Meet Sophie Lin, MBA '22

What was your pre-MBA Industry and function?

Before joining the Rice MBA, I was a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and had finished three years of clinical training. However, before medical school, I worked at Deloitte Consulting for 1.5 years as a strategy and operations business analyst. I primarily focused on the healthcare industry and worked on projects with health plans and providers.

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What will be your post-MBA Industry and function? 

After my MBA, I will be heading to residency and completing my training in family medicine.

Why did you want to pursue your MBA?

I knew that pursing my MBA would be a critical step in transforming my ambitions into reality. I aspired to not only continue fast-tracking professionally, but also venturing into entrepreneurship. I knew that an MBA would be the accelerator I needed to achieve my goals. 

Why did you choose Rice Business?

I chose to pursue an MBA because I wanted to gain financial literacy and learn how to make sound business decisions without compromising patient care. I believed that an MBA would allow me to offer unique insights from both the medicine and business standpoint and prepare me to be a stronger physician leader. It was also important to me that I learned from colleagues with different backgrounds and corporate experiences.

What are you most proud of from your time at Rice Business?

I am most proud of recognizing my weaknesses as a leader and seeking one-on-one coaching through the Rice Doerr Institute for New Leaders to improve them. I have been able to implement some of the strategies that I have learned on my internships, and I have received positive feedback on my management style! I am also proud that I have been able to inspire others with my non-traditional journey and encourage underclassmen to embrace more “risky” paths!

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What are you most proud of in your career?

I am proud that I’ve always pursued what I believed in and took leaps of faith when I didn’t have all the answers – with studying abroad, with Deloitte as my first job, with medical school/business school, with my internships. Of course, there were times when I felt extreme imposter syndrome, but there were also times when I felt tremendous growth. Because of my diverse set of experiences, I am more confident in who I am and how my skills can be used to enact change, whether that’s through advocacy, education or mentorship.

How has the Rice MBA helped you in your career?

Rice has challenged me to experience new roles and determine how I can best utilize my MD/MBA in the future. I have had the opportunity to intern at two different startup companies, one focused on maternal health and the other on cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. It’s rewarding to see how my clinical background can help drive business development and strategic decisions.

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What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?

To me, being a woman in business means leading by example and advocating for policies that take into consideration women’s experiences — policies that challenge how we think about the pay gap, maternity leave, work-life balance and gender stereotypes. I also read a book during business school called, “How Women Rise” by Sally Helgesen, which helped me become aware of common habits that I and other women did that held us back in the workplace. My goal as a woman in business is to become a leader who can empower others and create a workplace that is equitable and inclusive.

What advice would you give prospective students who are considering an MBA?

I would say GO FOR IT! And keep an open mind. Business school is about exploration, personally and professionally, and making meaningful connections. Try new things, take on different challenges, be intentional with your time and pursuits.