Monisade Ogunlana, Rice Business MBA Class of 2024
Age: 31 years Old
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Lagos. Bachelor of Science in Sociology.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years in the marketing industry.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As the owner of a young marketing agency, it became obvious that it took more than an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for helping firms communicate with their customers to succeed. If we were to achieve scale and remain profitable, I would have to acquire certain management and financial skills, and this is what drove my decision to enroll in a full-time MBA program.
Why did you choose Rice Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
From the schools where I was offered the opportunity to enroll in their MBA program, choosing Rice Business was a no-brainer. Ranked Number 1 in entrepreneurship, it was a perfect fit for me as a business owner. With a curriculum focused on business skills like negotiation, financial and economic analysis, and competitive strategy development, I already have a different perspective on the management of my business after spending just a few weeks here.
Diversity also played a significant role in selecting Rice Business. The school is not only located in Houston, the 4th most diverse city in the United States, but boasts a diverse class composition of up to 17 countries. This was very important to me as an international student because it is important that I feel at home if I am to make the most of my MBA experience.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I believe bringing my authentic self with the wealth of my experiences, will make for a richer experience across the board. As I believe I would enjoy the same from the rest of the MBA class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
In my spare time, I make beaded jewelry and sketch designs for my personal collection of traditional attires.
Post-MBA career interests:
I had my heart set on one thing, but now there are so many amazing options. I’m trying to narrow it down at the moment.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would write my essays again! I loved that process so much; it made me really do a deep dive as to why I wanted to pursue this and at RICE specifically!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would definitely have applied in Round 1, just to make sure I was more prepared and had more of my ducks in a row than I did.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Not to sound cliché, my answer is actually nothing. There is no step that I took in the application process that wasn’t a pre-requisite for the next. How. I. got through it? Remembering my ‘WHY’ and staying committed to that journey.
What is your initial impression of the Rice Business students/culture/community?
In my application to RICE, from my meetings with the admissions committee to meeting with Dean Peter Rodriguez at the International Students Launch week, every single member of staff has been so helpful and kind. I feel seen, and that makes me super grateful as I walk through the doors of Rice Business each day.
What is one thing you have learned about Rice Business that has surprised you?
I have learned just how influential RICE is. The school has such a strong brand and alumni that they do not hesitate to introduce us to, be it at career fairs or even within the faculty. There is certainly a strong sense of pride in the school; you can feel it in the air! Which I think is absolutely amazing.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about how busy the fall is bound to get, with classes and the recruiting season starting in full swing, but I am hopeful that with a few time management skills coming to play, I should be able to navigate the fall fairly smoothly.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about the Global Field Experience; it is going to be a great opportunity to work in a different part of the world than I have ever dreamed and on real-life projects with real companies too!
