Marie Olavere

Hometown: Houston, TX

Undergraduate Institution: University of Virginia

Undergraduate Degree and Major: Bachelor’s in History and French

Previous Graduate School (if applicable): N/A

Pre-MBA Industry: Nonprofit

Pre-MBA Company: Avenue CDC

Pre-MBA Title: Fund Development Associate, Foundation and Government Grants

Current Industry: Nonprofit

Current Company: Avenue CDC

Current Title: Director of Development, Foundation and Government Relations

Desired Industry Post-MBA: Finance

Desired Job Function Post-MBA: Financial Analyst

What Rice MBA clubs/organizations have you been involved in, and what positions have you held?

• Consulting Association
• Out & Allied, first year representative
• Rice PAWS

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? I never expected to fall in love with finance, but I have. It wasn’t until I took the finance course in business school that I found a strong aptitude and appreciation for wealth management. I never expected to fall in love with the concepts and practices in finance and investment strategy. Now, I’m pursuing a career in financial analysis.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? The people. Everyone I have met is incredibly respectful, kind, knowledgeable and fun to work with. In the professional program, I immediately noticed the collaborative spirit that each person possessed and the complementary competitiveness we all have. I’ve really appreciated how our penchant for competition doesn’t target the other, but allows us to become better versions of our personal and professional selves. The way we present our competitiveness has been in a genuine effort to get better at our jobs or to pursue something else. Even those who recruited for either investment banking or consulting encouraged others as they slogged through the process. 

I’m also a big fan of all the formal and informal social events we’ve had so that we can relax outside of class — especially Owl Bowl and Wednesday nights at Valhalla. A few of us have even gotten together to form a co-ed rugby team and to potentially join an outside league. Again, the people are just amazing.

What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective professional MBA students? Don’t take your time here for granted, and take time to get to know your peers.