Iman Basha

Home City: Naperville, IL

Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Undergraduate Degree and Major: B.S. Chemical Engineering

Pre-MBA Industry: Pharmaceutical Consulting

Pre-MBA Company: Cofactor Group

Pre-MBA Title: Senior Associate

Desired Industry Post-MBA: Pharma/Biotech/Healthcare

Desired Job Function Post-MBA: TBD - Brand Manager

Student Organization Membership: Rice Business Board Fellows, Consulting Association, Healthcare Association, Strategy Association

Officer: Board Fellow at Family-to-Family Network, a local nonprofit providing autism services and support for the community

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience has been the impact of networking and the incredible value of my cohort's diverse backgrounds. Engaging with classmates from a variety of professional landscapes has not only supplemented my learning but has also uncovered ways to leverage my learnings in various real-world settings (both personal and professional). There's a certain dynamism in learning from the collective experiences of my peers, which has significantly enhanced my inquisitive spirit. It’s one thing to acquire knowledge from lectures and textbooks, but it’s entirely another to hear firsthand accounts of how theories and models play out in different sectors of the industry. These stories and insights have provided me with a multifaceted understanding of the business world, one that I could not have gained through solo study. Personal growth has been another unexpected yet gratifying aspect of my MBA. The program has served as a catalyst for self-discovery, pushing me to develop not just professionally but also personally. Time management, resilience, and self-awareness are just a few of the skills I've honed, which I know will serve me well beyond the academic environment. The application of classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios has been incredibly grounding. (Think the saying "you don't know what you don't know.") Learning about the decision-making processes across various industries has not only broadened my business acumen but also prepared me for the nuanced complexities of the corporate landscape. It’s this practical, hands-on approach that has solidified my confidence in my ability to make informed decisions and lead with conviction. The lessons learned here are not transient—they're foundational to the leader I aspire to become.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? My favorite part of my MBA journey has to be the balance between work and in-person classes. The hybrid setup is perfect for me—it’s the best of both worlds. Being able to interact with my classmates outside of class really enriches the whole experience. Plus, having one weekend a month set aside to focus solely on my studies allows me to really dive in without the usual distractions from work or home life. It’s my time to prioritize my growth and learning. And the professors? They're incredible. Not only are they approachable and eager to learn from our experiences, but they also have a real gift for making complicated subjects clear and understandable.

What do you love most about Houston? What's not to love about Houston? For starters, the food scene here is unbeatable. It's like a culinary globe-trot with flavors from every corner of the world right at my doorstep. The cultural diversity that feeds into this is incredible. Then there's the weather. Trading the Windy City for Houston's warmth feels like a monthly retreat. It's a welcome change that keeps me energized. And let's talk about the city's contrasting industries: healthcare and energy. They fuel fascinating conversations in our cohort, making discussions lively and interesting. Plus, as a chemical engineer, these fields open up a world of possibilities.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? Seek and receive help guilt-free—it takes a village to accomplish big things, and earning a Rice MBA is a commitment worth achieving.