We recently caught up with three members of the Rice Jones Professional MBA Program to learn a bit more about their background, their reasons for choosing to pursue an MBA, and why they selected Rice. We also learn a bit more about the Rice Professional MBA Program and what each student has planned for after they complete their program. Read more about Tohfe, Steve & Chelsea in the pages that follow.
Tohfe Beidas, Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, Professional MBA Class of 2022
School and Program:
Rice Jones Professional MBA Program
Hometown:
Houston, Texas
Tohfe Beidas, Rice Professional MBA, Class of 2022
Undergraduate Institution & Major:
University of Houston – Supply Chain Management & Marketing, Minor in International Area Studies-Asia
Pre-MBA Work Experience:
I have been working in supply chain/operations in the chemical industry for the past five years at LyondellBasell. However, I then shifted towards talent management (still supporting supply chain) at the same company in the past year.
Why Business School? Why Now?
Ever since I graduated in 2015, I always knew I wanted to pursue my MBA to continue my growth and learning. A mentor had told me “the longer you wait, the more valuable the MBA is.” At the time, I didn’t fully comprehend the importance of that advice but now it fully makes sense! I waited about five years before deciding to go back to school. With having multiple years of experience under my belt, I am able to better understand the coursework and contribute more effectively in the classroom. Timing is different for everyone, but, for me, the current timing was right. Although 2020 was a whirlwind, I thought what better time than now to get this started.
Why did you pick your school/program? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was born and raised in Houston and knew I wanted to stay local to be able to continue working throughout my MBA. Rice has always been on my radar, but once I started digging into the different offerings, I realized that this was the best choice for me. I was interested in a program that had a full campus. I also wanted to have flexibility with the courses in my second year, which Rice has a wide variety of electives to choose from. I was looking for a school that had student organizations and other extracurricular activities that align with my interests. I knew I wanted to be academically challenged and to be surrounded by such bright individuals. Diversity, equity, and inclusion were also extremely important to me, and I was fortunate to attend Rice at a time where these initiatives have grown immensely. Throughout the recruiting process, I heard the phrase “You Belong Here” multiple times. I instantly felt welcomed from the very first interactions that I had with the Rice community. Just like choosing a company whose values and culture interest you, you should have the same mindset when choosing a school.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your graduating class?
Each student brings something unique to the table and to our class, which makes it so interesting to learn about each person’s experiences and background. I believe that I bring a unique, diverse perspective, leadership experience, and knowledge. I have a passion for volunteering and giving back, and am dedicated to furthering growth and development. Nonetheless, I truly appreciate the cohesiveness despite the uniqueness of each individual.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
During the pandemic, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking and cooking exploring new recipes and cuisines. However, I specifically found my love for baking traditional Arabic desserts, it sparked an idea and I think I can turn into a small business one day!
Here’s another fact: when I was a senior in High School around 2009-2010, we had to write our final research paper and were required to pull resources from the Fondren Library at Rice. That was actually the last time I stepped foot on campus until my first day of class of my MBA, it almost felt like a full circle with my education. I was familiar with the area around the campus, but I had forgotten how beautiful the campus itself was.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
1. Take time to figure out your story and how all of your experiences will bring value to your application. Every portion should all relate back to the story. There should be a consistent theme throughout the application and naturally, the opportunities you take advantage of during your MBA will also relate back to the theme.
2. Do your research and figure out what you want to take advantage of when you start your MBA before you start. When you start, you will have SO many things to keep up with. If you define this early, it will allow you to take advantage of those opportunities in a timely manner to maximize your experiences during your few years at your school.
3. Once you have determined what you’d like to do, take advantage of the variety of opportunities that the school has to offer. Whether it be student organizations, electives, volunteering opportunities, internships, extracurricular programs, mentorship opportunities, or whatever the case may be – each program will help you on your personal growth journey and will help shape your MBA experience.
4. Trust the process and the journey that you are setting on. You will come across bumps in the road, but you will be where you are meant to be.
5. Lastly, enjoy the ride and have fun! It can get extremely busy, but you and your classmates are in it together and you will look back and cherish the moments that you shared with others during the experience.
What is your initial impression of the school’s students/culture/community?
Starting an MBA in the midst of a global pandemic is quite a unique experience, but I was able to experience the Rice culture early on. They quickly adapted to virtual learning to allow a safe environment for us to continue with in-person classes. Seeing various other universities in Houston remain online, we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to continue the learning in a somewhat “normal” environment given the situation with COVID-19. However, we are excited that the conditions are improving so we can engage in more in-person activities with much lighter restrictions for our second year. Even with the restrictions, our class has been fortunate to build great connections and friendships. With that being said, it has been a wonderful experience, and I am thankful to be a Rice Owl!
Steve Jimenez, Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, Professional MBA Class of 2022
School and Program:
Rice Jones Professional MBA Program
Hometown:
Houston, Texas
Steve Jimenez, Rice Professional MBA Class of 2022
Undergraduate Institution & Major:
Texas A&M University – Sociology
Pre-MBA Work Experience:
Eaton, 1.5 manufacturing
Halliburton, 1.5 manufacturing
Hands On Solutions, 4 consulting
Hives for Heroes, 2 veteran non-profit
rutd, 1 enterprise software
Why Business School? Why Now?
Rice Business is the #1 entrepreneurship school in the country. This is my chance to connect with amazing people and resources and I wanted to continue to grow Hives for Hereos, and develop and launch rutd.
Why did you pick your school/program? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I didn’t actually plan on going back to school, but couldn’t refuse the opportunity to attend the #1 school and I always thought Rice was unattainable. I am grateful for the opportunity.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your graduating class?
My entrepreneurial experience with a heart to serve others
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m a father of 3 amazing ladies, a former Marine, a life-long learner, and have high energy.
Post-MBA Career Interest:
Hives for Heroes global expansion and rutd launch and national expansion
Advice to current prospective applicants:
Never quit. Find your passion, build healthy relationships, and give it everything you’ve got.
What is your initial impression of the school’s students/culture/community?
Highly motivated with the drive to change the world.
Chelsea Rose, Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, Professional MBA Class of 2022
School and Program:
Rice Jones Professional MBA Program
Hometown:
Missouri City, Texas
Chelsea Rose, Rice Professional MBA Class of 2022
Undergraduate Institution & Major:
The Ohio State University – Sociology
Pre-MBA Work Experience:
Teacher (5 years)
Coach/Non-profit Professionals (4 years)
Why Business School? Why Now?
One of my long-term goals is to reimagine the way that we, as a society, experience the workplace. In my time as an educator, I’ve noticed that negative workplace dynamics can be huge barriers in achieving the level of success and impact that we’d like to have. Turnover, unproductive interpersonal conflict, and poor communication skills are just some of the common barriers that I have experienced. Right now, amidst a global pandemic and social unrest, it’s even more important that our business leaders are aware of workplace dynamics and work to actively change systems and structures that allow employees to be fully human. In order to change these systems, one needs a deep historical knowledge of how these systems were created and what forces continue to perpetuate them. I seek to create change at multiple levels and achieve impact in the long term.
Why did you pick your school/program? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Rice Business because of its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It was important to me that I learn both from and with people who think differently than I do, and as a result, I have gained new perspectives. I had the opportunity to join the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) council for the Jones Student Association for Professionals (JSAP), and learned about how difficult it can be to both bring people along with you on the DEI journey as well as create a strong and compelling map for the journey. I gained insight into what students felt needed to change in regards to DEI at Jones and hope to continue moving this work forward as I start my second year.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your graduating class?
During class, I make it a point to “run back” more of the complex topics that are discussed. This check for understanding (as we know it in education) helps me to solidify the learning, cement it in my brain, and build a conceptual understanding of some of the more complicated topics that are covered. While in class, it’s very easy to not want to participate because you may feel like the question you have is a dumb question, but every dumb question I’ve had someone else has also had, and I’m happy to be the one to ask those questions.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have run 9 half marathons and 1 full marathon.
Post-MBA Career Interest:
I’m interested in pursuing a career in consulting. I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to intern at Accenture Strategy this summer and am looking forward to learning and growing as a strategic thinker and problem solver.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
This sounds really corny, but be yourself. Others can tell when you’re not being authentic and it’s hard to continue with a façade. In essays and interviews, be honest and tell your story in a way that’s compelling and allows people to really get to know you. At the end of the day, we’re all people ultimately wanting to connect with other like-minded people.
What is your initial impression of the school’s students/culture/community?
I have really enjoyed my time at Rice Business. I have built some really great relationships with my classmates and view them as some of the smartest people I have ever and probably will ever know. Starting business school in the heart of a global pandemic has been really tough, but I can say with confidence that Rice Business tries its very best to ensure that students feel connected and part of a community by allowing us to come on campus and hosting events so that we can continue to build that community.