Botagoz (Bota) Kumasheva

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“Ambitious trailblazer from Kazakhstan, weaving tales of culture, resilience, and boundless potential with grace.”

Hometown: Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Fun Fact About Yourself: In Glacier National Park, I, as the Montana adventurer, conquered not just its breathtaking landscapes but also triumphed over a bear spray mishap. Turning a potentially perilous moment into a tale of personal resilience, my journey in this wilderness became a testament to the strength found within the heart of the mountains.

Undergraduate School and Major: KIMEP University, Bang College of Business, Major – Finance and Accounting

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Chevron’s JV “Tengizchevroil” in Kazakhstan

What has been your favorite part of Houston so far? Why? My favorite part of Houston so far is undeniably the enchanting combination of the Museum District and Hermann Park. The Museum District, with its world-class museums and diverse cultural offerings, fulfills my intellectual curiosity and appreciation for the arts. Whether exploring the masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts or delving into the wonders of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, every visit is a captivating journey.

Complementing this cultural haven, Hermann Park offers a serene escape into nature right in the heart of the city. The lush landscapes, tranquil water features, and inviting walking trails create a perfect balance to the intellectual stimulation of the museums. Whether I seek an inspiring museum experience, or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, the seamless transition between the Museum District and Hermann Park makes it my favorite and most cherished part of Houston. The proximity of the Museum District and Hermann Park to Rice University, especially considering my lack of a car, adds an extra layer of convenience and charm to my favorite part of Houston.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of the Rice Jones MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Beyond my peers and the school’s location, the distinctive Global Field Experience (GFE) was a decisive factor in choosing Rice Business for my MBA. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into international business practices, fostering a global perspective.

The GFE at Rice Business involves an immersive study abroad experience where students engage with global companies, navigate diverse markets, and tackle real-world business challenges. This exposure not only expands cultural awareness but also hones skills crucial for success in today’s interconnected business landscape.

The emphasis on global experiential learning aligns seamlessly with my career goals, offering a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional classroom settings. The school’s commitment to providing a truly global perspective through the GFE played a crucial role in shaping my decision, as it promises to prepare me for the complexities and opportunities of the international business arena.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Rice Jones? Among the various activities I’ve been involved in, one of my favorites has been engaging in the Intensive Learning Experience (ILE) on Leadership and Negotiations at Rice Business. It has been a profoundly enriching aspect of my MBA journey. This program seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, providing a comprehensive understanding of leadership and negotiation dynamics.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant career achievement to date is being chosen for an international expat development assignment by management due to my continuous high-performance results. This opportunity led me to work at Chevron’s U.S. Refinery in Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment in my professional journey.

Undertaking a relocation from Kazakhstan to Los Angeles in March 2020, right at the outset of the pandemic, presented unique challenges. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, I embraced the expatriate development assignment for 2.5 years. This experience not only showcased my adaptability and resilience, but also provided me with invaluable international business exposure.

During my time at Chevron’s U.S. Refinery, I contributed to key projects, collaborated with a diverse team, and navigated complex business scenarios. This accomplishment not only highlighted my capability to perform consistently at a high level, but also demonstrated my capacity to thrive in an international setting, contributing to the success of the projects and fostering my professional growth.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My most notable achievement as an MBA student thus far is winning the final presentation in the Business Communications class with my core team within our section. This accomplishment was particularly significant as the judging panel comprised our professor, Janet Moore, and esteemed Rice alumni who were invited for the event.

Securing victory in this challenging competition not only showcased my team’s proficiency in business communications but also highlighted our ability to articulate ideas effectively and present them convincingly. This achievement stands as a testament to my dedication, teamwork, and communication skills during my MBA journey.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Gatherings with my core team have consistently been a highlight of my MBA experience. Whether it’s working late on a challenging project, strategizing for a competition, or simply sharing a meal together, these moments of collaboration and camaraderie have created lasting memories.

In these gatherings, we’ve forged strong bonds, leveraged each team member’s unique strengths, and navigated through both triumphs and challenges. The synergy within our core team has not only enhanced our academic achievements, but has also made the overall MBA journey more enriching.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Rice Jones MBA program? Two important points stand out here. First, make a deliberate effort to connect with alumni and current students. Networking with them offers valuable insights into the program and aids in understanding the culture. Attend events, participate in webinars, and reach out to individuals to gain a firsthand perspective.

Second, when writing your essays, aim for authenticity by sharing personal experiences and insights. Admissions committees value genuine narratives that offer a clear understanding of your identity.

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