Arume Tsekiri
FTMBA '25
Home Country: Nigeria
Home State: Delta
Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas at San Antonio
Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor if applicable): Business Administration, Economics
Pre-MBA Industry: Development Finance
Pre-MBA Company: Development Bank of Nigeria
Pre-MBA Title: Head, Monitoring and Evaluation
Desired industry post-MBA: Strategy Consulting
Desired job function post-MBA: Consultant
Degree Specializations: Strategic Management, Sustainability
Student Organization Membership: Black Business Student Association, Consulting Association, Forte, Jones Christian Fellowship, Rice Business Women's Organization
Officer: Black Business Student Association, first-year representative on the executive board
What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience is how much it feels like we're all part of one big family. Everyone is so connected, and the support we get from alumni is just amazing. I find myself rooting for students in competitions, even those I haven't met personally. There's just this desire in me to see Rice come out on top. The sense of togetherness here is incredibly infectious and something I truly admire and did not expect.
What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite part of my experience has been the friendships and connections I've made. I've built a group of reliable friends who've supported me throughout this journey so far, and I'm confident these are people who will remain in my life long after my time at Rice.
What do you love most about Houston? As a foodie, what I love most about Houston is its diverse and amazing food scene, with everything from top-rated restaurants to cool food trucks. The city's mix of cultures means that one can find great dishes from literally any part of the world.
What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? Embrace the MBA journey with an open mind and a readiness to tackle new challenges and opportunities, stepping out of your comfort zone to foster personal and professional growth.