Norma Torres Mendoza
Full-Time MBA, Class of 2020
Hometown: Born in Mexico and raised in Houston, TX
Home State: TX
Home Country: Mexico
Previous Institution & Degree: Rice University, Political Science and Hispanic Studies
Pre-MBA Industry: Non-Profit Consultant
Pre-MBA Company: IDEA Public Schools
Pre-MBA Title: Non-profit consultant
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting
Desired Post-MBA Function: Consulting
Summer Internship Company: EY
Summer Internship Title: EY Senior Consultant in Mergers and Acquisitions
Degree Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management
Student Organization Membership:
- Consulting Association
- Entrepreneurship Association
- Hispanic Business Student Association
- Jones Public Policy Roundtable
- Net Impact
- Rice Business Board Fellows
- Rice Business Women's Organization/Men as Allies
What about the Rice MBA program has surprised you the most?
My classmates were the most surprising angle of my MBA experience. As a Rice Consortium Fellow, I had the opportunity to attend OP in Orlando, Florida, and meet some of my classmates before school started. I was extremely impressed by the multi-dimensionality of my classmates; for example, there is a West Point graduate who now works for the NFL. Everyone’s life seems interesting, and I've had a great time discussing business cases with them to learn more about their views, values and perspectives.
What has been your favorite moment of your Rice MBA experience so far?
My favorite moments revolve around 3-hour conversations with my classmates, sometimes at the bar. Coming from a public policy background, I find it fascinating to hear peoples' perspectives, especially those that I don't think I agree with at first. These conversations have allowed me to investigate different angles of various issues. In addition, I don't think I would be as daring about having these types of conversations outside my MBA. The space has allowed me to also test various ways of presenting my point of view.
What is your favorite thing about and/or favorite spot in Houston?
I love Houston! I came to Rice because 1) it is obviously an amazing school but 2) because it is located in the best part of the world. It is the most diverse city in the U.S.; a place where the four major ethnic groups are almost equally represented. This means that not only do I have the opportunity to learn about different cultures, but I also enjoy the delicious food.
In a sentence, what is the one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
Make sure that you develop a system for your life to continue outside of your Rice experience. If you have children or a significant other, make sure that you create an infrastructure to allow for incorporating and balancing between school and home.