5 Reasons These Full-Time MBAs Chose Rice
Source: https://business.rice.edu/admissions-blog/why-full-time-mbas-chose-rice Parent: https://business.rice.edu/admissions-blog/a-message-from-our-dean
Choosing where to pursue your MBA is a big decision. It’s where you’ll invest your time, energy and potential for two years — and begin your next career journey.
For MBA students at Rice, that decision often comes down to more than rankings or reputation. It’s about finding a place that feels like home, challenges you to grow and connects you to opportunity.
Here are five reasons Full-Time MBA students in the Class of 2027 chose Rice Business.
Strong Career Outcomes
Rice MBAs land top roles in investment banking, consulting and beyond, thanks to personalized career support and strong partnerships with employers and alumni. And whether our students are looking to go further in their current function or pivot into a new role, Rice Business delivers.
“I knew I wanted to transition into investment banking and stay in Houston,” says Michael Miller. “Rice Business stood out, given its strong track record of placing students in the IB industry.” For Ivan Tapia, the school’s proximity and recruiting reputation made Rice a top choice. “I intend to stay in the energy industry,” he says. “Rice is a target school for big energy firms, which was a key factor in deciding which business school to attend.”
Hear why current student Marcia Lee chose Rice:
Tight-Knit Community
At Rice Business, a strong community isn’t just a perk. It’s at the heart of everything we do.
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Rice MBA students networking at a weekly Partio, or "party on the patio."
“Rice Business stood out because of its tight-knit community,” says Michael Stallworth. “I wanted a program where I wouldn’t just be another student in the crowd but part of a collaborative environment where relationships matter.”
“When I was deciding where to attend business school, the biggest factor for me was culture. I wanted to be in a place where collaboration, support and strong relationships were at the center of the experience, not just competition,” says Lotanna Ohazuruike.\
Interested in Rice Business?
Big City, Big Impact
As the energy capital and a growing hub for healthcare, tech and innovation, Houston offers endless ways to apply what you learn in the MBA — and make an impact the second you begin classes at Rice.
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Rice University is located in the heart of Houston, the nation's fourth-largest city.
“Houston is the energy capital of the world, which means studying sustainability at Rice puts me at the epicenter of the industry that's defining our collective future,” says Kathryn Caudell.
“Rice Business is such a prestigious university in the South with an incredible network of down-to-earth leaders and innovators,” says Taylor Smith. “There’s nothing like Southern hospitality!”
Dedicated Alumni Network
From your first semester, you’ll feel the strength of the Rice Business network. Our alumni are supportive and deeply connected across industries — not just in Texas, but around the world.
“Rice also has a fantastic alumni network, especially in Houston, that is eager to recruit and mentor students,” says Leighton Douglass.
Miles Moscariello also expresses appreciation for alumni mentorship: “The program’s strong network and resources allow me to connect with people who share my passion for building, managing and investing in real estate.”
Specialized Curriculum
With access to expert faculty, hands-on learning, rigorous courses and more than 100 electives, each diploma is uniquely tailored to the Rice MBA student who earned it.
“Rice Business creates a collaborative classroom environment,” says Caudell, “where professors know their students personally and peers drive meaningful academic discussions.”
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Taylor Smith, Full-Time MBA '27
For students like Douglass, the Full-Time MBA program stood out for its many specialization areas and elective offerings. “With a background in architecture, I wanted a curriculum that allowed me to explore real estate courses, which Rice has a degree specialization in,” she says.
“Plus, Rice Business is home to the No. 1 Graduate Entrepreneurship Program in the nation!” says Smith.\
For Full-Time MBAs in the Class of 2027, choosing Rice meant choosing more than just a business school — it’s joining a supportive community, learning from the best and making immediate impacts.\
Featured Students
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Michael Miller '27
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Ivan Tapia '27
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Michael Stallworth '27
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Lotanna Ohazuruike '27
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Kathryn Caudell '27
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Taylor Smith '27
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Leighton Douglass '27
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Miles Moscariello '27
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