Rich Tompkins

Hometown (City and State):
Nashville, Tennessee

Undergraduate School and Major (Include Graduate School if Relevant):
Vanderbilt University, B.S. Human and Organizational Development; Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

Employer and Job Titles:
Slalom Consulting, Consultant

What led you to pursue an MBA?
I recognized that in order for me to maximize my potential and to accelerate my career, I needed to develop and expand my business and management skillset. I also wanted to step out my comfort zone and stretch myself intellectually and professionally.   

Why did you choose Rice for your professional MBA?
Rice’s professional program provided me an unmatched opportunity to 1) continue working, 2) attend a top program, 3) achieve my development goals, and 4) be a part of an outstanding alumni network for years to come. Additionally, the culture of the program seemed like the right fit to me as the staff and students were all as down to earth and welcoming as they were impressive.

What has been a highlight of the program?
Working with and learning from my classmates. I cannot express enough how valuable it has been to learn and problem solve with people who have different backgrounds and experiences. Doing so has helped me better understand how to manage disparate working styles and to think about problems from different perspectives.

What has surprised you about the journey so far?
The program is challenging and time consuming, but at the same time very reasonable and rewarding, of course. The Rice faculty and staff bend over backwards to provide the best possible student experience for us and are very conscientious of professional students’ competing demands. They are there to support you and to make you successful.

What advice do you have for prospective students?
Take time to get to know the students and program. Pursuing your MBA is a significant commitment, so make sure the program is a good fit with what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.

What is something your classmates don’t know about you?
Reese Witherspoon was my one of my family’s babysitters growing up.