Ivan Tapia, Rice Business MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Rice University, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Wells Engineer at Chevron, upstream oil and gas, seven years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I always knew that I would pivot out of the engineering industry and into some form of management career track. I recently moved back to Houston after a two-and-a-half year assignment in Bakersfield, California, so having access to Rice University again opened the doors to the MBA program. Having spent three and a half years in the field offshore and two and a half doing planning and execution office work, I built a strong technical foundation in the energy industry. During my last year at Chevron, I took on the challenge of a cross-functional role in the strategy, business, planning and finance department, which served as a key indicator to signal it was time to pursue an MBA.
Why did you choose Rice Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Rice Business has a very strong presence in the energy industry, given its location in Houston and its extensive alumni network. I intend to stay in the energy industry. Rice is a target school for big energy firms, a key factor in deciding which business school to attend.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I am very passionate about two-way mentorship (conventional and upward), professional development and teaming with others. Being involved in an MBA program extends beyond academics and recruiting — it goes without saying that a powerful network is one of the main reasons people join an MBA program. In my case, I plan to collaborate with my classmates and develop strong relationships that can be maintained for life, not just the duration of the program.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
- I doubled up the Rice experience, coming back for my MBA after having received a B.S. in mechanical engineering (Class of 2018).
- I used to commute to work in a helicopter during the first four years of my career.
- I loved to play most sports but I would never have been professional in any of them.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting, private equity, entrepreneurship through acquisition
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would participate in the campus tours and coffee chats with both the admissions team and current students, especially those pursuing the same career of interest.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would apply in the earlier rounds.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I was considering doing two very challenging career paths (consulting and investment banking) and the CDO team and other students helped me understand that both plans are very demanding, and that it’s best to commit to a decision and give it your all.
What is your initial impression of the Rice Business students/culture/community?
My initial impression is biased, given my experience as a previous undergrad, which was another big reason I decided to join Rice Business aside from its tight-knit community, small teacher to student ratios, diverse and inclusive culture, etc.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Consulting Association and Latin Business Student Association. The first provides an extensive amount of resources to help structure the recruitment process and maximize chances of success — bottom line: preparation. The latter to get involved with the Latin familia in the business school.
What is one thing you have learned about Rice Business that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me is how many different resources are available for all possible career paths. There’s also always someone that is either going in the same direction you’re going or someone who has been there before — and they’re all willing to support you along the way.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about the connections and relationships built within the cohort, with second years, and within the alumni network. More than being willing, I’d say that almost everyone is passionate about supporting other Owls and fostering those life-long relationships that are born as soon as you set foot in Rice Business.
