Gain Highly-Desired Skills and Connect With Business Leaders
Full-Time MBA students can benefit from a variety of networking and leadership opportunities.
Rice Business is committed to producing graduates who have the skills companies most want. The most recent Bloomberg Recruiter’s Survey lists these skills as “most desired” in searching for MBA talent: strategic thinking, creative program solving, leadership and communication. Rice Business not only ranks above average among these “most desired” skills but we offer intentional and practical programming to help you gain these skills.
Full-time MBA students can choose an Action Learning Project (ALP) as an elective for academic credit.
The ALP is a 13-week, team-based consultative project that provides actionable recommendations to companies. ALP projects are similar to consulting engagements and are evaluated by faculty mentors and host company liaisons.
Because they are performed by teams, their scope can be much broader than that of a typical internship. Unlike interns, ALP teams receive no consulting fees. Grades are determined by the team's faculty mentors. Observations from host company liaisons are a crucial component of their evaluations, especially those regarding the final presentation.
Rice Business offers MBA students ample opportunities — including summits, conferences and competitions — to network with industry and business leaders. Some of the best examples are:
The Rice Business Board Fellows is a year-long experiential learning program that matches talented, energetic and committed Rice MBA students with local nonprofit boards to serve as nonvoting board members.
Both students and organizations benefit from the Board Fellows program. Students gain leadership skills and nonprofit experience. Organizations can utilize student energy and ideas.
Applying is required, and matches are based on skills, background and organizational needs, as well as student interests.
The Leader as Coach co-curricular program prepares second-year Full-Time MBA students to be more proficient at an essential component of leadership – the ability to coach and develop individuals and teams.
The program is organized into 18 synchronous classroom hours, 12 self-study hours and six self-scheduled practice coaching sessions with other classmates. In-person instruction takes place across three modules that are six hours each.
From the Leader as Coach program, students learn to:
Connect with people and create psychological safety.
Partner with others to identify developmental goals and improve performance.
Achieve sustainable change for individuals and teams.
Elevate leadership with self-coaching tools.
The Mentor Collective matches incoming MBA and Master of Accounting students with second-year MBA students or alumni who provide unlimited direct sessions and resources to aid the transition into the program.
Mentors and mentees complete a survey on their field of study, career interests, life experiences and personal interests to achieve the desired mentoring experience
The M.A. Wright Fund management course is for Rice MBA students selected through a rigorous application and interview process. It offers hands-on training in effective stock analysis and investment management techniques, using a live Rice endowment stock portfolio.
The curriculum is tailored for students who have a sincere interest in the markets and intend to pursue a career in finance. The course spans two semesters, with approximately 25 students enrolled, and half of them rolling off each semester to ensure continuity.
In the first semester, students conduct intensive research and analysis of individual stocks, making transaction recommendations for the entire fund's consideration. In the second semester, Wright Fund members become "portfolio managers" and are responsible for the allocation, strategy and risk-return management of one or two equity sectors.
These clubs aim to help students develop leadership skills, learn about various professions, build stronger relationships with each other, and foster a sense of community. Clubs allow students to follow their passion or try something new.
To succeed in a global economy, it is imperative to understand other cultures.
The Global Field Experience (GFE) is an adventurous, immersive program that opens minds and changes perspectives. Students apply what they learn in classes to consulting and service projects abroad. The GFE builds strong, experienced global partners and leaders, and is required for all MBA students.
Previous destinations include:
Chile
Argentina
Brazil
Peru
Colombia
Full-time MBA students can experience a wide variety of industries in cities across the country through Career Treks. Facilitated by alumni and coordinated by Career Development Office staff, Career Treks help students explore business areas and roles available for internships and post-MBA job opportunities.
What gave me a sense of belonging is the clubs. I think that through these student clubs, we’re able to take our MBA experience and really make it our own.
Full-time MBA students can choose an Action Learning Project (ALP) as an elective for academic credit.
Rice Business offers MBA students ample opportunities — including summits, conferences and competitions — to network with industry and business leaders. Some of the best examples are:
The Rice Business Board Fellows is a year-long experiential learning program that matches talented, energetic and committed Rice MBA students with local nonprofit boards to serve as nonvoting board members.
The Leader as Coach co-curricular program prepares second-year Full-Time MBA students to be more proficient at an essential component of leadership – the ability to coach and develop individuals and teams.
The Mentor Collective matches incoming MBA and Master of Accounting students with second-year MBA students or alumni who provide unlimited direct sessions and resources to aid the transition into the program.
The M.A. Wright Fund management course is for Rice MBA students selected through a rigorous application and interview process. It offers hands-on training in effective stock analysis and investment management techniques, using a live Rice endowment stock portfolio.
Rice Business offers over 30 diversity, professional and social clubs for students to join.
To succeed in a global economy, it is imperative to understand other cultures. 
Full-time MBA students can experience a wide variety of industries in cities across the country through Career Treks. Facilitated by alumni and coordinated by Career Development Office staff, Career Treks help students explore business areas and roles available for internships and post-MBA job opportunities.
