Aaqib Mohammed: Why I Chose Rice Business and the Hybrid MBA Program

Why did you choose Rice Business?

I chose Rice Business for its outstanding reputation and emphasis on innovation and leadership, which aligns with my career aspirations. The school's top-ranked programs promise a high-quality education, while its collaborative and diverse community fosters an environment of inclusivity and varied perspectives, which I deeply value.

Why did you choose our Hybrid MBA program?

The Hybrid MBA program particularly appealed to me due to its flexibility and blended learning format. This program allows me to balance my career/businesses, personal life and education effectively, offering the convenience of online learning. Overall, Rice Business and its Hybrid MBA program offer the perfect blend of academic excellence, practical application and networking opportunities, aligning perfectly with my learning style and career goals.

How are you feeling about starting your MBA? What are you most looking forward to?

I am incredibly excited about my MBA journey. It’s a pivotal step in my career and personal growth, and I am eager to immerse myself in the challenges and opportunities it will bring. The prospect of expanding my knowledge in business fundamentals and leadership skills is exhilarating, and I am looking forward to applying these insights to real-world situations. I am most looking forward to collaborating with a diverse group of peers from various backgrounds. I am also excited about the chance to engage with experienced faculty who are leaders in their fields, as their mentorship will be invaluable in guiding my learning and career path. Overall, I feel a mix of excitement and anticipation, knowing that the MBA program will challenge me and prepare me for the next stage of my career.

How was your experience during launch week? What were your first impressions of the program and your classmates?

Launch week was an incredible experience that set a positive tone for my entire MBA journey. The initial sessions were both engaging and informative, providing a comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to make the most of the program. The faculty members were approachable and passionate about their fields, which was both motivating and reassuring.

Meeting my classmates was a highlight of launch week. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences among my peers was impressive and more welcoming than I anticipated, and it was clear that everyone brought unique perspectives to the table. Overall, launch week reinforced my confidence in choosing this program and has left me eager to dive deeper into the coursework and build lasting connections with my peers.

What sessions or activities during launch did you find the most valuable or exciting?

The orientation sessions and launch classes were incredibly useful, as they provided a comprehensive overview of the program’s structure and expectations. The team-building activities were another highlight. They not only broke the ice but also helped establish strong connections among classmates and groups, fostering a sense of community and collaboration from the start.

Both courses of Comp Strategy and Leadership & Teams were inspiring and provided valuable insights into how the skills we are developing can be applied in practice. Overall, these sessions and activities not only enhanced my understanding of the program’s goals but also motivated me to fully engage with the MBA journey ahead.

Learn more about Aaqib and his career journey in this Shoutout HTX article.

Aaqib Mohammed is a Hybrid MBA student in the Class of 2026.