LA Martz is a 1st Year MBA Student at the Rice University MBA Program (Jones) After working as a geologist, LA decided to build upon her gaps in business knowledge and is working on a career transition to consulting or energy.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school? How did you discover that an MBA could be a good career option?
Most recently, I worked as a geologist for Apache Corp. and was based in North America’s hottest oil field, the Permian Basin. In my role, I conducted geoscience evaluations, appraisals, and strategized well development for drilling programs valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.
Given the significant capital impact of these projects, I wanted to address gaps in my business knowledge. An MBA was the ideal opportunity to accomplish this goal and improve myself intellectually.
MBASchooled: Ultimately, why did you choose to go to business school and get an MBA?
As a scientist, parlaying into the business world seemed like a radical shift at first. All of my education, internships, and professional experience have been STEM-focused. The benefits of an MBA came to light in my last position when interacting with company leadership. Impacts of the pandemic reiterated the possibility of turning a corner in my career and in times of uncertainty, an education is always a worthwhile investment.
MBASchooled: Talk about the MBA application and admissions process. What was that experience like?
Prior to beginning the application, I created a list of my core skills and learning objectives. Throughout the process, I referred back to this document to re-calibrate my thoughts. The application itself took about two weeks to complete, mostly spent on introspection while writing essays. For the interview, I treated it like a conversation where I was sharing future career goals with a colleague.
MBASchooled: What were the most important criteria to you when selecting MBA Programs to apply for?
Career resources and student satisfaction were key factors in targeting MBA programs. The Rice Business Career Development Office (CDO) has been incredibly supportive and integral with preparing me for recruitment. Also, every alumni spoke very highly of their MBA experience at Rice.
MBASchooled: Why did you choose Rice?
The location, alumni network, and prestige were ultimately what led to my decision of pursuing an MBA at Rice. In addition, I knew it would behoove me to choose a program that could complement my energy experience in the classroom. Industry interactions with student-led programs like the Rice Energy Finance Summit further reiterated Rice as the obvious choice.
MBASchooled: Most applicants understand why culture is important, and to look for it, but what specifically stood out to you about Rice?
The advocacy for diversity and academic rigor are key underpinnings of Rice’s culture. Many business schools highlight these efforts, but the rankings were a source of credibility that made Rice Business stand out. Poets & Quants ranked our full-time program #1 for the most minority students in the top 25 business schools. In addition, Princeton Review ranked the Rice MBA program #1 in entrepreneurship, #5 in finance, and #6 in consulting.
MBASchooled: Think back to the MBA application process. What’s something you know now, that you wish you knew then?
While the application process is a personal endeavor, you do not have to go through it alone. The admissions office wants you to succeed and can help address any qualms you might be struggling with (e.g., choosing to answer an application question via traditional essay or on video). In retrospect, I would have utilized the Forté Foundation more, which offers resources to women interested in pursuing an MBA.
MBASchooled: Due to COVID-19, MBA applicants know they need to engage virtually with schools to learn about them but what should they be looking to learn or looking to get out of those opportunities?
Engaging with business schools virtually is certainly tough. However, there is a unique opportunity to read between the lines in this new age of interaction. For example, in a virtual panel of current students, listen intently to someone’s voice when they answer. Take note when you hear hesitation or changes in tone. Consider these types of nuances and trust your gut when gauging student satisfaction.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have, for students who are considering applying or applying to MBA programs right now?
Trust authentic platforms like MBASchooled to get your information and be tactical in your due diligence process. Drawing from a LinkedIn post written by one of my inspiring classmates, Lizzie Ann Jones (follow her), a school should make you feel like a person—not a number.
Lastly, remember your own bias. Sometimes people ask advice until they find what they want to hear. Be receptive to all voices. Hone into authenticity and be inquisitive.
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