Renee Rodriguez
PMBA '26
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Undergraduate Degree and Major: B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Previous Graduate School (if applicable): N/A
Pre-MBA Industry: Oil, Gas, Chemicals
Pre-MBA Company: LyondellBasell
Pre-MBA Title: Refinery Optimization Engineer
Current Industry: Oil, Gas, Chemicals
Current Company: LyondellBasell
Current Title: Business Development Specialist
Desired Industry Post-MBA: Oil, Gas, Chemicals
Desired Job Function Post-MBA: Leadership
What Rice MBA clubs/organizations have you been involved in, and what positions have you held?
- Rice Business Board Fellows, chief development officer
- Energy Association
- Golf Club
- Jones Gives Back
- Rice Business Women’s Organization
What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? The most surprising part of my MBA experience has been how easy it has been to build a community in the program. I truly feel part of the Rice community and I am so happy I chose to be an Owl over other options.
What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? Even though I focus heavily on the academic part of the MBA, I have integrated myself into the Rice community. I have joined various clubs and associations, taken private Pilates sessions with the instructor at Rice, and attended events related to (and not related to) the MBA program. It's been such a fun experience in these short few months!
What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective professional MBA students? If you’re not getting outside of your comfort zone, you’re not growing.