Jerrica Givens
PMBA '24
Global Field Experience: Lima, Peru
Hometown: Boss
Home State: Missouri
Home Country: United States
Undergraduate Institution: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Undergraduate Degree and Major: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Current Industry: Oil and Gas
Current Company: ExxonMobil
Current Title: Pipeline Logistics Coordinator
Desired industry post-MBA: Consulting
Desired job function post-MBA: Associate
Student Organization Membership:
- Consulting Association
- Wine Club
- Rice Business Women's Organization
- Rice Business Board Fellows
- Jones Gives Back
What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience?
The most surprising part of the MBA so far has been the level of support that the school and my peers give. I went through internship recruiting for consulting and even as there was a limited number of positions I never felt like I was in competition with my peers. They supported my development, worked long hours of casing, and were genuinely excited when I received an offer. I knew I would make friends in the program, but I never thought it would come with this level of support.
What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far?
My favorite thing about the MBA is the amount of activities. I enjoy being social and meeting people outside of my cohort, and by doing partios, Rice Gives Back, board fellows etc. I have been able to do just that. I love that Rice continues to find ways to engage the full breadth of the MBA program.
What do you LOVE most about Houston?
The diversity. My boyfriend and I are huge foodies and we enjoy that we can have Japanese, Greek, Asian etc all within a 10 minute drive.
By myself, I am a runner and dog lover and I enjoy how pet friendly Houston is and how many parks/trails that there are to run and walk on
What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student?
Don't fear failure, Rice has such a wide support system from the staff, professors and peers that this becomes near impossible.
What makes the GFE special?
The Global Field Experience (GFE) is a hands-on adventure that applies classroom skills to real-world client projects. It’s well-organized, of course. But the magic lies in the program’s unplanned moments — overcoming language barriers, forming tight bonds with classmates, making memories exploring local markets during non-work hours, etc. Working in Peru was an exceptional experience. It brought learning to life and helped me build lifelong friendships.
How did the GFE contribute to your development as a future business leader?
The GFE is not your typical classroom experience. It’s not just about studying business. It immerses you in actual client projects where you tackle real-world challenges that demand quick thinking and diverse skills. I had to balance client needs and wants, which is so much more than writing about case studies. The GFE is like a rollercoaster that throws you into situations: breaking language barriers, relying on classmates for more than chats, and stretching your capacity to adapt. My time in Peru boosted my confidence in applying learnings and building a practical toolkit to solve strategic problems. And as an engineer, it challenged me to think differently. I'm thankful Rice gave me this real-world opportunity to push myself.
What surprised you most about the GFE?
What surprised me most was the unexpected depth of connections I formed with classmates. I grew close to people recruiting in different industries and deepened existing friendships to a lifelong level. During downtime, I forged truly special bonds.
Additionally, professors went above and beyond to ensure an exceptional experience. Their dedication and the surprising strength of peer connections made the GFE memorable.
How did your perspective on international business change?
The GFE profoundly transformed my international business perspective. The impact of government policy on businesses, whether positive or negative, became vividly apparent, adding complexity to my understanding of the global landscape. The challenges posed by language barriers highlighted the need for adaptability and effective communication. The GFE immersed me in a whole new world with unique classes, lifestyles and societal norms. It didn't just teach me about international business; it helped me foster a global mindset beyond textbooks and theories.
What did you learn about yourself throughout the GFE?
Through the GFE, I discovered immense joy in exploring new experiences and connecting with people across diverse cultures. As I prepare a post-graduation transition from manufacturing to consulting, the GFE has given me the confidence to gracefully navigate this change. Despite occasional self-doubt and imposter syndrome as a young, first-generation student, the GFE empowered me to step up as team lead. Guiding our work felt empowering and reinforced my belief in my capabilities and resilience, which I underestimate too often.