Nathiely Loyola

Home country: United States

Home state: Texas

Undergraduate institution: School of Banking and Commerce

Undergraduate degree and major (and minor, if applicable): Business

Pre-MBA industry: Supply chain

Pre-MBA company: Oakley

Pre-MBA title: Sr. Manager - Strategic Sourcing

Desired industry post-MBA: Corporate finance

Desired job function post-MBA: Corporate finance

Degree specializations: Finance

Student organization membership: The Consortium, Finance Association, Forte, Latin Business Student Association, Rice Business Women's Organization

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? Rice MBA students come from a variety of backgrounds, industries, and cultures. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and team projects, providing students with a broad range of perspectives and insights. Many students are pleasantly surprised by how much they learn from their peers and how this diversity prepares them for global business challenges.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My MBA experience has been a transformative period of personal and professional growth. I’ve developed not only hard skills like finance, marketing, and strategy but also soft skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork.

What do you love most about Houston? Besides the amazing food scene, Houston's dynamic economy, diverse industries, and status as a hub for energy, healthcare, and technology provide Rice MBA students with unique networking opportunities, internships, and employment prospects. Students are often surprised by how the city's economic landscape enriches their MBA experience, offering a direct connection to a broad array of industries and global companies.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? Embrace every opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, as these moments are often where the most significant personal and professional growth occurs during your MBA journey.