houston's dynamic landscape and constant evolution are captivating to witness. The city and the state of Texas as a whole are experiencing tremendous growth and transformation, characterized by the emergence of new enterprises, influxes of investments, and a diverse population. Exploring Houston and other Texas cities has been a delightful journey for us. We've been introduced to new and revitalized neighborhoods, cultural events, and several leisure opportunities that only a vibrant metropolis like Houston can offer.

Overall, Houston's blend of comfort, opportunity, and excitement makes it the perfect place for us to call home. We look forward to continuing to explore and immerse ourselves in all that this dynamic city has to offer.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? One piece of advice I would share with a prospective student, especially if you're coming with family to Rice, is to be crystal clear about the amount of work expected from you and to approach your MBA journey as a full-time job, even when classes take up only half of your day.