Julianne Katz

Rice University – Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business

“Artist and athlete. Dreamer and doer. Passionate about storytelling, connecting people, and leading with empathy.”

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Fun Fact About Yourself: My first job after undergrad was performing on a Broadway National Tour. I traveled to over 90 cities playing Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof.

Undergraduate School and Major: Elon University, BFA in Music Theater with a minor in Dance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Before starting my MBA, I was living that New York City hustler life! I was an associate to a Broadway director/choreographer, co-owner of my 6-year-old company, Broadway Kids Auditions (BKA), and a fitness instructor at Physique 57 (to name just a few).

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment was starting my company, BKA. It opened doors for me that I hadn’t known existed, allowed me to access my entrepreneurial spirit and set a “let’s do it” tone in my life. Spending 4+ years working for the woman who’s work influenced most of my undergraduate research was also a pretty huge deal for me.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Diverse! I was coming to Rice thinking that I had the wackiest background an MBA student could have, but I have classmates who have had fascinating careers in industries I’d never thought about and in countries I have only ever heard of. We run the gamut!

What makes Houston a great place to live and earn your MBA? There is so much happening in this city! Houston was never really on my radar before I applied to Rice, but this city is so diverse and full of energy. There is a healthy mix of established businesses and innovation and entrepreneurship. You can learn from and get so much out of this city.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The admissions team, the faculty, and other staff members I met while recruiting were the most invested, caring, and interested team I had come across. I felt like I was in good hands – I knew that if I put in my 110%, that these people would seriously invest in me.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I’m very excited about Board Fellows, where Rice MBAs get matched with local non-profit boards. I’d love to spend my time in the Houston community contributing to positive changes. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to network with and be mentored by brilliant and successful Houstonians. I’m also hoping to start up some sort of Arts and Entertainment Club. There are major things happening in the Houston theater, music and dance scene. We should be out there enjoying it!

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? Defining my goals was super challenging for me during the admissions process. I was (am) still being exposed to new ideas and options and I was constantly getting excited by these things. But I knew that I had to be clear and concise about my goals for admissions purposes. There were many sleepless nights over it, but it pushed me to ask myself the tough questions about what I want in my career, and what I require from a company.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? Pursuing my MBA felt like the only method for a career transition for me. I knew I had the capabilities and instincts to pursue a new career, but I really didn’t have detailed knowledge required to get me where I wanted to go. Once I made the decision, I never looked back.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Darden, McCombs, UNC Kenan Flagler, Emory (to name a few).

How did you determine your fit at various schools? After the obvious first look at rankings, I looked at employment statistics. I wanted to know where students were interning, where graduates were working and how and why programs were emphasizing certain industries and functions. Next, I looked at class size. I knew I wanted a smaller program because I knew I didn’t want to be just another number.  And then I looked at experiential learning programs. The classroom is vital, yes, but I wanted to make sure I was able to apply what I was learning to real life. I always learn more effectively when my education is active. The culture was also incredibly important. I talked to friends who had been through MBA programs and I was connected to current students. Honestly, the only way to truly know is to go there and feel it for yourself.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? I don’t know that I’ve had it yet! I’ve definitely had lots of little moments that have shaped me and most of those moments included hearing the word “no.” However, I attribute most of who I am to my family, their support and belief in me while I set and pursued lofty goals. I contribute my discipline, work ethic, versatility, and thick skin to a lifetime in the arts.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Hopefully, I will be working for a company where I can find a synthesis between my creativity and business acumen! I want to feel a sense of ownership over my work, whether that be with a product or a brand or a team, to believe that what I am doing or making has a positive impact on my community. More than that, I want to be doing it with people with who I enjoy spending my days with. Hopefully, I can pay it forward by helping others navigate their (sometimes complicated and often winding) paths as well.