John Hurdt
FTMBA '26
Home Country: United States
Home State: TX
Undergraduate Institution: United States Military Academy
Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Industry: Military/Tech
Pre-MBA Company: Army/iCode
Pre-MBA Title: Captain/Business Development Operations Manager
Desired industry post-MBA: Finance
Desired job function post-MBA: Asset and Wealth Management Advisor
Degree Concentrations: Entrepreneurship, Finance
Student Organization Membership: Rice Business Board Fellows, Black Business Student Association, Consulting Association, The Consortium, Entrepreneurship Association, Finance Association, Jones Christian Fellowship, Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, Strategy Association, Vet
Other Committee: Arts Club
What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The support I have received from the Admissions, Financial Services, and Career Development Offices. From the moment I applied to now, the people at Rice Business have always been there to support me! It is truly a tailored experience thanks to the amazing people that make the Rice MBA program so special. The summer before the program started I met almost weekly with someone in the Career Development Office. From tailoring my resume, to establishing career goals, to interview prep, by the time launch started I was as prepared as possible. I walked into the semester with an offer and was able to really pinpoint the rest of my recruiting experience thanks to the preparation the faculty at Rice made sure I had before the first day of class.
What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? The freedom to make lifelong memories and pursue a career I am passionate about in order to leave a lasting impact through business. My previous college experience was at a Military Academy and my first 8 years in the workforce were spent in the service. This is the most freedom I have ever had and there is not time enough in the day to pursue everything I am passionate about! The time here on campus is a gift and I'm grateful everyday for the people at Rice that make it happen!
What do you love most about Houston? The diversity. Houston is a melting pot and truly a land of opportunity. As a result, Rice's MBA is the most diverse for it's size. From the faculty to my peers, every day I'm always learning something new. It's a place anyone can come and find success if they work hard for it. The people are kind, the restaurants are plentiful, the cost of living is great, and the beach is only an hour away. You belong here!
What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Find the people that are where you want to be in your career and learn as much from them as possible, as soon as possible.