Maheen Shah

Home Country: United States

Home State: TX

Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas at Austin

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Psychology (BS) Health & Society (BA)

Pre-MBA Industry: Tech

Pre-MBA Company: Google, TikTok

Pre-MBA Title: Operations coordinator, Search Engine Optimzation QA Analyst

Desired industry post-MBA: Financial services

Desired job function post-MBA: Associate

Degree Concentrations: Finance, Strategic Management

Student Organization Membership: Finance Association, Forte, Healthcare Association, Rice Business Women's Organization, Women In Leadership Conference

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience so far has been the sheer number of events and networking opportunities available. Before starting the program, I didn’t anticipate just how many chances I would have to engage with professionals from diverse industries. From speaker series and alumni panels to industry-specific networking events, I have been able to connect with leaders and gain insights that have expanded my perspective and career aspirations.

Another aspect that took me by surprise was the rigor of the courses. While I expected the academic experience to be challenging, the depth and intensity of the curriculum exceeded my expectations. Each class pushed me to think critically, solve complex problems, and collaborate effectively with my peers. This challenging yet supportive environment has equipped me with a strong foundation in key business concepts and a robust skill set that I am confident will serve me well in my upcoming summer internship.

The combination of academic rigor and extensive networking opportunities has truly shaped my MBA experience in ways I didn’t foresee. I am grateful for how much I have grown both personally and professionally in such a short time, and I look forward to continuing to take advantage of all that Rice has to offer.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite thing about the MBA experience so far is Partio! I love Partios because they give me a chance to decompress at the end of a long week and catch up with my classmates over food and drinks. It’s truly a wonderful opportunity to connect with people in a relaxed setting, share stories, and celebrate the end of a grueling week.

Beyond the fun and social aspect, Partios have also helped me build stronger relationships within the Rice MBA community. Another reason why I believe Partios are so helpful is because as someone who previously had very little experience networking, Partio offers a great opportunity to practice networking in a very low-stakes environment. These gatherings create an environment where I am able to practice my networking skills and allow me to get to know my classmates on a more personal level. The sense of camaraderie and support that develops through these moments has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my MBA journey so far.

Given how busy everyone tends to be, Partio is the one place where everyone is able to discuss our experiences from class, share internship updates, or simply make plans for after-Partio party. Partios are definitely the highlight of my week and a reminder of the incredible people I’m surrounded by at Rice.

What do you love most about Houston? What I love most about Houston is definitely the food scene. Houston is home to some of the best restaurants, offering an incredible variety of cuisines. The city’s diversity is reflected in its culinary landscape, with authentic dishes from all over the world. As a huge foodie, Houston offers every kind of food that I can think of. Whether I'm craving something new and exotic or a comfort food, I know there is no shortage of options available in Houston.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Get some sleep before the first semester and especially orientation because you won't be getting much during.