Chakib Khechai

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“I am curious adventurer who is always up for taking on new challenges.”

Hometown: Algiers, Algeria

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I speak 5 languages.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Science & Technology Houari Boumediene, Robotics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Brand Manager at Unilever

What has been your favorite part of Houston so far? Why? The food, there is so much culinary variety in 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? I chose the Rice MBA because it is the #1 MBA in entrepreneurship in the USA and probably the world.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Rice Jones? I enjoyed the time I spent at Lilie Lab, because I am encouraged to unleash my entrepreneurial spirit.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:  I launched two startups, one that manufactures Robot Arms for industrial applications and another that uses Artificial Intelligence to improve the learning experience of young children.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far?  My classmates and I had the chance to participate in the National Human Capital Case Competition and brought home the 1st place trophy.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?  My first visit to the NASA Space Center where I saw a real space rocket in front of me, as a passionate engineer I will never forget that sight.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Rice Jones MBA program? Be clear in your choice, focus on the why and have a long-term vision of your career but also your life and the impact you want to have on other people’s lives.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE RICE JONES MBA CLASS OF 2025