Paul Leyva

Home City: Spring

Home State: TX

Home Country: United States

Undergraduate Institution: Columbia College

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Business Administration

Pre-MBA Industry: Military

Pre-MBA Company: U.S. Marine Corps

Pre-MBA Title: "Company Gunnery Sergeant", HR Manager

Desired industry post-MBA: Industrial Construction

Desired job function post-MBA: Operations, Workforce Development

Officer: During my first year at Rice University, I chose not to join any clubs so I could focus on building a strong academic foundation and fully adjust to the program's demands.

As I move into my second year, I plan to become actively involved in both the Veterans in Business Association and the Latin Business Student Association. Through these organizations, I look forward to strengthening my community, expanding my network, and contributing to the broader Rice MBA experience. 

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? Growing up in Houston, Rice University has always been held in high regard. Where I come from, it was often seen as something out of reach—almost like a place where people like me didn’t belong.

Over this past year, I’ve come to realize how far that perception is from the truth. What has stood out most to me is how receptive and supportive the staff and instructors have been. At no point have I felt judged or looked down upon because of my background. Instead, I’ve been welcomed with open arms—an experience that has been very different from what I encountered during my undergraduate years.

I genuinely look forward to the days I’m on campus, and I’m excited to continue growing both personally and professionally within this community.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? My favorite part of my MBA experience so far has been the exposure to a wide range of industries and career paths. Having spent a significant portion of my professional experience in the military, my understanding of the broader career landscape was fairly limited when I transitioned out.

Since joining Rice University, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with professionals across diverse roles and industries. These interactions have expanded my perspective and helped me better understand the range of opportunities available after the MBA.

As a result, I feel more informed, confident, and intentional about the career paths I want to pursue.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student – one sentence? The effort you invest in the program will directly shape the quality and value of your overall experience.