Sanober Hussain

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“Creator, entrepreneur turning people’s dream spaces into reality.”

Hometown: Hyderabad, Telangana

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m an adrenaline junkie and an avid traveler, dreamer and explorer: snorkeling, scuba diving, rock climbing, parasailing. Having done it all, I’m always on the look out to embark on my next one.

Undergraduate School and Major: Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Majored in Interior Design

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Self-Employed, Entrepreneur Interior Design Consultant

What has been your favorite part of Houston so far? Why? Houston is the most diverse city in North America. What’s more, this diversity is present in the suburbs and in many upscale subdivisions, not just in the inner city. It has allowed me to really expand how I think about the corporate world of tomorrow. It doesn’t hurt that it also provides an amazing food scene. In general, people seem to me to be more friendly than in most big cities.

Cultural and entertainment options in Houston range from live theatre, opera, symphony and ballet, to movies, football (including NFL Texans and MLS Dynamo), basketball (Rockets), baseball (Astros and Sugar Land Skeeters), museums (19 in the Museum District alone) and Space Center Houston. If you’re someone who loves nature, there are tons of parks and green spaces close to campus.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of the Rice Business MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? During conversations with people from Rice, I was instantly attracted to the university’s emphasis on diversity and equal representation of students from all backgrounds. I believe that Rice’s emphasis on community helps create the safe social environment that is essential for students to thrive both in and out of the classroom

Specifically, the Indian Students at Rice Club has created an environment where my heritage can be revered and expressed with other Rice students and the greater Houston community.

The entrepreneurship program was another dimension that attracted me to Rice Business. I have never experienced such amazing exposure to future thought and business leaders.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Rice Business? There is never a dull moment at Rice Business with the variety of vibrant clubs such as Women in Business Organization, Paw’s Association, and Arts Club. There’s always a learning or networking aspect in these groups. It’s a safe environment to share experiences and explore new horizons. When it comes to activities, the Thursday partios are one of my favorites. It’s the last day of the week where we let loose and have a great time with our colleagues and alums.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As a recent interior design graduate from JNAFAU-SPA, my greatest achievement was that I started my own firm while still in school. I wanted to gain some work experience during my time there, so that I could start working directly after graduating. I learned early on that I had to manage my time down to the hour to be efficient, on top of everything else. Through demanding work and dedication, I managed to balance studying, working and even volunteering. It was tiring at times, but I scheduled every aspect of my life onto my personal calendar. I needed to know my list of tasks, when each was due, and how long they would take. This way, I never missed a deadline, assignment or any other responsibility. Reflecting back, this process has shaped me into who I am today.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student has been setting up my new life here. Despite the fact that I’ve been a traveler and explorer for the majority of my life, I am still extremely close to my family. Until coming to Rice, I had never even been away from home for more than a couple days. As an international student here, I’ve been able to feel like Rice is my second home, and I know the friendships we make here will be carried on for life! Rice is my home away from home, and its community has become my family!

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? It is too hard to pick, just one memory. Ever since I stepped on campus. I’ve made great friendships and connections with my class of 2024. It’s always a riot of fun in the hallways during the breaks and engaging discussions and insights in the classrooms and breakout rooms. One specific memory I cherish is from the Leadership ILE experience. The professor and the subject in itself were so engaging and interactive. At the same time, it made us think as future CEOs and activating our creative and analytical thinking problem approach. Taking the leadership role allowed me to see how my classmates were able to band together despite tough quarters and bad press. They are intensive learning experiences for a reason. Don’t wish to reveal too much, but the semester 1 ILE was a good memory to take away!

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Rice Business MBA program? I would pass down the best piece of advice I received from my parents that has always worked out well: Be yourself, that’s what makes you special. Every one of us is a unique puzzle composed of pieces of personality, life experiences, knowledge, and emotions. We each have our own perspective, primarily fuelled by how we have experienced and navigated the world we live in. Regardless of the exact path you have taken, the journey leaves its mark on you and shapes how you interact with those around you. The qualities that make you unique can be honed, improved upon, and made to grow as you grow and learn along your life journey. Rice Business respects every aspect of this and welcomes you with open arms. Hope this works out for you too, as you embark on this next chapter of your life.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE RICE JONES MBA CLASS OF 2024