Taher Lokhandwala

Hometown: Pune
Home State: Maharashtra
Home Country: India
Previous Institution & Degree: Texas A&M University (B.S. in Petroleum Engineering)

Pre-MBA Industry: Oil and Gas
Pre-MBA Company: Halliburton
Pre-MBA Title: Consultant, Mature Oil Fields
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting
Desired Post-MBA Function: Operations / General Management

Summer Internship Company: Deloitte
Summer Internship Title: Summer Associate - Strategy and Operations

Degree Concentration: Marketing and Operations & Supply Chain Management
Student Organization Membership: Consulting Club, Energy Club, Jones Student Association (JSA), Out & Allied, Rice Indo-American Business Club (RIABC)
Student Organization Leadership:
Corporate Relations, Chief Officer
Consulting Club, Chief External Relations Officer
Student Government Leadership Summit, Officer

What about the Rice MBA program has surprised you the most?
Two things:  1) The fact that I know more than 90% of the Full-Time Class of 2019 by name.  I knew coming in that a small class size meant closer relationships, I just didn't know how close. 2) The electricity around where this program is going. There is a real sense of purpose to make this program even better than it already is.

What has been your favorite moment of your Rice MBA experience so far?
It's more a series of memorable moments than just one moment. Meeting my awesome core team for the first time, going to the ROMBA conference with my Out&Allied folks, landing that internship, Partios and nights out with friends, everyone pitching in during Harvey etc. etc.

What is your favorite thing about and/or favorite spot in Houston?
Favorite Thing: This is by far the most "bang for your buck" city in America. Not only does a dollar in Houston go further than other big cities in the USA, you can do the same stuff as well, if not better, here. The food scene is amazing, the opera is world class, the museums are getting there and the people are awesome.   Favorite Spot: Before Harvey, it was Buffalo Bayou Park. After Harvey, it's still Buffalo Bayou Park. We go there nearly every week-end to see it rebounding and love this city more for it each time we go.

In a sentence, what is the one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
What you get out of these two years will depend on what you put in, so don't do this half-baked: show up every single day and be amazing.