Tim Barnhill

Hometown: Cypress
Home State: Texas
Home Country: United States of America
Previous Institution & Degree: University of South Carolina (B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering)

Pre-MBA Industry: Energy
Pre-MBA Company: ConocoPhillips
Pre-MBA Title: Reservoir Engineer
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Energy
Desired Post-MBA Function: Corporate Finance

Summer Internship Company: ExxonMobil
Summer Internship Title: Financial Analyst Intern, Treasurer's

Student Organization Membership:

• Energy Club
• Finance Club
• Rice Energy Finance Summit (REFS)

What about the Rice MBA program has surprised you the most?
I have been most surprised with how approachable the professors are. They clearly want you to succeed and are willing to spend as much time as needed to help with problems you may have. Professors will even come to student events, such as Partio, giving you a chance to get to know them outside of a classroom setting.

What has been your favorite moment of your Rice MBA experience so far?
My favorite moment so far was the last day of Immersion. It was a great feeling getting to the end of a crazy two weeks and knowing your classmates so much better before diving into the first fall semester.

What is your favorite thing about and/or favorite spot in Houston?
The food! I grew up in the Houston area and haven't even come close to trying everything Houston has to offer in the variety of food and restaurants available. Houston is not just a hotspot for barbecue and Tex-Mex, but so many other foods as well. You are likely to gain weight while being in Houston. Luckily, the university's gym is right across the street from Jones!

In a sentence, what is the one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
Jones is a smaller program, so culture is a big factor in a student's experience in the MBA program. Take time to speak with as many current students and alumni as you can in order to get the best picture of the culture at Jones and know whether the school is a fit for you.