Julieta Falcon

Hometown: Pasadena, TX

Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas at Austin

Undergraduate Degree and Major: BBA in Marketing

Previous Graduate School (if applicable): N/A

Pre-MBA Industry: Financial Services

Pre-MBA Company: PNC

Pre-MBA Title: Digital Experience Lead

Current Industry: N/A

Current Company: N/A

Current Title: N/A

Desired Industry Post-MBA: Consulting

Desired Job Function Post-MBA: Senior Strategy Consult

What Rice MBA clubs/organizations have you been involved in, and what positions have you held?

• Consulting Association, co-president
• The Adam Smith Society, marketing chair
• Rice Business Women's Organization

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? The most surprising part of my MBA experience has been how quickly I was able to build friendships and meaningful relationships with my classmates. One of the main reasons I joined the program was due to the disconnect I felt after the pandemic and years of working remotely. I was seeking a way to plug into my local community, and I wanted to feel more connected both personally and professionally. To my surprise, I found that so quickly at Rice. From day one, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the classroom with incredible people whose support, collaboration and friendship have enriched my experience far beyond academics. It has been deeply rewarding to find the sense of community I was hoping for and more.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? My favorite thing about my MBA experience so far has been seeing all the goals I set out to accomplish actually come true. At the start of my first year, I felt motivated but also a little incredulous — unsure if I would really be able to land a consulting internship offer, win a case competition or step into a leadership role within a student organization, something I had never done before. With the support of the Career Development Office and the Rice community, I’ve been able to achieve all of those things. 

More importantly, the journey has taught me to truly believe in myself. That confidence — knowing I am capable of doing hard things when I combine my experience with the network and skills I’ve gained here — has been one of the most valuable aspects of my MBA experience so far.

What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective professional MBA students? Chase what excites you, invest in yourself and be bold in your curiosity throughout the journey.