Tilak Pinnamaneni

Professionals - Weekend
Current Industry/Job: Oil and Gas/Sales
From: India

Favorite quote and why:

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." - Charles R. Swindoll. You are given different challenges in life everyday...its about what you do with them that defines who you are.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor and why?

There are so many to choose from, but someone that is a visionary and inspirational to me today is Elon Musk. There are only a few people in a generation that have a vision and are able to execute that the way he has. He is able to see what the world should be and is able to shape that future through the innovations that he drives.

Best memory from your first year in the MBA program:

The experience as a whole has been great. From the long nights during immersion (chance to really bond with your team and accomplish something together) to the friendships that I made over the year.

What story does your family always tell about you?

When I drive I tend to have a bit of a lead foot which has unfortunately led to a few tickets. Its not necessarily one story but a series of stories of when I've gotten pulled over. Apparently everyone has experienced at least one. :)

What advice would you like to provide incoming students?

Enjoy the next two years at Rice, the more involved you are with your classmates and the Jones School, the more you will get out of the program. It's a challenging program but you will be better for it when you graduate.

Any additional unique facts you would like to share:

My wife and I love to travel and one day we plan to visit all seven continents.