Taylor Smith, Rice Business MBA Class of 2027
Age: 30
Hometown: McKinney, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Prairie View A&M University, B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Several roles within supply chain, energy industry, Baker Hughes, six years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I knew I wanted to go back to school to get my MBA after I got a few years of experience under my belt. I reached a stage in my career where I knew I wanted to use my acquired knowledge and skills to my advantage to pivot into another industry and/or function.
Why did you choose Rice Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Rice Business appealed to me because it is such a prestigious university in the South with an incredible network of down-to-earth leaders and innovators. (There is nothing like Southern hospitality!) Diversity is also very important to me, so I appreciate a program that is in the heart of the fourth-most diverse city in the United States (Houston, TX), with a representative class of students and alumni. Additionally, Rice Business is home to the No. 1 graduate entrepreneurship program in the nation. I am looking forward to learning and applying key concepts to help grow my career coaching side hustle.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I do my best to be positive and share that positivity with everyone! I have already had a few of my peers thank me for the encouraging messages I’ve dropped in our cohort’s chat — from when we were enduring the last day of a hectic week to sending good vibes before walking into our summer final prior to the start of the fall semester. I try to be intentional about looking on the bright side and not allowing negative thoughts to bring me down. Every day has the potential to be a great day — and there’s enough space for all of us to be great!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was born in a car at a gas station called Stop and Go!
Post-MBA career interests:
Opportunities within HR, strategy and/or supply chain.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attending one of Rice Business’ Preview Weekends! This event really sold me on the university and gave me the opportunity to ask all of my questions to students enrolled in the program, while also meeting some of my (now) classmates. This conference also included workshops with local professionals, which allowed me to network with individuals outside of Rice.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have attended more networking events prior to starting the program. That way I would have met more of my classmates and developed more personal connections prior to the start of school — when the academic rigor kicks in.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GRE! I started my prep later than I would have liked, but I also made my decision to officially apply to grad school only a few weeks before Round 1 applications began to open. Purchasing and using preparation resources really helped me review and practice the material to make a decent score.
What is your initial impression of the Rice Business students/culture/community?
I have to say that the admissions team did an incredible job at selecting students with high cognitive and emotional intelligence. Everyone is so kind and helpful. I was worried that there was going to be a strong sense of competition amongst peers, but I can honestly say that we all want each other to succeed and we support one another when we have the opportunity to work together on assignments. There is also a strong sense of community in our cohort with funny memes, birthday shout-outs and multiple chats created outside the main one based on interests like basketball, racquet sports and more.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am looking into joining the Black Business Student Association, as well as the Arts, Golf, Strategy and Entrepreneurship Clubs at Rice Business.
What is one thing you have learned about Rice Business that has surprised you?
The slogan “You Belong Here” is real and comforting. It’s not something people just say because it sounds nice. During the first week of Launch, several presenters confirmed the idea that we are all here for a reason: We wouldn’t have gotten accepted into this program if we weren’t smart. The focus in this program is to develop and hone in on skills that may need sharpening and be exposed to new concepts to aid us in our personal and professional journeys at Rice and beyond.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to collect and connect the missing puzzle pieces I have when I think about business. I’ve acquired several pieces over the years, but I still have some gaps. I am excited to connect these concepts together to propel my career and personal endeavors forward. I didn’t have the same passion and interest for my undergraduate degree, so I’m excited to learn and practice concepts that align with my actual interests which I’ll then be able to apply to multiple facets of my life as an informed consumer, business owner, employee, leader and more.
