Victory Onyekwere

Home Country: United States

Home State: TX

Undergraduate Institution: University of California: Irvine

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Public Health

Pre-MBA Industry: Non-Profit

Pre-MBA Company: Families In Schools

Pre-MBA Title: Strategy & Operations manager

Desired industry post-MBA: Consulting, Tech, healthcare, Medtech

Desired job function post-MBA: Corporate Strategy or Project management

Degree Concentrations: Strategic Management

Student Organization Membership: Black Business Student Association, Consulting Association, The Consortium, Forte

Officer: I am first Year student Rep - RBSA

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising aspect of my Rice MBA experience has been the level of community and the strength of the network. From day one, I was amazed by how supportive and collaborative the environment was. At Rice, the focus is not just on individual success but also on lifting each other up. The small class sizes foster deep connections with peers, professors, and alumni, creating a network that is both tight-knit and incredibly strong.

What stood out most was the genuine sense of camaraderie. Whether through group projects, social events, or career-focused activities, everyone is eager to share their experiences and help others grow. This sense of community extends beyond the classroom, with a robust alumni network that is always willing to offer advice, mentorship, and job opportunities. The bonds formed here have not only been valuable for personal growth but have also opened doors professionally. The strength of the Rice network has proven to be one of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of my MBA journey.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? One of the highlights of my Rice MBA experience has been the variety of class formats and events. The ILEs (Integrated Learning Experiences) offer hands-on, real-world problem-solving opportunities, while term and full-term classes provide a balanced mix of focused and in-depth learning. Additionally, the speaker series featuring industry leaders has broadened my perspective and inspired me to think critically about the future of business. This combination of diverse learning methods and engaging events has made my MBA experience both enriching and impactful.

What do you love most about Houston? I love the weather, The diversity of people, people are more welcoming from where I've been before. 

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Embrace the collaborative nature of the Rice MBA program, as building strong relationships with peers and faculty will be just as valuable as the academic knowledge you gain.