Monique Pourkarimi
andria.m.pourkarimi@rice.edu
About Monique
Class: 2025
Region: North America
City: Houston, TX
Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas-Pan American (UTRGV)
Undergraduate Degree and Major: Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Government
Pre-MBA Industry: Health Insurance Sales and Retail Management Marketing & Operations
Pre-MBA Company: Aflac and Costco
Pre-MBA Title: Independent Insurance Broker and Supervisor
Desired Industry Post-MBA: Entrepreneurship
Desired Job Function Post-MBA: Insurance and Human Resources
What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience?
The most surprising part of my MBA@Rice experience has been some of the connections I have made with people. Fellow students, alumni and faculty have all been incredibly helpful. They are always willing to help make introductions. Rice Business truly makes you feel part of a community and it's evident they want to see you succeed — they truly make you feel like “You Belong Here!”
What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far?
Wow. That's a tough one. The Intensive Learning Experiences (ILEs), the Global Field Experience (GFE), serving as the first year representative for the Women in Leadership Conference (WILC), completing the Leader as Coach program and attending conferences — to name a few — have all been great. But if I had to choose just one, the highlight of my MBA journey would be the first ILE residential in September 2023. This was the first time I saw my whole cohort in person. The classes, Organizational Change and Negotiations, are top quality. I still go back for reference when working on other projects. We should capitalize more on the value of the residential.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone considering the online MBA@Rice program?
The most important piece of advice I would give to someone considering the online MBA@Rice program at Rice Business is to make the most of your experience. If you are far from campus, do not let that stop you from getting connected. There are so many resources available. All you have to do is ask! Ask for help and you will find others who are willing and able to help you.