Tony Parra Choukeir

Home Country: Venezuela

Home State: Capital

Undergraduate Institution: Universidad Católica Andrés Bello

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Economics

Pre-MBA Industry: Financial Services

Pre-MBA Company: Fivenca Group

Pre-MBA Title: Head Trader

Desired industry post-MBA: Finance

Desired job function post-MBA: Associate

Degree Concentrations: Finance

Student Organization Membership: Finance Association

Officer: Finance Association - First Year Representative

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? Being involved in different networking events and the exposure I get to big companies, as well as how people and different entities are open to helping with any request. The professionalism and warmth that Rice provides make me feel like I am in the right place.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? Two things: networking events; I know they are stressful, but it was actually very nice to have that exposure. The other thing is how I met new people from all over the world, gaining exposure to different cultures that I hadn't experienced before.

What do you love most about Houston? It is so culturally diverse, with different tastes, food, and points of view. I appreciate the cultural life of the city, as well as the footprint it has in the energy sector.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Talk to current students and alumni before joining Rice, learn about their experiences, and gain insights from their paths.