John Blake

Hometown: Houston
Home State: Texas
Home Country: United States of America
Previous Institution & Degree: University of Pennsylvania (B.A. in International. Studies, BS in Business)

Pre-MBA Industry: Education
Pre-MBA Company: Language Consultants International
Pre-MBA Title: Special Programs Coordinator
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Travel/Transportation/Tech
Desired Post-MBA Function: Corporate Finance/Strategy

Summer Internship Company: American Airlines
Summer Internship Title: Financial Strategy

Degree Concentration: Finance and Strategic Management
Student Organization Membership: Black Business Student Association (BSSA), Consulting Club, Out & Allied
Student Organization Leadership:
Chairperson, The Summit on Student Leadership at Rice Business 2018
External Relations Officer, BBSA

What about the Rice MBA program has surprised you the most?
The emphasis on and access to resources for budding entrepreneurs, both within the business school and across Big Rice.

What has been your favorite moment of your Rice MBA experience so far?
Receiving Rice's support to travel to conferences including ROMBA and the Ignite Trek

What is your favorite thing about and/or favorite spot in Houston?
Mild winters, and the ability to wear shorts in January.  I can't stand cold, and I don't mind the summer heat.

In a sentence, what is the one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
Whatever your interest is, go to Google and search for it with the phrase "pre-MBA" in front of it. There are lot of early access developmental, recruiting opportunities, and fellowships out there you can take advantage of if you know to look for them.