Laura Jean Stargardt

Hometown: Dallas
Home State: Texas
Home Country: United States of America
Previous Institution & Degree: Purdue University (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering)

Pre-MBA Industry: Aerospace and Defense
Pre-MBA Company: Bell Helicopter
Pre-MBA Title: Manager, Asset Management
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting
Desired Post-MBA Function: Strategy Senior Consultant

Summer Internship Company: KPMG
Summer Internship Title: Strategy Summer Intern

Degree Concentration: Operations & Supply Chain Management
Student Organization Membership: Consulting Club, Jones Student Association (JSA), Rice Business Women’s Organization, Strategy Club
Student Organization Leadership:
Dean's Student Initiative Committee, First Year Full Time Representative (JSA)

What about the Rice MBA program has surprised you the most?
How strong the sense of community is. I know it is cliché and I am sure everyone says it, but it is truly a family inside McNair Hall. The small class size has allowed me to know each and everyone of my classmates personally, and also allowed me access to stronger relationships with the staff, professors, and Deans.

What has been your favorite moment of your Rice MBA experience so far?
Passing Accounting.

What is your favorite thing about and/or favorite spot in Houston?
The restaurants! August/beginning of school is during restaurant week in Houston and it couldn't have been better timing to go out and get to know classmates while also learning about Houston and eating really awesome food!

In a sentence, what is the one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
Prepare yourself to take risks and possibly not always succeed, BUT it's worth it!