Victor Medina

Hometown: Houston
Home State: Texas
Home Country: United States of America
Previous Institution & Degree: American Military University (B.A. in Business Administration)

Pre-MBA Industry: Military & Finance
Pre-MBA Company: USMC & JP Morgan
Pre-MBA Title: Associate in the Private Bank
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Finance
Desired Post-MBA Function: Investment Banking

Summer Internship Company: Morgan Stanley
Summer Internship Title: Oil and Gas Investment Banking Summer Associate

Degree Concentration: Energy and Finance
Student Organization Membership: Athletics Club, Energy Club, Finance Club, Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA, )Jones Public Policy Roundtable, Significant Others Club, Veterans in Business Association (VIBA), Wine Club

What about the Rice MBA program has surprised you the most?
I think it was the intensity of the first semester. You hear about it from second years but you have no idea the rigor until you experience it. The pressure of grades and recruiting can sometimes be overwhelming, but the collaboration and culture of Rice really help you get through it.

What has been your favorite moment of your Rice MBA experience so far?
Professionally, landing an Investment banking summer internship at Morgan Stanley. I was super pumped. It was everything I had been working and wishing for. On a softer and more fun note, definitely the Partios. Partio is an awesome time to let off some steam and get to know your classmates.

What is your favorite thing about and/or favorite spot in Houston?
Has to be the food. I'm a big time foodie. I am in absolute food heaven here in Houston will all of its diverse cuisines and rapidly growing food scene. I used to live in NYC and loved the food, but I think Houston is king of cuisine.

In a sentence, what is the one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
Be yourself and be interesting. Rice wants to know about you and what makes you unique. Don't focus so much on the metrics, especially if you are lacking in a particular area. Rice does an amazing job holistically evaluating each candidate individually.