Rice MBA Full Time Admissions Brochure

THE FACE OF CHANGE FULL TIME MBA business.rice.edu/change

CHANGE IS ALL AROUND YOU HOW YOU EMBRACE AND HARNESS CHANGE DETERMINES YOUR SUCCESS.

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t the Jones Graduate School of Business, the face of change comes in many shapes and sizes. A rigorous curriculum designed and delivered by a faculty of experts provides a comprehensive intellectual framework for business thought.

The skill sets acquired in the first-year core classes provide the foundation for deeper study in functional and industryspecific elective courses. The combination of core coursework, experiential learning, a summer internship, and your elective classes challenges your critical thinking, leadership and team skills to meaningfully alter your career trajectory.

The close-knit Jones School culture fosters the risk-taking necessary for you to grow both personally and professionally.

Through leadership opportunities in clubs and hands-on learning in the Action Learning Project, you develop the skills and the perspective that are most relevant today. At the same time, you forge professional relationships that last a lifetime and develop friendships that leave you forever changed.

Rice University is a hotbed of research, creativity, innovation and scholarship and is consistently ranked among top universities in the U.S. As a student at the Jones School, you are an integral part of the Rice community. You have the opportunity to gain the intellectual and personal growth needed to embrace and harness change, to transform your future.

As home to the Jones School, Houston is an essential part of your business education and a dynamic, progressive business-friendly city. Houston is also the fourth largest metropolitan area in the U.S. with one of the fastest growing economies. Widely know as the world's energy capital, the city also boasts the world’s largest medical center and a vibrant entrepreneurial community, earning a coveted spot on Forbes’ 2014 10 Best Cities for Young Entrepreneurs list.

Houston is more than a backdrop to the Jones School; it is an engine of change.

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BLAKE PARRISH ­­

Rice University, MBA ’15

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Texas A&M University, B.B.A. Marketing ’05

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Peer-Elected Representative to Jones Student Association 2013 – 2015

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Pre-MBA job: Director, Agency Operations, PMG Austin

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President – Jones Christian Fellowship

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Internship: Associate Channel Marketing Intern, General Mills

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Corporate Ambassador for Career Management Center

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President – Marketing Club

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uring his application and interview process, Blake Parrish learned, “there is a responsibility to be involved at the Jones School, which aligned with my desires to be a leader in this community.” Once he became a student, he discovered the “unique family environment at the Jones School where each student wants the other to succeed.” To Blake, leadership is meant to serve those around him. “I want to echo the behavior that so many others before me have modeled to provide the forum for my classmates to acquire the necessary capabilities and resources to succeed in their own way.”

With a year of classes under his belt, Blake says, “I now know I am capable of so much more than I ever could have imagined before entering the program. With this incredible foundation, I am pursuing opportunities that I thought were for only other people, not for someone like me. With the skills and confidence earned through the rigors of my complete experience, not only limited to the classroom, I am stretching myself to perform at a top level, achieve huge goals, and lead others in ways that I only dreamt about before attending Rice.”

I AM HUMBLED AND HONORED TO REPRESENT MY CLASSMATES' IDEAS AND CONCERNS THROUGH BEING ELECTED TO THE JONES STUDENT ASSOCIATION (JSA) BOARD TWICE BY MY PEERS. WORKING WITH THE INCREDIBLE LEADERS ON THE JSA BOARD HAS BEEN A HIGHLIGHT, AND WE'RE COMMITTED TO MAKING THE JONES SCHOOL FAMILY A CULTURE THAT CELEBRATES AND FACILITATES THE PROMISE OF 'DEVELOPING PRINCIPLED, INNOVATIVE THOUGHT LEADERS IN GLOBAL COMMUNITIES.' As aspiring leaders, we join the Jones School to develop ourselves through academic pursuit and contributions to our community.

STUDENT MISSION STATEMENT

As aspiring leaders, we join the Jones School to develop ourselves through academic pursuit and contributions to our community. To demonstrate our commitment, we will: ­­

Act with integrity,

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Value the differences in individuals, and

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Strive for excellence.

principled leadership in our communities and uphold strong ethical values while guarding the reputation of our peers, school, and profession.

HONOR CODE

In accordance with this commitment, we hold ourselves accountable to be prepared, respect the wisdom of our faculty and peers, and practice intellectual curiosity. We will also hold our instructors accountable to help us develop the skills and intuition necessary to distinguish Jones School graduates as superlative leaders. Upon graduation, we will demonstrate

Rice has a high trust culture that obligates individuals to preserve our legacy of honor. Developing principled leaders starts on day one. Academic integrity in the form of the Rice Honor Code is presented as soon as a student begins the Rice MBA program and is submitted with all assignments. Violations of the Rice Honor Code are handled by the Rice Honor Council which handles any abuses reported. “On my honor, I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this exam or paper.” – Student Signature

business.rice.edu/blake

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AFINISHING F T EMYR

CAREER IN THE NFL, I KNEW I STILL HAD A CHILDHOOD DREAM THAT I COULD MAKE A REALITY: ATTAINING AN MBA. FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER I TALKED ABOUT GETTING MY MBA AND EVENTUALLY BECOMING THE CEO OF A COMPANY. I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO AT RICE.

PREVIEW JONES DIVERSITY

As the leading business school in one of the nation’s largest cities, the Jones School must reflect the city’s diverse business community. It is imperative to have students from all backgrounds who enhance the diversity of thought necessary during a time that calls for global thought leaders. Preview Jones Diversity (PJD) is a three-day event that offers prospective students from all over

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the world a detailed look at the Rice MBA programs. Activities for PJD include alumni and student panels, a class simulation and case workshop led by Jones School faculty, presentations by the school’s Career Management Center and deans, as well as plenty of time for socializing, networking, interviewing and gaining a feel for life as a Rice MBA student.

business.rice.edu/Kevin

KEVIN BENTLEY ­­

Rice University, MBA ’15

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Team captain for Houston Texans 2009 and 2010

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Northwestern University, B.S. Communications ’02

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Cleveland Browns rookie of the year 2002

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Pre-MBA job: Linebacker, National Football League

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Northwestern MVP 1999

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Internship: Marketing Intern, Johnson & Johnson

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Big-Ten leading tackler 1999 and 2001

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Clubs: VP – Black Business Student Association; Member – Consulting Club, Marketing Club and Finance Club

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All Big-Ten 1999-2001

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Level 3 Certified Snowboard Instructor

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evin Bentley attended Preview Jones Diversity to help him decide where to pursue his MBA. “It was important to me to understand how Rice would be able to meet my needs socially and to see the other top talent that the Jones School was recruiting. Being an African-American, I wanted to know that I would be in class with people I could relate to. There were so many intelligent individuals that I couldn’t help but get excited about the opportunity to be classmates with them and to challenge each other daily. Ultimately, I decided on Rice because of the people. I felt right at home.”

Preview Jones Diversity influenced his decision. “I feel like we have a good mix of students from all walks of life. The diversity of knowledge allows me to be my best daily and to learn whatever skillset I want. We have a strong international presence within our student body. There are many different cultures, which gives me the opportunity to learn about others, and how they live in their respective countries. Rice strives to build a diverse class to facilitate the most wellrounded education possible.”

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PURSUING AN MBA WAS ALWAYS MY LONG-TERM GOAL AND I KNEW THAT IT WOULD GIVE

ME THE PROPER TRAINING AND TOOLS FOR AN ENHANCED CAREER. I CHOSE RICE MAINLY DUE TO ITS CLASS SIZE AND IMPRESSIVE LIST OF COMPANIES IN A VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES THAT RECRUIT HERE. AFTER ATTENDING A LARGE UNIVERSITY FOR UNDERGRAD, I WANTED TO EXPERIENCE THE INTIMACY OF A SMALL UNIVERSITY.

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hen Rozina joined Hub Management, Inc. as a staff accountant, she was promoted to controller within three months but after five years had reached a career ceiling. As business developer at ConocoPhillips overseeing the East and South African regions, she can reflect on the transformation her Rice MBA provided. “I am now a person who is open to different ideas, has a vision, speaks her mind, looks at the big picture, leads by example, and believes in constant learning.”

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The Jones School provides tools to navigate the job search.

“Whether you are changing jobs or industries, take advantage of the internships which often times turn into full-time opportunities.

Choose the industry, position, and location wisely; it is possible that your best full-time offer will be from your internship company.

And don’t be afraid to look into a new industry or a new career path, this is the time to do it! Get out of your comfort zone, you will surprise yourself with your own abilities.”

ROZINA DAMANI ­­

Hometown: Houston, TX

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Pre-MBA Job: Controller, Hub Management, Inc.

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University of Houston, B.B.A. Accounting ’96

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Rice University, MBA ’07

Internship: Advisor, Downstream Investment Appraisal Group, ConocoPhillips

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Current Job: Business Developer, ConocoPhillips

AAlong TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE with the rigorous curriculum, I learned: ­­

Teamwork. Appreciate different viewpoints and interact with different personalities for the betterment of the project.

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Communication skills. Use clear and concise manner in both verbal and written communication.

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Time Management. In real life, just like in school, there is always too much to do and too little time to do it. Rice’s

curriculum replicates this well, and it gave me a chance to learn how to make the most efficient use of my time. ­­

Network. Rice emphasizes networking and gives students the tools they can use to increase their network. In my professional career I have continued to network and have made some incredible friends and professional contacts that have proven useful in a variety of ways.

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MATT THURMAN ­­

Rice University, MBA ’15

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Washington University, J.D. Law ’10

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The University of Texas at Austin, B.A. Philosophy, Government ’06

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Pre-MBA job: Trial Attorney, Alaska Public Defender Agency

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Internship: Summer Associate, McKinsey and Company

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att Thurman worked as a trial attorney for the Public Defender in Anchorage, representing indigent defendants in misdemeanor and felony matters for three years. “While I loved my job and the people I worked with, I wanted more flexibility in my career and the chance to try new things. I decided to pursue an MBA to give me that flexibility going forward and to open doors I could not open on my own. The Jones School was at the top of my list because of its great reputation, rigorous academics, access to career opportunities and proximity to family.”

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Clubs: President – Consulting Club; Member – Finance Club and Golf Club

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Spent 5 months backpacking around the world after graduating from college

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Coach for Special Olympics golf and basketball (in Anchorage)

His experiences at the Jones School have greatly benefitted his professional development. His advice to future Rice MBAs? “You will hear this over and over but networking and getting help from the second year students are crucial success factors.

Get comfortable networking as soon as possible and don’t hesitate to reach out to second year students whenever you have a question and you will be so much better off personally and professionally.” That advice served him well in pursuing an internship with a top consulting firm for the summer.

I WAS FAIRLY

ANXIOUS ABOUT

LEAVING THE LEGAL FIELD AND TRYING TO SWITCH CAREERS. BEING ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMPANY INFORMATION SESSIONS, PRACTICE INTERVIEWS, NETWORKING EVENTS, AND RECEIVING THE EDUCATION IN THE CLASSROOM HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED MY PROFESSIONAL OUTLOOK AND BENEFITTED ME TREMENDOUSLY. He accepted a coveted internship with McKinsey and Company.

“The Rice network was crucial to my landing my internship as I was able to connect with alumni for information about the firm as well as practice case interviews with some of them.

During my internship with McKinsey I have been connected to both alumni and others I met through recruiting as my summer mentors. As for the work itself I will spend the summer — every Monday through Thursday — in Philadelphia.”

At McKinsey, Matt is working with an international team from all over the U.S. and Europe. The rigorous internship is a perfect fit for a career changer like Matt. It allows students the opportunity to assess whether a chosen field or industry will be a good transition. “The internship has been very fast paced so far and requires a lot of work.” This experience will not only prepare Matt for his post-MBA career, but will differentiate him in the recruiting process.

business.rice.edu/Matt

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ROBYN O'BRIEN ­­

Hometown: Houston, Texas

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Internship: Fixed Income Analyst, AIM/Invesco

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Washington and Lee University, B.A. Romance Languages, French and Spanish ’93

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Current Job: Founder, Do Good, a strategic advisory firm, and AllergyKids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non profit

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Rice University, MBA ’98

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Pre-MBA Job: Fulbright grant to teach in Paris, France

Author, The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It (Random House 2009)

former food industry analyst, Fulbright grant recipient, author and mother of four, Robyn O’Brien is the founder of Do Good, a strategic advisory firm, and the AllergyKids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. She works with companies, organizations and non-profits to shed light on market trends, best practices and the latest research on the food system and how to address the escalating health care costs and their economic impact.

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Robyn has been called “food’s Erin Brockovich” by Bloomberg and The New York Times and recognized by Forbes Woman as one of “20 Inspiring Women to Follow on Twitter.” Ten years ago, she recognized how the changing landscape of health was changing the way we feed our families, corporate profitability, our economy and how food companies do business. "The health of our country and economy is dependent on the health of our children."

DEVELOP HARD SKILLS AND FOLLOW YOUR HEART. THE TACTICAL, ANALYTICAL AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS THAT I LEARNED AT JGSB ARE FOUNDATIONAL IN MY WORK TODAY. NOT ONLY CAN I PRESENT TO A VENUE FULL OF THOUSANDS BUT ALSO TO A BOARD ROOM FULL OF EXECUTIVES. IN A WORLD THAT OFTEN TRIES TO GET US TO FIT INTO A CERTAIN MOLD, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO FIND WHAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. WHEN YOU LEVERAGE YOUR PASSION WITH YOUR BUSINESS SKILLS, YOU WILL BE UNSTOPPABLE.

“I’d studied French, Spanish, German and Japanese in school.

The Rice MBA had a profound influence on my life in so many ways, not only in the lifelong friendships formed but also in the way that I was taught to approach decision making, cost benefit analysis, strategy and organizational behavior. Besides the obvious finance, marketing, accounting and other skills, the most transformative class taught the importance of

aligning incentive structures with stakeholders, shareholders, customers, and employees and how it can lead to unpredictable outcomes when that structure is aligned or skewed. The critical thinking I learned at JGSB changed the lens with which I view the world in both personal and professional environments.”

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP ONE OF OUR STRATEGIC ACADEMIC PRIORITIES, ENTREPRENEURSHIP RUNS DEEP AT THE JONES SCHOOL. THE COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF STUDENTS, PROFESSORS, MENTORS AND THE HOUSTON ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY FOSTERS INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AND HELPS LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL VENTURES THROUGH EDUCATION, GUIDANCE, CONNECTIONS AND THE LATEST IDEAS BASED ON A HISTORY OF RESEARCH IN THE DISCIPLINE.

WE DEVELOP AND GROW BUSINESS INNOVATORS AND LEADERS.

THE RICE ALLIANCE

RICE MBAS WIN $550,000

The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship (Rice Alliance) is Rice University’s nationally-recognized initiative devoted to the support of technology commercialization, entrepreneurship education, and the launch of technology companies. It was formed as a strategic alliance of three schools: the George R. Brown School of Engineering, the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business in collaboration with the vice provost and the Office of Research.

The Jones School’s own team, A-76 Technologies, came in second at the most recent Rice Business Plan Competition.

The company provides highly effective corrosion inhibitors and lubricants for metals used in a variety of industrial applications. The team is initially targeting customers in the oil and gas industry with plans for future expansion in transportation, marine, utilities and infrastructure. Made up of 2014 Rice MBAs Lauren Thompson (CEO), Tim Aramil (COO), Brenden Phillips-Garrett (CMO), Eduardo Garza (CFO) and Cameron Hatch, the team walked away with more than $550,000 in investment, cash and prizes of the record-high nearly $3 million awarded at the world’s richest and largest graduate student startup competition.

The Rice Alliance is a catalyst for building successful ventures through education, guidance and connections. Its mission is to support the creation of technology-based companies and the commercialization of new technologies in the Houston community and Southwest.

Since inception, more than 1,500 early-stage companies have benefited from participating at the 150+ programs hosted by the Rice Alliance and raised more than $2.9 billion in funding.

The Rice University Business Plan Competition is the world’s richest and largest. The competition has grown from nine teams in 2001 to 42 teams from around the world competing for nearly $3 million in cash and prizes today. Over 155 past competitors are in business today having raised in excess of $844 million.

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WALL STREET JOURNAL'S 'STARTUP OF THE YEAR' WINNERS Allison Lami Sawyer ’10, co-founder of Rebellion Photonics, a Houston-based startup company founded with Robert Kester, a Rice Bioengineering Ph.D., won the first ever Wall Street Journal “Startup of the Year” competition last fall. Rebellion’s camera is the world’s only real-time chemical imaging camera for continuous monitoring of rigs and refineries. The technology can be used for a variety of groundbreaking chemical imaging products in markets such as defense, biological research, food contamination detection, rig/refinery safety, quality control, and forensics. Rebellion Photonics competed as graduate students at the 2010 Rice Business Plan Competition, and finished as runner-up, winning over $100,000 in seed funding and then went on to receive funding from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, a fund that supports promising early-stage companies in Texas.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ORGANIZATIONS AT RICE Entrepreneurship Club is an organization dedicated to fostering the innovative entrepreneurial spirit and vision in the Jones School community. Members have interests in many different areas of new venture creation, from founding or managing a startup to investing, advising, or serving as a corporate partner.

JGSEO (Jones Graduate School Entrepreneurs Organization) provides the systems, processes and social networks to bring together alumni with real-world experiences for the benefit of everyone involved. The organization provides a forum for Jones School students and alumni to surround themselves with like-minded, fellow entrepreneurs who are in various stages of their entrepreneurial life cycle. Members are seeking business ideas, developing business plans, sourcing capital, running new or established businesses, or are looking to mentor others on their entrepreneurial journey.

The JGSEO, along with the Jones School, provides educational events, networking, a business plan competition and CEO Roundtables – all specifically with these members in mind.

Office of Technology Transfer assists the faculty, staff, and students in commercializing technology created and developed at Rice.

OwlSpark is an accelerator that provides entrepreneurs with funding and structured mentorship for three months over the summer to improve the successful commercialization of businesses coming out of the Rice community. A full year of co-located office space is provided.

REEP (Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program) is the nation’s foremost leadership development program for highly motivated educators committed to leading public schools.

Students earn either an MBA or a graduate certificate for oneyear business training.

Rice Launch is a student-run organization that hosts innovative events and programs oriented around practical education and hands-on application of knowledge to help empower undergraduate, graduate, and MBA students at Rice. Programs include two year-round projects: a mentorship program and Houston entrepreneurship liaison program.

Technology Venture Development Program screens technologies developed at Rice then establishes and mentors teams of students to create a business plan around the technologies. These teams are encouraged to take the technology to market.

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CORBAN BATES ­­

Rice University, MBA ’15

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United States Military Academy, B.S. Systems Management ’08

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Clubs: President – VIBA; Treasurer – Cube Club; Member – Finance Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Wine Club and Golf Club

Pre-MBA job: Logistics Officer, U.S. Army

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Bronze Star Medal Recipient

Internship: Private Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs

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Texas 5A High School All-State Basketball Player

West Point graduate and member of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Corban Bates deployed to Iraq for a year and, upon his return, began to consider his next steps. “My wife and I were longing to come back to the Houston area, where both our families reside, where we would like to start our family and where I want to begin my career in the private sector. Mixing the fantastic education Rice offers with its heavy connections in Houston made it the ideal school for me. Additionally, I have many entrepreneurial aspirations and Rice is one of the best schools in the country for entrepreneurship.”

As president of the Veterans in Business Association (VIBA), Corban hopes to build upon the club’s achievements and enrich the experience of the veterans once they are in the program.

“We have instituted a sponsorship program in which incoming veteran students are assigned to a rising second year student to provide mentorship and guidance before coming to school. We will also be establishing inroads at major companies in Houston to allow veterans a different avenue to securing interviews in the companies they would like to work for.”

THE SUPPORT PROVIDED TO VETERANS AMAZES ME. AS SOON AS I ARRIVED ON CAMPUS I WANTED TO GIVE BACK IN WHATEVER WAY I COULD. I PARTICIPATED IN THE PLANNING FOR THE RICE VETERAN’S EXPERIENCE, THE VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY, AND THE RICE VETERAN’S LEADERSHIP SERIES, AND THIS PAST SPRING I WAS HONORED TO BE CHOSEN TO PRESIDE OVER VIBA. VETERANS IN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The mission of the Rice Veterans in Business Association (VIBA) is two-fold: to provide assistance to veterans transitioning from military service to student life at Rice University, and to uphold a commitment to service by partnering with other student organizations, Rice Alumni, and the Houston business community to participate in and sponsor philanthropic events that benefit charitable veteran and military organizations.

MILITARY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

As part of this greater initiative to recruit and support military veterans, the Jones School launched the Military Scholars Program. This program is the result of a group of generous alumni and community members who wanted to acknowledge, honor and support those who proudly serve this country. The Military Scholars Program provides a scholarship and additional funding to cover tuition, fees and expected living expenses for selected applicants who aim to pursue a Rice MBA.

business.rice.edu/corban

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FACULTY SELECTED CORE FACULTY

BRIAN AKINS Assistant Professor of Accounting

Course: Financial Accounting; 2014 Teaching Excellence Award Research: Financial reporting quality and credit risk uncertainty; the impact of the information environment on the cost of capital ­­ Ph.D.: MIT; MBA: Rice University ­­ ­­

ERIK DANE Associate Professor of Management

Course: Organizational Behavior Research: Intuition, judgment, and managerial decision making; benefits and liabilities of domain expertise; mindfulness and job performance ­­ Ph.D.: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ­­ ­­

BALAJI KOKA Associate Professor of Strategic Management

Course: Strategy; 2014 Teaching Excellence Award Research: Strategic alliances, interfirm networks, government trade and investment policies, social entrepreneurship ­­ Ph.D.: University of Pittsburgh ­­ ­­

UTPAL DHOLAKIA Professor of Management

Course: Marketing; 2012 Teaching Excellence Award Research: Consumer financial decision making, consumer motivational psychology, social media and online marketing, small business marketing ­­ Ph.D.: University of Michigan ­­ ­­

JAMES WESTON Professor of Finance

Course: Finance; 5-time Teaching Excellence Award winner Research: Managerial market timing and the cost of capital, risk management and firm value, firm payout policies ­­ Ph.D.: University of Virginia ­­ ­­

SELECTED ELECTIVE FACULTY JEFF FLEMING Fayez Sarofim Vanguard Professor of Finance

Course: Futures & Options I; 2000, 2003 Teaching Excellence Award Research: Option pricing, implied volatility, volatility modeling, information and financial markets ­­ Ph.D.: Duke University; MBA: Duke University ­­ ­­

GUSTAVO GRULLON Professor of Finance

Course: Mergers & Acquisitions Research: Corporate investment, financing and payout policies; real options and firm value, product and financial market linkages ­­ Ph.D.: Cornell University ­­ ­­

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SELECTED ELECTIVE FACULTY

(Continued)

HAJO ADAM Assistant Professor of Management

Course: Bargaining; 2014 Poets & Quants “40 under 40” Research: multicultural experiences and creativity, cultural artifacts and task performance, the social influence of emotions in negotiations ­­ Ph.D.: INSEAD; M.Sc.: INSEAD ­­ ­­

ANTHEA ZHANG Professor of Strategic Management

Course: International Strategic Management Research: CEO succession and dismissal; foreign direct investment and technology entrepreneurship in emerging markets ­­ Ph.D.: University of Southern California ­­ ­­

BOB WESTBROOK William Alexander Kirkland Professor of Business

Course: Customer Analytics; 2013 Teaching Excellence Award Research: Strategic marketing, customer satisfaction and loyalty, the customer experience ­­ Ph.D.: University of Michigan; MBA: University of Michigan ­­ ­­

DINAH COHEN-VERNIK Assistant Professor of Marketing

Course: Marketing Decision Models Research: Quantitative marketing modeling; game theory and optimal pricing and distribution strategies ­­ Ph.D.: Duke University ­­ ­­

AMIT PAZGAL Professor of Marketing and Academic Director of Operations Management Course: Strategic Process Management in Health Care Research: Optimal pricing mechanisms, competitive marketing strategies, Internet institutions and competition, process improvement ­­ Ph.D.: Northwestern University ­­ ­­

VINCE KAMINSKI Professor in the Practice of Energy Management

Course: Energy Markets Expertise: An energy market veteran and author of several books including Energy Markets; Energy Modeling; and Managing Energy Price Risk ­­ Ph.D.: Main School of Planning and Statistics, Warsaw, Poland ­­ ­­

AL DANTO Lecturer in Management

Course: Entrepreneurship & the New Enterprise Expertise: Managing partner of the Danto Burks Group, advises privately held companies on exit strategies, valuation and due diligence ­­ MBA: Rice University

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FEDERICO MUYSHONDT ­­

Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador

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Internship: Brand Marketing – Beauty Care, Procter & Gamble

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Texas A&M University, B.S. Marketing ’03

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Co-Founder of Chicken Kitchen

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Rice University, MBA ’07

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Pre-MBA Job: Marketing Operations & Pricing, Dell Inc.

Current Job: Vice President, Sales Strategy, The Dannon Company (Danone)

ederico acknowledged that a Rice MBA prepares you for many things, not one function in particular, but that it’s up to you to take advantage of that.

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“Exploring your biggest strengths can be a good thing. Always be open to the possibilities. Don’t limit your view of the Jones School as a place for professionals interested in pursuing a specific career, but as a place that will make you a well-rounded professional. It will give you all the tools and open up many doors... then it’s up to each individual to make it happen.”

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After two years at Dell, Federico started to see the difference between the people with an MBA and those without. He also noticed the way their careers were panning out, as well as their respective leadership skills. “I understood that to hone my overall professional skills an MBA was going to take me to the next level professionally and convert me from a “doer” to a leader. I knew deep down that I wanted to go into consumer products eventually, and an MBA was also that viable avenue that would take my career in that direction.”

AFTER MY MBA I STARTED DOING THE TRADITIONAL BRAND MARKETING ROLE FOR FRITO-LAY (PEPSICO).

I HAD ROTATIONS IN INNOVATION AND SHOPPER

MARKETING, BEYOND TRADITIONAL BRAND MANAGEMENT. WHEN I MOVED TO DANNON, I CAME HERE IN MORE OF A HYBRID ROLE — MARKETING, SALES AND FINANCE — ON THE STRATEGY TEAM, WHERE KNOWING THE BASICS OF MARKETING IS NECESSARY BUT UNDERSTANDING THE INS AND OUTS OF TRADE AND PROFIT AND LOSS MANAGEMENT IS A HUGE PART OF IT. THE RICE MBA PREPARED ME WITH THE ALL-AROUND KNOWLEDGE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATION WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS IN THE ORGANIZATION THAT MY TEAM TOUCHES WITHOUT HAVING TO BE NECESSARILY AN EXPERT IN EVERY FIELD. When looking for an MBA program, Federico knew he wanted a more intimate setting where he could have a one-on-one connection with professors and peers. As he drilled down in his search, the Jones School rose to the top. “Rice University carries a lot of weight around the world. When it came to comparing the programs I was considering, it was obvious to me that Rice offered the best value across the board — not only from the standpoint of scholarship and financial aid but also in terms of Houston’s relatively low cost of living. All of this made the price/value equation of the program very good.”

Earning an MBA was a transformative experience for Federico, both personally and professionally. “I can honestly say that the Jones School changed my life dramatically. My business school experience at Rice was as much an academic experience as it was a social and personal learning experience. Learning how to speak in public, mastering my interview skills, learning how to make small talk with recruiters at Partio every Thursday... there are countless things I learned that together with the academic content, made my experience an incredible one.”

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change.rice.edu/chloe

ITHEWORKED WITH CHLOE DAO PROJECT RUNWAY WINNER AND OWNER I DESIGNER OF LOT 8 BOUTIQUE IN HOUSTON, TO REVITALIZE AND STREAMLINE HER BUSINESS. WHILE THE PROJECT WAS A LOT OF HARD WORK, IT WAS THE PERFECT WAY TO CULMINATE THE FIRST YEAR CLASS EXPERIENCE AND PUT MY MBA SKILLS TO WORK IN A VALUABLE WAY. IT WAS ALSO A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR MY TEAM TO PROVIDE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS TO A LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS. MALLORY ENGLER ROBINS ­­

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University of Kansas, B.A. Spanish and Humanities and Western Civilization ’07 Rice University, MBA ’12

ACTION LEARNING PROJECT During the first year’s Action Learning Project (ALP), students join a team of four to six in consulting for a dynamic host company over the entire second semester, with several intensive weeks on-site. With guidance from faculty and a corporate liaison, students study the scope of improvements needed and examine the company’s processes, then provide written recommendations and present findings to senior management. Project focuses have included brand image, financial modeling, new product development, product launch and strategy identification among many others.

BUSINESS RESUSCITATION – Inc. Magazine

Chloe Dao’s Houston boutique faced major financial obstacles.

She needed a new perspective on her business and a blueprint for what to do next. Hiring a professional consultant was too costly, so the 2005 winner of Project Runway took a chance on a team of Rice MBAs and their Action Learning Project. Putting their skills into practice over one semester, the MBAs pored over Dao’s financial statements, interviewed her staff, studied the designer-boutique market, and surveyed customers to come up with recommendations to improve the business. Of their final presentation Dao said, “They performed CPR on my company, and it really was a lifesaver.”

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Pre-MBA Job: Texas Regional Representative, University of Kansas

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Internship: Competitive Intelligence Intern, Halliburton

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Current Job: Associate Brand Manager, The Coca-Cola Company

THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW – Jones Journal

After the ALP team, including Lacey Fluor Goossen, Mallory Engler Robins, LaMecia Butler, John Levene, Maria Alejandra Peleaz and Jimmy Moffett (all class of 2012), suggested fresh ways to bring in revenue and cut costs, Dao continues to implement their ideas in her business model. “We are always working to reach the goals they set for us,” she says.

The store’s name was changed from Lot 8 to Dao Chloe Dao to capitalize on Dao’s national name recognition. Last year, the store’s interior was remodeled to reflect the new brand, as was the website. “We updated our online shop and are working to make more product available there,” Dao says. As for the future, Dao hopes to see her line in stores throughout Texas and internationally in the next ten years.

In the meantime, Dao recently signed on to become a judge and co-executive producer on Project Runway Vietnam, a spinoff of Lifetime Network’s competition reality show for aspiring fashion designers. Her Kirby Drive storefront is a top destination for Houston fashion lovers, and she was also a face of The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s “Houston Is” campaign featuring the hippest Houstonians.

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MY ROLE IN REFS THIS YEAR HAS BEEN A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED AND REMAIN ‘IN THE KNOW’ WITH THE THREE DIFFERENT PLANNING SUBCOMMITTEES: EXTERNAL RELATIONS, MARKETING AND OPERATIONS. I AM AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE OPERATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE THAT FOCUSES ITS EFFORTS ON EVERYTHING FROM BUDGETING TO LOGISTICS TO EVENT STAFFING. RICE ENERGY FINANCE SUMMIT (REFS)

The Rice Energy Finance Summit is an annual studentrun conference at the Jones School that features industry thought leaders discussing pertinent energy issues. Previous conferences addressed the economic, financial, geopolitical and strategic implications of unconventional resource plays.

Topics included: Balancing Risks and Opportunities in Times of Recovery; Dynamic Industry: Challenges for the Future; and The New Economics of Energy Security.

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Each year a team of MBA candidates from the Jones School is selected to organize the Rice Energy Finance Summit. The team works together for 10 months to create and deliver the school’s flagship event, applying key business management fundamentals in the process. For Courtney and the trajectory of her career, REFS solidified her commitment to energy and finance and the Jones School’s mission of thought leadership.

business.rice.edu/Courtney

COURTNEY SENG ­­

Rice University, MBA ’15

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Member – Planning Committee, REFS

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The George Washington University, B.S. International Affairs and African Studies ’09

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Board Fellows – Amigos de las Americas

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VP Alternatives & Renewables – Energy Club

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VP Marketing – National Association of Women MBAs

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Pre-MBA job: Program Officer, FHI 360

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Internship: Market Intelligence Intern, Baker Hughes

C

ourtney Seng decided to get her MBA because she had reached a plateau at work and was interested in pursuing an alternate career path outside of non-profit work. “Being from Houston, I have always been interested in the energy industry and felt that an MBA would be a perfect transition from working in global health to working in the private sector.”

One of the benefits of being in the full-time program has been reevaluating job prospects and professions that interest her.

“With many opportunities to be involved in the different facets of business, the program continues to challenge me and open my eyes to various possibilities for my career.”

Courtney’s involvement in REFS has been imperative for her transition from the nonprofit industry to energy and oil & gas.

“REFS has afforded me the knowledge and exposure to the energy industry that I might not otherwise have received through traditional academic courses. I have gained insight into the professions and backgrounds of our potential speakers, and I have become more and more familiar with the different topics that we will cover at the event. I feel very fortunate that I am part of such an established and highly esteemed organization that has taught me so much about the energy industry and where it’s headed in the future.”

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WEEK ON WALL STREET GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A CAREER IN INVESTMENT BANKING, MEET RICE ALUMNI AND GET TO KNOW OUR CLASSMATES BETTER. LOOKING BACK, WHAT WE LEARNED IN NEW YORK BETTER PREPARED US FOR RECRUITING THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER, INCLUDING INTERVIEWS. MITCHELL CURRIE ­­

Hometown: Houston, TX

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Pre-MBA Job: Financial Analyst, Huddleston & Co.

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Rice University, MBA ’15

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Internship: Summer Associate, Morgan Stanley

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Texas A&M University, B.B.A. Finance ’10

WEEK ON WALL STREET

Every year the Career Management Center organizes a trek to New York City over fall break for students interested in pursuing investment banking. Over the course of five days, the group visits 10 to 15 banks and other financial services institutions to hear from alumni, recruiters and business professionals.

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Students learn about high-level industry trends from senior leaders, walk through case studies of actual deals and network with professionals and alumni. The trip is a key component of banking recruiting and an important experience for anyone trying to break into the industry.

M.A. WRIGHT FUND

Despite a volatile and challenging stock market, the Jones Graduate School of Business’ student-run M.A. Wright Fund continues to generate impressive returns. Comprising students selected through a rigorous application and interview process, the Fund provides them with a hands-on opportunity to learn, develop, and apply effective stock analysis and portfolio management risk and return techniques. This student-run fund was established in 1995 with a generous memorial grant by the M.A. Wright family. The fund’s excess earnings are used to provide endowed scholarships.

The Wright Fund’s home base for investment analysis and performance monitoring is the El Paso Corporation Finance Center located in the Jones School, providing students access to the center’s state-of-the-art research resources and analytical software. Students get hands-on experience using extensive data sources and powerful analytical tools such as Bloomberg, Reuters, @Risk, Research Insight, Crystal Ball, and AFG’s proprietary analytical tools.

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ENERGY - HEALTH CARE - ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Jones School offers students a great competitive advantage for scholarship in the classroom, leadership experiences through student clubs, and employment opportunities aided by access to industry and the current economic growth in Texas.

Our strong infrastructure in faculty leadership and student talent enables us to strategically invest in the energy, health care and entrepreneurship (EHE) initiatives across research, MBA programs, executive education and through corporate recruitment.

Faculty leads in EHE focus on leveraging and enhancing the Jones School’s intellectual capital to address the unique environment, opportunities and issues faced by organizations in these domains.

FACULTY LEADS VIKAS MITTAL — ENERGY

The J. Hugh Liedtke Professor of Marketing’s varied experience designing integrated, experiential courses along with his superb, multi-disciplinary research record provide the foundation for a strong, cross-functional energy initiative. His unique expertise and approach to teaching core content is embraced by leaders in the energy industry through courses designed for companies such as Shell, BP, National Oilwell Varco, Cameron and CB&I. In 2006, Professor Mittal was awarded the William F. O’Dell Award in recognition of his significant, long-term contributions to the theory, methodology and practice of marketing. In addition to extensive publication in leading marketing journals, he is a renowned expert on decision making. Mittal received his Ph.D. from Temple University.

Home to over 5,000 energy-related firms, Houston is widely known as the ‘Energy Capital of the World.’ The energy sector is a complex system that operates with both technical and business expertise, requiring a multi-faceted talent pool with training in all of the core business disciplines. With one third of its graduates entering the petroleum and energy industry, the school offers students opportunities for membership and leadership roles in its Energy Club, Women’s Energy Network and Rice Energy Finance Summit (REFS). REFS, a student-led annual conference, promotes forward-looking discussions on the most pertinent energy issues and facilitates valuable relationships through the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Rice MBAs specializing in energy engage in a well-rounded curriculum that prepares them to meet the global challenges of the energy industry from a broad and informed perspective.

In addition to courses in the functional disciplines, a two-day international energy simulation and a host of electives — including Fundamentals of the Energy Industry, Geopolitics of Energy, Energy Derivatives and Business Strategy in the Energy Industry — prepare MBAs for careers in the industry.

PRASHANT KALE — HEALTH CARE

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The associate professor of strategic management’s strong research and teaching leadership drive the Jones School’s health care initiative from an intellectual point of view. His research focuses on corporate strategy, strategic alliances and mergers and acquisitions. Professor Kale is an award winning teacher and was rated among the Top-10 Business School Professors by Bloomberg Businessweek.

His health care strategy course is highly sought after. Kale worked in industry for several years with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Siemens and the Tata Group. He received his Ph.D. from the Wharton School of Business.

Rice University is a member of the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the largest medical center in the world, located steps from campus. The Jones School leverages this relationship and close proximity to the TMC to the advantage of students who are interested in career opportunities in all aspects of health care, ranging from life sciences, medical devices, insurance and health care delivery to professional services such as health care consulting, investment banking and venture capital. The Biotechnology and Health Care Club informs students on career prospects in those industries in collaboration with other Jones School clubs. Health care fellowships, offered through the Career Management Center, allow recipients to explore the field through summer internships in the TMC. Electives such as Strategic Process Management in Health Care and Strategic Capital Investment in Today’s Health Care Sector open students to a broad range of strategic, economic, ethical and operational perspectives and provide students with the tools necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field.

YAEL HOCHBERG — ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A prominent scholar who publishes in leading academic journals on many aspects of entrepreneurship, the Ralph S. O’Connor Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship is also the academic director of the Rice Alliance. Her teaching interests in entrepreneurship, innovation and the financing of entrepreneurial activity stem from her research focus on the venture capital industry, networks and corporate governance and compensation policies. Professor Hochberg was a Batten Fellow to study and rank seed accelerators, a Beyster Fellow to study equity compensation research, and a Landmark Research Fellow to study private equity research.

She received her Ph.D. from Stanford University.

Houston, one of the fastest growing metropolitan economies in the U.S., is an extremely attractive market for entrepreneurial activity. The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship was named No. 1 among the top university business incubators for the second year in a row by UBI Index, a Swedish research initiative. Housed at the Jones School, the Rice Alliance supports the educational mission of the university in teaching entrepreneurship while providing mentoring and an entrepreneurial ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Popular electives such as The New Enterprise, Venture Capital and Business Plan Development are coupled with a variety of entrepreneurship resources such as clubs, a Silicon Valley Trek, visiting speakers, alumni mentors and the Rice Business Plan Competition, the largest and richest graduate business plan competition in the world. MBAs are also supported by the Jones Graduate School Entrepreneurs’ Organization (JGSEO), an alumni organization that provides a forum for Rice MBAs and alumni in various stages of their entrepreneurial life cycle.

THE IMPACT OF BIG IDEAS ANASTASIYA ZAVYALOVA The assistant professor of strategic management was lead author and presented “The Dark Side of Prominence: Organizational Consequences of Seeking Media Coverage” at Reputation Institute’s 17th International Conference on Corporate Reputation, Brand Identity and Competitiveness, where it received the Best Conference Paper award.

KERRY BACK The Howard J. Creekmore Professor of Finance’s most recent published work, forthcoming in Econometrica, models strategic liquidity provision in limit-order markets. All entering finance Ph.D. candidates at Rice, and many in top programs around the world, are introduced to academic finance through his textbook Asset Pricing and Portfolio Choice Theory, the Oxford University Press.

KAREN NELSON A paper by the Harmon Whittington Professor of Accounting was recognized as one of the most influential on contemporary accounting research, according to a study in Issues in Accounting Education. Analyzing over 3,500 papers published in nine top accounting journals from 1996 through 2011, the study ranked Nelson’s paper No. 5 on the most cited list in the auditing literature.

SHIVA SIVARAMAKRISHNAN The Henry Gardiner Symonds Professor of Accounting recently received the Impact on Management Accounting Award for his paper “Product costs as decision aids: An analysis of alternative approaches (Parts 1 and 2).” Students around the globe are introduced to accounting as a business decision-making tool through his textbook, Management Accounting (Wiley).

BOB HOSKISSON The George R. Brown Professor of Management was reappointed to a third term as an associate editor of Strategic Management Journal and recognized by The Times Higher Education as one of the top 25 scholars in the world in business and economics. He also serves as president of the Strategic Management Society.

THREE PROFESSORS NAMED 50 MOST IMPACTFUL IN MARKETING SCIENCE

According to a study in the International Journal of Research in Marketing, papers by Ajay Kalra, the Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Marketing (No. 18); Wagner Kamakura, the Jesse H. Jones Professor of Marketing (No. 30); and Vikas Mittal, the J. Hugh Liedtke Professor of Marketing (No. 36), who authored along with Kamakura; ranked most impactful in the first study of its kind. More than 5,500 articles published between 1982 and 2003 were classified based on two variables — research impact on academic thought and managerial impact on firms.

AJAY KALRA

WAGNER KAMAKURA

VIKAS MITTAL

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SHELLEY CAO ­­

Hometown: Troy, Michigan

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Pre-MBA Job: Surgery resident, Baylor College of Medicine

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University of Michigan, B.S. Computer Science, Cell & Molecular Biology ’02, MD, Medicine ’06

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Internship: Summer Associate, McKinsey & Co.

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Current Job: Assistant Vice President, NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation

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A

Rice University, MBA ’10

fter medical school and residency, Shelley entered business school with no business background. She reflects on the influence the Rice MBA had not only on the skills to succeed in the business world but on her career and thinking about the big picture. “It definitely provided me with the knowledge and analytical tools to do well. But more importantly, it helped me think through what I want out of a career and how I want to balance all the elements of life and work.”

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A former management consultant with McKinsey & Co. for four years who now works in the New York City health care system, Shelley recognizes the value of her MBA experience. “The class and discussion on change management was really valuable. As a consultant, one is constantly entering new organizations, trying to understand the critical issues and introducing change to improve the current situation. It’s relatively simple to come up with the recommendations, but much more difficult to convince others that it is the right path and to have them actually change their behavior.”

MEDICAL SCHOOL WAS GREAT

IN TEACHING US THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PATIENTS AND DISEASE. HOWEVER, MODERN MEDICINE IS A MUCH MORE COMPLICATED SYSTEM OF PROVIDERS, PAYORS, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURERS, REGULATORS, AND PATIENTS. I WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THAT SYSTEM FUNCTIONS AND WHAT I CAN DO TO MAKE THE ENTIRE NETWORK BETTER.

SHELLEY’S TIPS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS INTERESTED IN CONSULTING 1. Do your homework — research the companies and think through why each may be appealing to you.

2. Practice cases — it’s the only way to get good at cases; practicing with other people is particularly helpful.

4. Network — reach out to alumni from the companies that you are interested in to learn more about their experience; but make sure to do your homework about the company first so you ask good questions (and not the ones you easily could have Googled the answers to).

3. Practice telling your own story for the behavioral part of the interview — it’s as important as the cases; practice telling the story clearly and think through what quality about you that you want the interviewer to walk away with from each story.

5. Keep an open mind — there are many consulting companies and experiences, not just the big few. Think about what is important to you and what you are interested in (industry, function, etc.).

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ALEJANDRA CALAD ­­

Rice University, MBA ’15

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President – Hispanic Business Student Association

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Universidad Icesi (Colombia), B.A. Business Administration ’08

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Internship: Service Account Manager, Samsung Telecommunications America

Clubs: Vice President – Strategy Club; Member – Technology Club, Marketing Club and National Association of Women MBAs

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Speaks Spanish, English and Portuguese

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Pre-MBA Job: Key Account Manager, Motorola Mobility Colombia

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lejandra Calad moved to Houston with her son and husband, Daniel Osorio ’14, in 2012 so Daniel could start the MBA program at Rice. As he began classes, she began thinking it would be a good fit for her too. “I decided to get my MBA because I needed to expand my business knowledge. I wanted to solidify my negotiation and communication skills, hone my strategic competencies and acquire more knowledge in finance.”

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Her first year at the Jones School has been a “wonderful experience. My first week at the Jones School was the International Immersion where I had the opportunity to meet my classmates from 17 different countries and share our cultures and fears of being new in this country. Rice’s community is really open, friendly and diverse.”

MY EXPERIENCE IN HOUSTON HAS BEEN AMAZING. HOUSTONIANS ARE SO FRIENDLY THAT YOU QUICKLY FEEL AT HOME. HOUSTON IS DEFINITELY A CULTURALLY DIVERSE CITY WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. HOUSTON IS A TOURIST CITY AS WELL, WITH AMAZING PLACES LIKE THE HOUSTON ZOO, ART AND SCIENCE MUSEUMS, PARKS, AND A VIBRANT MUSIC SCENE.

Alejandra’s advice to future Rice MBAs who are coming to the U.S. from another country? “Take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime incredible opportunity. There are no words to fully explain what you gain pursuing your MBA. It is not just academic knowledge. It is life-long friends and new experiences.

Start building your Rice network before coming to school and continue it after graduation.”

Immersion for international students is a three-week rigorous experience that takes place prior to the start of the school year. The first week is dedicated to general on-boarding activities as well as several focused workshops and events to help the new Rice MBA international students ease into life in another culture and country. The final two weeks make up the regular Rice MBA Immersion with the remaining members of the incoming class in which students will begin academic coursework with their new teams.

business.rice.edu/alejandra

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THE MEXICO TRIP WAS A PHENOMENAL

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE.

THE BUSINESS VISITS INCLUDED TAKING CLASSES AT IPADE BUSINESS SCHOOL, HEARING ABOUT MEXICO'S CURRENT ECONOMIC REFORMS FROM THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, KICKING OFF THE RICE ALUMNI MEXICO CITY CHAPTER AT THE MEXICAN STOCK EXCHANGE, AND A NETWORKING EVENT HOSTED BY JIM BEAM. IN ADDITION TO BUSINESS VISITS, THERE WERE SEVERAL SITE SEEING OPPORTUNITIES THAT INCLUDED A FÚTBOL GAME, LUCHA LIBRE (MEXICAN WRESTLING), THE FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM, AND THE TEOTIHUACÁN PYRAMIDS. ASIDE FROM THE GREAT SITES, LECTURES AND FOOD, WHAT I ENJOYED MOST ABOUT THE TRIP WAS GETTING TO KNOW OTHER STUDENTS FROM THE PROFESSIONAL AND EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS. JESSICA NEELEY

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Hometown: Beaumont, Texas

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Pre-MBA job: Senior Analyst, TXU Energy

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Rice University, MBA ’15

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Internship: Marketing MBA Intern, Air Liquide

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Texas A&M University, B.B.A. Finance ’08

Graphic

Class of 2012, Rio de Janeiro.

The Jones EdGE (Educational Global Experience)

Intersession Abroad: Every year students from the Rice MBA programs may choose to embark on several credit bearing international courses arranged during the winter and spring breaks. In keeping with the Jones School’s mission of developing principled, innovative thought leaders in global communities, these courses take have taken place in China, Mexico, Latin America, South America, India and other strategic destinations.

Itineraries include visits to corporate offices, U.S. embassies, corporate plant and manufacturing sites, as well as visits with other local business schools and scholars. Students make meaningful business contacts and learn firsthand about the economic situations in the host country while also partaking in traditional sightseeing and cultural visits.

Past destinations of note have included Beijing, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Delhi, Dubai, Hyderabad, Lima, Mexico City, Monrovia, Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai.

PASSPORT TO LEARNING – MEXICO ITINERARY 2013

For students interested in working internationally, traveling with classmates during the MBA program is the perfect way to discover different parts of the world, visit international organizations, and study diverse cultures. ­­

Arrive in Mexico City, Mexico.

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Free day: attend Toluca vs Jaguares soccer game.

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Classes at IPADE Business School.

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Attend company visits at Nielsen Mexico and Wal-Mart, followed by a meeting with the US Department of Commerce.

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Pyramid tour and then street food tour!

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Last official day of the trip includes meeting Mexico’s former secretary of finance, followed by the CEO of La Bolsa Mexicana De Valores (the Mexican Stock Exchange) and the CEO of Rotoplas.

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Optional next stop: Cancun for sightseeing.

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DURING THE INTEGRATION PHASE, FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY WERE THE KEY TERMS THAT ENABLED ME TO ADJUST TO THE NEW BUSINESS

CULTURE THAT WAS BEING CREATED BY THE JOINING OF TWO GREAT COMPANIES. ACTUALLY, OILFIELD SERVICES IS A VERY DYNAMIC BUSINESS, CONTINUOUSLY IN A STATE OF ACQUIRED COMPANY INTEGRATION, EXPANSION OF NEW BUSINESS LINES, AND GROWTH THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE ARE LOCAL CULTURES TO FAMILIARIZE MYSELF WITH FOR THE DIFFERENT REGIONS WITHIN ASIA WHERE WE DO BUSINESS — FROM CHINA DOWN TO AUSTRALIA. NAVIGATING THROUGH THE VARIOUS CHALLENGES IN OUR BUSINESS HERE IS AN ONGOING PROCESS BUT ONE TO WHICH I'M LOOKING FORWARD. W

hen Tim Okabayashi’s company was acquired by Schlumberger, his position as manager of acquisitions and business expansion “morphed slightly,” but his desire to work overseas did not. “Since my first professional job, I have been exposed to international business. I was interested in a career that had opportunities for conducting international business, and a job with an integrated global oilfield service company provides lots of exposure to global business opportunities.”

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In Kuala Lumpur for two years now, Tim and his wife Casey “went through a wide spectrum of emotions related to the move — excitement, nervousness, frustration, sadness, and occasional isolation.” They recognized that this promotion was a great opportunity for his career and the future for their family, including daughter Cooper, nearly three. “Kuala Lumpur is full of expats from around the world. We also look forward to Cooper growing up with a broad social and cultural awareness.”

TIM OKABAYASHI ­­

Hometown: Houston, Texas

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Pre-MBA job: Project Manager, Global Environmental Solutions, Inc

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University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, B.S. Public Health ’99

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Internship: Associate, EnviroFuels

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Rice University, MBA ’05

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Current Job: Operations Support Manager, Asia, Drilling Tools and Remedial (a segment within Schlumberger)

FIVE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENT 1. Homework. We met with families that had international assignments. The insights gained were invaluable and helped prepare us for the journey ahead.

2. Network. We have relied on the Schlumberger Spouses Association for a network here in Kuala Lumpur. I’d recommend finding a similar group to make a new city seem a little smaller.

3. Travel. Utilize travel opportunities within the region.

4. Patience and flexibility. Two things that are definitely required when adjusting to a new culture.

5. Safety. Be aware of local safety concerns. Check and comply with company safety alerts for crime, illness, etc.

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THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX SYSTEMS THAT EXIST

AND HAVING A SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF HOW A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM OPERATES WILL BE EXTREMELY ADVANTAGEOUS. ENTERING THE HEALTH CARE FIELD IS QUITE AN ARDUOUS TASK. THE RICE MBA PROGRAM IS SPECIAL BECAUSE THERE IS A NETWORK OF ALUMNI WHO HAVE REACHED EXECUTIVE LEVEL POSITIONS WITHIN HOSPITAL SYSTEMS IN THE MEDICAL CENTER.

O

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riginally planning to pursue a career in medicine, Simrit Singh earned an undergraduate degree in biological sciences, but during college, two things happened. She gained exposure to different health care careers, gravitating more towards health care administration, and her involvement with Public Health Brigades brought her to Honduras for two weeks and sealed the deal. “The experience providing rural areas with medical relief and preventative health initiatives through infrastructural development drove my passion for health care and helped me realize the potential difference I could make in the world.”

When applying to graduate schools, Simrit knew that most students with a passion for health care administration apply to Master in Public Health or Master in Hospital Administration programs, but she wanted to build essential business tools and strategies in order to be successful in any position within health care. “Rice was the perfect program for me because it offers a generalized MBA program paired with specific concentrations, including health care. I’m able to take the foundational business classes as well as select industry specific classes to gain the most value from my two-year experience.”

SIMRIT SINGH ­­

Rice University, MBA ’15

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Chapman University, B.S. Biological Sciences ’12

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Clubs: President – Biotechnology and Healthcare Club; Member – Women’s MBA Club, Consulting Club, Intramural Sports

Pre-MBA job: Office Manager, Brite Healthcare

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President, Public Health Brigades

Internship: Liver Transplant Department, The Methodist Hospital

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Volunteer, Indo-American Charity Foundation

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Member, American College of Healthcare Executives

Her internship at The Methodist Hospital in the liver transplant department has two responsibilities. The first is to help them identify potential areas for safety improvement and develop a plan to implement procedural changes. The second is to assist the departmental team during a restructuring process from the current decentralized, organ-specific transplant departments into a centralized one in which all organ-specific transplant teams are interconnected and information is more readily available.

When Simrit graduates with her MBA and a concentration in health care, she plans to pursue a position as an administrative fellow within a hospital in the Houston Medical Center. “The fellowship programs typically last from 12-18 months and provide maximum exposure to all high-level executives and their roles. Once the fellowship is complete, I hope to be transitioned into a full-time position within the hospital.”

business.rice.edu/Simrit

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THE CMC WORKED TO HELP FIND THE RIGHT INTERNSHIP FOR ME. AS PART OF THE PHILLIPS 66 MBA ROTATIONAL PROGRAM I WORK IN A CROSS-FUNCTIONAL ROLE WHERE I HAVE EXPOSURE TO

BOTH THE PROCUREMENT LEADERSHIP TEAM AND THE MBA TALENT MANAGEMENT TEAM. FROM DISCUSSING UNEXPECTED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES TO REVIEWING MY RESUME, THE CMC HELPED ME NARROW DOWN MY INTERESTS. THE CMC-SPONSORED INFORMATION SESSIONS HELPED ME LEARN MORE ABOUT AVAILABLE POSITIONS, AND WHEN IT CAME DOWN TO SELECTING AN OFFER, THEY SPENT TIME DISCUSSING MY OPTIONS AND ADDRESSING MY CONCERNS. KAREN DIETZ ­­

Hometown: Houston, TX

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Pre-MBA Job: Portfolio Manager, GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, N.A.

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Rice University, MBA ’15

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Internship: Finance Intern, Phillips 66

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The University of Texas at Austin, B.A. Mathematics ’04

CAREER MANAGEMENT CENTER Globally ranked among the top 30 for career services, the Jones School’s Career Management Center (CMC) successfully partners with students and alumni to meet their professional development goals.* Over the years, the CMC has developed relationships across the spectrum of Fortune 500 organizations and professional service firms. We are committed to assisting you with your professional development goals and your success.

The CMC delivers professional development content (even before classes start) in order to prepare you for your summer internship. Upon acceptance to the MBA program, you are required to participate in a four-week online course in order to gain access to the Jones School’s on-campus recruiting system. In this course, you will be presented with a career self-assessment tool (CareerLeader), and be introduced to career-related topics like resume writing, business correspondence, and networking.

Throughout the two-year program, you will be encouraged to attend a variety of recruiting and career-related events. These

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not only serve as an opportunity to learn about companies that recruit on campus but it also allows you to build your network of industry professionals. Many of our alumni return to campus for these events which also serve as another avenue to make connections. Some of these events include company information sessions and receptions, Partios and company visits in the forms of treks. The CMC also participates in diversity conferences to represent the JGSB, connect with employers, and support student attendees.

The CMC also provides Career Education Days, group workshops, and personalized advising to help you develop your career strategy, and job search skills that will help you succeed in the professional MBA job market. *(Based on The Economist, student and alumni CMC assessments from 2008-2013.)

WHO EMPLOYS RICE MBAS Academy Sports + Outdoors • Accenture • AIG • Air Liquide • alliantgroup • Alvarez & Marsal • AMD • Anadarko Petroleum Corporation • Apache • Applied Diagnostics • AT&T • Baker Hughes Inc. • Bank of America Merrill Lynch • Barclays • BMO Capital Markets • BP • Bredero Shaw • Calpine • Cameron • The Carlyle Group • CenterPoint Energy • ChaiOne • Chevron • Chevron Technology Ventures • Citi • The Coca-Cola Company • ConocoPhillips • CBRE • Crédit Agricole • Credit Suisse • DCP Midstream • Deloitte • Deutsche Bank • Duke Energy • Education Pioneers • Edward Jones • Enaxis Consulting • Enite • EY • Exterran • ExxonMobil • FMC Technologies • Galway Group LP • GE • General Mills • Global Medical Technologies • Goldman Sachs • Gulf States Toyota • Halliburton • Healthcare Management Systems, Inc. • Hines • Hanwha Chemical • HP • HSBC • Humana • IBM • Infosys • Intel • J.P. Morgan • Jefferies • Kalypso • KBR • Kirby Corporation • Korn Ferry • KPMG • Kraft Foods • Lazard • LinkedIn • Marathon Oil Company • Mattress Firm • McKinsey & Company • Medtronic • Mercer • Morgan Stanley • Murphy Oil • National Oilwell Varco • Newfield Exploration • NRG • Oak Forest Ventures • OCS Group • Oiltanking • Pentair Valves & Controls • Phillips 66 • Plains All American Pipeline • Plains E&P Company • PROS • RBC • RigNet • Rockefeller Financial • Rockwater Energy Solutions • Sabre Holdings • Salient Partners, LP • Samsung • SAP • SCF Partners • Schlumberger • Scotia Capital • Shell • Simmons & Company • Sirius Solutions • Situs • SMS Capital • Spectra Energy • Stanford Hospital and Clinics • Sysco • Target • TD Securities • Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) • Texas Children’s Hospital • The Methodist Hospital System • Tristream Energy • Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. • U.S. Capital Advisors • U.S. Well Services, LLC • UBS • UMT Consulting • United Airlines • Walmart • Waste Management • Wells Fargo • Westney Consulting Group • Wipro • Wood Mackenzie • WoodRock & Co. • Woodway Financial Advisors • World Class Capital Group

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JOINING THE ALUMNI NETWORK As a Jones School graduate, you are now part of the close knit group of Rice alumni — 48,000 strong — living and working throughout the U.S. and around the world. The Rice community is one of strong ties and close relationships, and that same tradition is carried forward by the Jones School alumni. Our alumni go out of their way to give back to the Jones School because the program didn’t just give them an education; it created a family of students with life-long connections. Many alumni serve as champions for recruiting Rice MBA students within their organizations, get involved with international trips or participate in Rice Alliance or Jones Partners events as panelists and speakers.

All alumni become lifetime members of the Jones Graduate School Alumni Association (JGSAA) upon graduation. The JGSAA sponsors an annual career forum for students, hosts social events, awards scholarships and publishes an online directory for its members. Members are also entitled to the following benefits and services: ­­ Reunion, a fantastic weekend of fellowship and fun for you and your family. It includes an alumni family partio, faculty panels, educational programming and, for class years celebrating milestones, the opportunity to participate at social functions with some of your favorite faculty. ­­

Alumni Career Services: lifelong support for alumni throughout their careers; confidential access to job postings and other online resources, as well as avenues to recruit top caliber students at the Jones School.

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Lifelong Learning: discounts on executive education open enrollment programs.

Networking Opportunities ­­ Jones Partners open doors to partnership among Houston business leaders and Jones School communities. They also present a compelling speaker series that pairs Jones School faculty and their research with business leaders. Join the Jones Partners to network with people from a variety of industries and hear outstanding speakers at events throughout the year. ­­

The Jones Corporate Investors Program provides corporations with many ways to become involved with the Jones School, tailoring each contribution to be the most productive and mutually rewarding for both the school and the investor.

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Jones Graduate School Entrepreneurs Organization (JGSEO) provides the systems, processes and social networks to bring together alumni with real-world entrepreneurial experiences for the benefit of everyone involved.

Alumni stay involved with the Jones School by sharing their professional and life experiences with future leaders in a variety of ways.

Alumni Mentoring Program allows alumni to advise second-year Rice MBA students seeking first-hand information about prospective careers from professionals. Through the mentoring program, alumni: ­­ Cultivate a deeper connection through an open forum ­­

Share professional and life experiences with future alumni

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Provide guidance in an ongoing relationship

Jones Alumni Volunteers for Admission (JAVA) are made up of alumni from around the world who become ambassadors and represent the school in attracting top-tier candidates to the Rice MBA program. JAVA ambassadors: ­­ Represent Rice at recruiting events ­­

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Counsel admitted students during the decision-making process

RICE MBA CONCENTRATIONS THE GOAL OF A CONCENTRATION IS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE FUNCTIONAL, PROFESSIONAL, OR INDUSTRY EXPERTISE IN A PARTICULAR AREA OF INTEREST WITHIN A GENERAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. CONCENTRATIONS REPRESENT SOME OF THE AREAS OF STRENGTH, EXCELLENCE AND DEPTH WITHIN THE CURRICULUM. STUDENTS HAVE THE OPTION OF EARNING A MAXIMUM OF TWO CONCENTRATIONS, AND THE COMPLETION OF EACH CONCENTRATION WILL BE CERTIFIED ON THE STUDENT’S TRANSCRIPT.

ACCOUNTING The concentration in accounting reinforces the program’s fundamental concepts and adds insight into accounting processes and principles. Completion of the concentration enhances a student’s ability to analyze and interpret accounting reports while emphasizing the importance of accounting information to internal and external decision makers.

ENERGY A concentration in energy develops students’ perspectives and improves their understanding of management issues in the industry. The concentration explores the management and global economic environment. The coursework also delves into geopolitics by requiring courses from other Rice University departments.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP The concentration in entrepreneurship presents a framework for success. The required courses provide insight into starting a business, as well as buying and selling a company. Students may choose courses in specific entrepreneurial topics in which they are interested.

FINANCE A finance concentration provides a deep foundation in financial management principles and a chance for further specialization.

Students will complete the primary finance electives of the MBA program and a course in financial statement analysis as well as additional specialized courses.

GLOBAL BUSINESS The ability to take full advantage of a global economy can be the difference between success and failure. Sourcing, staffing, financing, developing ideas, and reaching customers, all require managers to have a global perspective. The concentration draws upon coursework from several functional areas as well as courses taken from other Rice University departments.

HEALTH CARE The concentration in health care focuses on the best ways to understand, organize and manage aspects of the health care system and the rapidly changing issues driving the industry. Required courses address how management principles are interpreted and applied in the health care industry and in different health care settings — such as pharmaceutical, hospital, and large and small practices.

MANAGEMENT CONSULTING Management consultants must be able to identify both the problem and the solution and, in many cases, implement the corrective action. It is an ideal path for students that enjoy solving problems and who have strong analytical skills. The curriculum covers an array of issues related to business strategy and the process of analyzing business problems from various angles to develop preliminary solutions.

MASTERING CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION Creativity and innovation are essential skills across all industries and benefit students regardless of their career path. Students in this concentration gain a theoretical understanding of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial behaviors while strengthening managerial skills to nurture and promote creativity in their employees.

MARKETING The marketing concentration is ideal for those planning to pursue a career in brand/product management, marketing research and analytics, pricing, new products, marketing communications and direct marketing, or promotion.

REAL ESTATE The Rice MBA concentration in real estate provides an educational structure of essential information, from both world-renowned Rice faculty and successful real estate practitioners and entrepreneurs. Students receive the foundation on which they can build or enhance their careers in courses ranging from real estate finance and real estate development to the application of marketing and research strategies.

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HOUSTON is a vibrant, dynamic, diverse city full of opportunity. Rice students, faculty and staff can take advantage of all that the fourth largest city in the U.S. has to offer — from attending premier performing arts events in the downtown theater district, eating at outstanding restaurants to cheering on the city’s professional sports teams. Best of all, many of these activities, including those in a bustling downtown and thriving Museum District, are easily accessible from the Rice campus.

MBA students also tap into the assets, energy, ideas and technology of a thriving business community in Houston.

AMERICA’S COOLEST CITY

3rd

Fortune 500 Co. Headquarters

N U M B E R 3 IN THE COUNTRY

FOR GREEN JOBS SimplyHired.com, 2012

Forbes, 2012

The 46 Places to Go in 2013, according to the New York Times travel section, lists Houston as No. 7. “Houston is probably best known as the Texan center for energy and industry, but it’s making a bid to be the state’s cultural and culinary capital as well. The Houston Museum District is a formidable coterie of institutions that includes the Rothko Chapel, the Museum of African American Culture, which made its debut last February; and the Asia Society Texas Center, which opened in a stunning Yoshio Taniguchi-designed building in April. And last summer, the Houston Museum of Natural Science opened a 30,000-square-foot hall of paleontology in a new $85 million wing. Meanwhile, the city’s dining scene is also heating up, with three of the city’s newest restaurants — Oxheart, Underbelly and Uchi — placing on national best-newrestaurant lists.” — Ingrid K. Williams

4th Largest City in U.S.

7th

New York Times Places to Go in 2013

T OP U.S.

REAL ESTATE

MARKETS TO WATCH

PwC US and Urban Land Institute, 2013

NUMBER 1 BEST CITIES FOR M A N U F A C T U RForbes, I N2012 G

NUMBER 1 OUT OF 10

CITIES POISED FOR GREATNESS Fortune, 2012 42

THE

10 BEST CITIES FOR

YOUNG

ENTREPRENEURS

TOP GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

NUMBE R 2 MOST GENEROUS U.S. CITIES

Forbes, 2014

The Huffington Post, 2013

ONE OF THE 10 GREENEST CITIES I N T H E U. S .

BEST CITY IN AMERICA Business Insider, 2013

Forbes, 2013

THE MOST TECHNOLOGY JOBS

AMERICA’S FA S T E S T– GROWING Forbes, CITIES 2014

Causes.com, 2013

CITIES CREATING

NUMBE R 4

BUSINESS INCUBATOR, RICE UNIVERSITY University Business Incubator, 2013

CIT Y FOR FIF TH STR AIGHT YE AR U-Haul International, 2014

TOP DESTINATION

AMONG

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10

Top

2

nd

20

Top

Graduate Program in Entrepreneurship 2009-2013 Princeton Review Entrepreneur Magazine

Percent Salary Increase 2014 Financial Times in U.S.

Full-time MBA, U.S., 2014 Financial Times

3rd

Best in Finance Alumni Ranking, Global, 2014 Financial Times

READY TO FACE THE CHANGE? At the Jones School there is no blueprint for admission. There is only a diverse group of students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership ability, interpersonal skills and the motivation to work hard. Grounded in strong ethics and a global perspective, the Rice MBA is about to transform your world, your career, your future.

DATES TO REMEMBER — CLASS OF 2017 APPLICATION DEADLINES October 27, 2014 January 5, 2015 February 23, 2015 April 6, 2015

DECISION DATES December 5, 2014 February 27, 2015 April 3, 2015 May 8, 2015

FINANCIAL INFORMATION Rice MBA program tuition for the academic year 2014-2015 was $50,400. We estimate other first-year costs such as fees, insurance, books, rent, and miscellaneous expenses to be approximately $30,000.

The Jones School offers scholarships which are determined on the basis of academic merit. Please note that consideration for merit-based scholarships is based on the strength of the entire application package including, but not limited to, GMAT score, undergraduate transcripts, work experience, leadership potential and team skills.

There is not a separate application process for scholarship awards. All applications are reviewed for merit-based scholarship awards at the time of admission and any award will be noted in your admission letter.

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To schedule a campus visit or for any additional information: Office of Admissions Jones Graduate School of Business Rice University McNair Hall – MS 531 6100 Main Street Houston, Texas 77005 Toll free: 888-844-4773 Local: 713-348-4918 Fax: 713-348-6147 Email: ricemba@rice.edu Online: business.rice.edu

CLASS OF 2016 PROFILE (as of July 18, 2014) ­­

Number of Students: 110

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Average Work Experience: 5 years

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Average Age: 28

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Average GPA: 3.4

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Average GMAT: 676

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International Citizenship: 33%

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Number of Countries Represented: 14

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Military Veterans: 12%

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Women: 32%

BY THE NUMBERS ­­

60 credits to graduate

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108 electives offered

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35 student clubs