Maria Jose Vargas

Home Country: Bolivia

Home State: Santa Cruz

Undergraduate Institution: Linfield College

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Bachelor of Arts in Finance

Pre-MBA Industry: Energy

Pre-MBA Company: Cooperativa Rural de Electrificacion R.L. (CRE R.L.)

Pre-MBA Title: Procurement Manager

Desired industry post-MBA: Corporate Finance

Desired job function post-MBA: Finance, Strategy & Operations (Supply Chain)

Summer Internship Company: Amazon

Summer Internship Position: Supply Chain

Degree Concentrations: Finance, Strategic Management

Student Organization Membership: Latin Business Student Association, Marketing Association, Rice Business Women's Organization

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? One of the most surprising parts of my Rice MBA experience has been how personal everything feels. I didn’t expect professors to actually know my name, my background, and what I’m trying to do, but they really do. It’s the same within the Jones community; people recognize you, say hi, and you genuinely feel seen. You’re not just another student, and that has made a huge difference for me.

I also didn’t expect how genuinely invested people would be in you. Professors, staff, and even classmates take the time to get to know you and support you, which creates a very real sense of community. I thought that kind of connection would be harder to find, but having a relatively small and diverse class makes it possible in a way that’s really special.

Another thing that surprised me is how intense everything is from day one, but in a good way. There are so many events, opportunities, and things happening all the time that you grow really fast, almost without realizing it. It can be a lot, but it’s also exciting and energizing.

It’s been a mix of being challenged and supported at the same time, and that balance is something I didn’t expect but really value.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite part of the MBA experience so far has definitely been the sense of community. I really enjoy Partios on Thursdays, it’s such a fun way to spend time with classmates and get to know people in a more relaxed setting. After that, we usually go to Valhalla, and those are the moments you really end up valuing and remembering.

I’ve also really enjoyed all the time with my core team. I feel like I got really lucky with my group. I learn a lot from them, but we also laugh, connect, and get to know each other on a more personal level. It makes even the intense moments much more enjoyable.

And something simple but special are the Monday lunches. You get to see almost everyone, catch up, and hear what’s going on, which really reinforces that feeling of being part of a close-knit community.

Overall, it’s those everyday moments, both inside and outside the classroom that have made the experience so meaningful for me.

What do you love most about Houston? What I love most about Houston is how much there is to do and how easy it is to enjoy the city with the right people. I love exploring coffee shops and restaurants, there’s always something new to try.

A big part of that has been the MBA community. Many of my classmates are local, and they’ve really shaped my experience of the city. Through them, I’ve gone to the Rodeo, special events, and even golf and tennis events, there’s always something happening.

The weather is definitely hot, but coming from a warm city, it hasn’t been an issue for me. If anything, it makes it easier to stay active.

Overall, it’s the combination of a vibrant city and an amazing community that makes Houston feel like home.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Enjoy every moment, put yourself out there, say yes to meeting people and joining plans because time flies, and before you realize it, you’ll wish you had even more of it.