Prerna Pisal

Home Country: India

Home State: Maharashtra

Undergraduate Institution: Mumbai University

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Electronics & Telecommunication

Pre-MBA Industry: Telecommunication

Pre-MBA Company: Pearce Services Global Private Limited

Pre-MBA Title: Business Operations Lead

Desired industry post-MBA: Tech/ Consulting

Desired job function post-MBA: Strategy or Management Roles

Summer Internship Company: Amazon

Summer Internship Position: Pathways Operations Manager Intern

Degree Concentrations: Leadership, Strategic Management

Student Organization Membership: Consulting Association, The Adam Smith Society, Forte, Technology Association, WILC

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience has been how quickly I felt a genuine sense of community. Before starting, I expected the program to be competitive and intense and while it is academically rigorous, what I didn't anticipate was how collaborative and supportive my classmates would be. Everyone is genuinely rooting for each other, whether it's sharing recruiting tips, prepping for case competitions together, or showing up for one another during stressful moments. That culture of "we over me" was something I had to experience to truly believe.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite part has been the breadth of opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. From securing my internship and competing in the Adam Smith Case Competition, to serving as the First-Year Representative for Women in Leadership and being active in the Consulting Club and Tech Club every experience has pushed me in a new direction. The MBA has taught me that growth happens when you say yes to things that stretch you, and Rice makes it incredibly easy to do that.

What do you love most about Houston? Houston has genuinely surprised me with how vibrant and diverse it is. The city has an incredible energy world-class restaurants representing cuisines from every corner of the globe, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a business community that is deeply connected to Rice Business. As an MBA student, Houston feels like the perfect backdrop it's a city that's always growing, always evolving, and full of opportunity. It doesn't hurt that the cost of living makes student life much more comfortable than in other major cities!

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? "Say yes to everything in your first semester the clubs, the competitions, the networking events because the connections and experiences you gain will shape your entire MBA journey in ways you can't yet imagine."