Jessie Shi

Home country: China

Home state: Heilongjiang

Undergraduate institution: Kwansei Gakuin University

Undergraduate degree and major (and minor, if applicable): Bachelor of economics

Pre-MBA industry: Financial advisory

Pre-MBA company: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC

Pre-MBA title: Advisor

Desired industry post-MBA: Financial advisory

Desired job function post-MBA: Advisor/consultant

Degree specializations: Accounting, finance

Student organization membership: Consulting Association, Finance Association, Forte, Rice Business Women's Organization, WILC

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? I was surprised by how diverse Rice MBA is! We have around 180 students from over 30 countries. My classmates come from various cultural backgrounds and have diverse professional experiences. Engaging in group discussions allows me to learn from a wide range of perspectives. It’s wonderful to be part of such a rich and varied learning environment!

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? In Rice MBA, one of my favorite things is group study. The program organizes teams of 4-5 members, which typically include a mix of domestic and international students, both male and female, and people from various industries. Together, we collaborate on different courses such as accounting, finance, and marketing. I’ve truly enjoyed our teamwork, and it has led to strong friendships.

What do you love most about Houston? I really love the food in Houston! From savory Texas BBQ to spicy Chinese hot pot and delicious Japanese sushi and ramen, there’s something for every palate. There are a lot of fantastic restaurants waiting to be explored in Houston. Join the Global Food Experience Club at Rice. You can enjoy the food and make friends at the same time!

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? Be proactive, not reactive!