Kyle Neff

Home City: Oklahoma City, OK

Undergraduate Institution: University of Oklahoma

Undergraduate Degree and Major: Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering

Pre-MBA Industry: Oil and Gas

Pre-MBA Company: Continental Resources Inc.

Pre-MBA Title: Production Engineering Supervisor

Desired Industry Post-MBA: Energy

Desired Job Function Post-MBA: Business Development

Student Organization Membership: CleanTech Association, Rice Energy Finance Summit

Officer: Rice Cleantech Innovation Competition (RCIC) - TBD but expecting news soon; Rice Energy Finance Summit (REFS) - Marketing Chair

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience has been the pace and how quickly it is going by. I feel as if I’ve blinked and the second semester is halfway done. Two years seems like a long time, but it goes by so quickly. The professors have a methodical pace to make sure concepts are reinforced but do not drag on. Each new project or assignment is never too heavy to overwhelm, and it is nice to move at a good pace through the multiple classes. As it’s moving by so fast, it reinforces how special each weekend together is. We always take the time to network and spend time together at new restaurants and districts. I cherish the time in the program; it is a rejuvenating feeling to have something to look forward to outside of work.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? My favorite thing about the Rice MBA experience has been the camaraderie with my cohort. At this stage in life, it can be difficult to build new relationships. Amazingly, after the first meeting, you start to build friendships that seemingly will last a lifetime. In such a short time, we have experienced joy with new births and grief with tragedy. We are all here for one another, and we support each other in the program but, more importantly, in life. Everyone has each other’s backs. That is a beautiful thing to have in life, and it is special to build it with a new group of friends and colleagues.

What do you love most about Houston? I love the scale of the city. Being from a smaller town/state, I had never experienced getting to learn and know a new city. Houston offers so much diversity in culture and experience, and it has been awesome getting to see. Every new district and restaurant is something brand new, and it grows you every time you experience a new one. The big city offers all the best sports teams and arenas: the Astros, Rockets, and Texans are world-class, and it is so cool feeling a "part" of a big city’s sports. With the scale of the city, it is impressive how approachable it all feels. The people are all so welcoming, and it feels like home.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? Never doubt yourself and your story; regardless of your background or experience, you bring new perspectives and insight, and your classmates will grow through experiencing the program with you.