Lea McCleave

Home City: Houston, TX

Undergraduate Institution: University of Alabama

Undergraduate Degree and Major: Environmental Science

Pre-MBA Industry: Oil and Gas

Pre-MBA Company: Marathon Petroleum Company

Pre-MBA Title: Advanced Crude Oil Scheduler

MBA Program: Professional MBA - Evening

Desired Industry Post-MBA: Oil and Gas

Desired Job Function Post-MBA: Finance or Commercial Role in Oil and Gas

Student Organization Membership: Rice Business Board Fellows, Energy Association, Rice Business Women's Organization, Women in Leadership Conference(WILC)

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? What surprised me the most about the Rice MBA program is the abundance of social events it offers. From weekly partios with classmates to industry happy hours, guest speaker sessions, and various clubs and associations, there's a remarkable networking culture among students, faculty, potential employers, and alumni. The extensive extracurricular activities provided by Rice were unexpected but have added valuable opportunities for learning and growth outside the classroom, contributing to a well-rounded experience at Rice University.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? One of my favorite aspects of the Rice MBA program is the intricate interconnectedness of its coursework. This complexity adds a layer of depth that demands a conceptual grasp of the material. Unlike undergraduate studies where completing a course marks the end of that subject, each class in the MBA program builds upon previous ones, creating a layered learning experience. Throughout my MBA journey, I've discovered how each course seamlessly integrates with others, challenging me to understand concepts holistically and fostering a deeper comprehension of the material.

What do you love most about Houston? My husband and I find countless reasons to love Houston. The city offers a myriad of experiences, from connecting with people of diverse backgrounds worldwide to indulging in Houston's rich culinary scene and staying active by exploring new gyms. When we relocated to Houston five years ago, we were strangers, but now we have a circle of friends who feel like family anchoring us here. The warm hospitality of Houstonians has only deepened our affection for the city, which we now proudly call home.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? Take advantage of all the opportunities, but always stay true to yourself.