Mayur Vashishth

Home Country: United States

Home State: TX

Undergraduate Institution: Panjab University

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Mechanical Engineering

Pre-MBA Industry: Oil and Gas

Pre-MBA Company: Honeywell

Pre-MBA Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Desired industry post-MBA: Consulting/Tech

Desired job function post-MBA: Management Consultant/Operations Manager/Supply Chain Manager

Summer Internship Company: Amazon

Summer Internship Position: Pathways Operations Intern

Degree Concentrations: Finance, Operations Management

Student Organization Membership: Other

Other Committee: FTMBA Rice Business Student Association

Officer: International Chair

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The level of rigor. Rice MBA is not about taking it lightly. When you come here, you are expected to do well in your studies, and it is worth it. If you are coming from a non-business background, it really helps you learn the concepts. Professor Crane's Core Finance and Professor Koka's Strategy ILE were some of the best classes I've taken in my life. As someone who has never studied business, these classes have shaped how I look at the world.
I also like how people are really nice and helpful. People genuinely care about their peers and the MBA program experience and are very enthusiastic about finding ways to improve it for everyone.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite thing about the MBA program is the people I've met. As an extrovert who is really interested in learning about other people's stories, I really like the diverse backgrounds represented in the program. From bankers in China supporting the largest organizations in the world to moms with kids in college, it has been a great experience getting to know people in the program. It really enriches the whole experience. I am learning about so many different vocations, industries, and countries. It has helped me gain perspective about how businesses operate across the globe. The GFE is the cherry on top, providing an additional avenue to learn business in a completely new country.

What do you love most about Houston? The best thing about Houston is its diversity. I really liked how I did not feel out of place for a single day. Since my day 1 in the U.S., I've felt at home in Houston. Another great thing about Houston is that it's a city with a strong business presence. This enhances the MBA experience by giving you easy access to many business leaders. Finally, Houston has a great food scene, and hence if you are a foodie, you won't get bored easily.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Prepare well and prepare in advance.