Pedro Morales
FTMBA '26
Home Country: United States
Home State: AZ
Undergraduate Institution: Arizona State University
Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Mechanical Engineer
Pre-MBA Industry: Engineering
Pre-MBA Company: Framo Houston
Pre-MBA Title: Project Manager
Desired industry post-MBA: Financial Services
Desired job function post-MBA: Corporate Finance
Degree Concentrations: Finance, Real Estate
Student Organization Membership: Athletics Club, CleanTech Association, The Consortium, Energy Association, Latin Business Student Association
Officer: The Consortium: 1st year Rep and incoming Co-President
What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience has been the incredible diversity of my classmates' backgrounds. There’s no such thing as an “average” student here, everyone brings something unique, and their experiences continually elevate class discussions and group work. Even after almost a full year, I still meet people who impress and inspire me.
What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite part of the MBA experience so far has been the core classes. Coming in without a business background, I was amazed at how quickly the concepts clicked and how applicable they were to real life decisions. I found myself using formulas and frameworks from class in my own business almost immediately, which gave me confidence and a lot of hope about the program's value.
What do you love most about Houston? What I love most about Houston is how dynamic and welcoming the city is. It’s incredibly diverse, with a mix of cultures, industries, and ideas that make it a great place to learn and grow. There’s always something happening, whether it’s networking events or new restaurants, it’s easy to feel connected here. It has all the amenities of a big city, but without the overwhelming rush that usually comes with one.
What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth happens quickly here, and the more open you are to new experiences, the more rewarding your MBA journey will be.