Cameron Gaskin

Home City: Phoenix, AZ

Undergraduate Institution: Northern Arizona University

Undergraduate Degree and Major: B.S. in Computer Science

Pre-MBA Industry: Software Consulting

Pre-MBA Company: BridgePhase

Pre-MBA Title: Software Engineer Team Lead

Desired Industry Post-MBA: Investment Banking

Desired Job Function Post-MBA: Investment Banking Associate

Student Organization Membership: Black Business Student Association, Finance Association, Golf Club

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? The most surprising part of my MBA experience was how well my core group got along given how diverse we were. Without this program, I do not think we would have ever crossed paths—and they are some of my favorite people. In addition, they are also absolute rockstars, and seeing how we function as a team and share leadership is something I have never experienced in my career.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? My favorite thing about my MBA experience has been getting to know my classmates. Every single one of them brings such a unique and interesting background; I feel like it is a constantly evolving adventure every time I have a chance to sit down and chat with them (usually over drinks!).

What do you love most about Houston? Houston is known for its diversity along with its aggregation of corporations—but my favorite part of the city and what drew me here was the people. In any big city, you run into a variety of people, but I have never run into this amount of kind and generous people outside of Houston. There is a sense of community across the city that I find hard to replicate. Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the great food and nightlife in Houston. There is never a shortage of new eateries and places to enjoy yourself.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? Where there is discomfort, there is growth.