Sarah Nash

Home City: Houston, TX

Undergraduate Institution: Trinity University

Undergraduate Degree and Major: BA Anthropology and Spanish

Pre-MBA Industry: Consulting

Pre-MBA Company: Accenture

Pre-MBA Title: Associate Manager

Desired Industry Post-MBA: TBD

Desired Job Function Post-MBA: TBD

Student Organization Membership: Consulting Association, Finance Association, Latin Business Student Association, Rice Business Women's Organization

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? Rice MBA has given me so much validation. My primary intention in coming to Rice was to sharpen my business acumen and build my leadership capability. It's obvious now that was mere table stakes! From day one, Rice has given me an extraordinary amount of feedback that has boosted my confidence, reaffirmed my career choices, and awoken new aspirations in me. There have been moments when people in my cohort pulled me aside to say, "I respected when you did that." They've asked me to share insights on consulting, being a mom, handling difficult conversations. There have been equally as many moments when I've been moved to praise them. They've offered me network connections, shared important information, and challenged my assumptions.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? My favorite thing about Rice so far has been my team. I'm incredibly lucky that my team bonded right away. Our first week was a breeze! They are curious, disciplined, genuinely caring people who came to Rice all in. I learn so much from them in and out of school. They've even influenced my family. My kid is taking jiu-jitsu at a gym my teammate recommended!

What do you love most about Houston? Houston is the future of America. Literally. Houston's success is driven by our vibrant diversity of people, industries, and thought. I am a third-generation Houstonian. My family roots here go back to 1913! I grew up on the East End with family in the Northside and First Ward. I'm now a resident of Shady Acres. I live and breathe and love Houston. It's a big little town. There's not a place I go that I don't see someone I know. It's impossible to list all the whys of over a hundred years of family history! I love tacos from Villa Arcos, the Art Car Parade, the rodeo, Beyoncé, the Astros, the Inprint reading series, running on the bayou, biking to work downtown. I LOVE DOWNTOWN.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? You already have the capability and power; Rice is the catalyst.