Supriya Yasam

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“Ambitious professional with diverse experiences, driven by purpose. Aspires to transform HR, values empathy, and leadership.”

Hometown: Hyderabad, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have done scuba diving in the world’s most dangerous diving site in Red Sea.

Undergraduate School and Major: Osmania University, Major in Human Resources.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Deloitte, HR Associate in Recruitment.

What has been your favorite part of Houston so far? Why? My most cherished aspect of Houston undoubtedly revolves around my connection with Rice University. The warm and welcoming community at Rice has not only made me feel at home but has played a pivotal role in fostering my love for the city. Houston became my first steppingstone into the U.S., and the vibrant atmosphere of Rice contributed significantly to that initial positive impression.

The Tex-Mex cuisine, especially the tacos, has been a delightful culinary discovery that has added a flavorful dimension to my Houston experience.

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? The Rice Business MBA program’s unwavering commitment to students, especially considering the significant decision to leave a job for an MBA, greatly influenced my choice. The school’s emphasis on human relations is crucial for me in this transformative journey. What solidified my decision was the program’s dedication to providing substantial resources, notably in recruiting events, ensuring students are exceptionally prepared for the job market.

These recruiting events, coupled with the school’s robust support system, not only facilitate professional connections but also offer deeper networking opportunities. Rice Business’ commitment to each student’s success in securing meaningful employment reflects its holistic approach, making it the perfect platform for both academic excellence and personal growth, highlighting the program’s forward-thinking approach to preparing students for the professional landscape.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Rice Jones? The ILE program, especially the Capsim Simulation course, stands out as my favorite. It immerses students in a realistic business simulation where we play the role of CEOs, making decisions that impact our virtual companies. Strategic Management principles come to life as we compete in product design, pricing, production, and marketing. The dynamic structure challenges us to adapt to market shifts. I appreciate the program’s emphasis on real-world scenarios, honing corporate decision-making and problem-solving skills, making it a standout experience for me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Since an early age, being raised by a single mother, I’ve always learned how to be strong and it has been a motivating factor throughout my life. My mom has always instilled the importance of financial independence. Her great balance with life has taught me great responsibility skills and has shaped my perspective to work hard for what I want and never back down even on the weakest day.

This upbringing empowered me to face my fears and achieve my proudest accomplishment at 19 – representing my country as a Global Volunteer through an AIESEC internship and working with a startup in Egypt. The transformative experience enriched my cultural wisdom, honed leadership skills, and led to personal growth.

Over the course, I developed impactful business strategies, contributing to the sustainable development goals of our clients.

Beyond the professional realm, this adventure fostered significant personal growth. I snorkeled in the world’s most dangerous diving site in red sea, camped under millions of stars in the Sahara, cruised the Nile, climbed the Crystal Mountain, sand boarded in the desert, explored the pyramids, witnessed royal mummies, trekked hills, and swam in the Mediterranean Sea at night. These experiences not only taught me to face my fears but also underscored the significance of doing small things in a great way.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My most significant achievement as an MBA student has been securing the role of CDO Ambassador, serving as the “first face of the school”. In this role, I have gone the extra mile to ensure that both students and employers have a rewarding and fulfilling experience during their engagements at our campus. for recruiters and company representatives.

As a CDO Ambassador, I’ve had the opportunity to directly connect with recruiters, expanding my professional network and contributing to the growth of valuable relationships between the school and industry stakeholders. This experience has been a profound learning journey, emphasizing the importance of cultivating and nurturing professional relationships for both personal and collective success. The role has not only allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the campus community, but has also enhanced my skills in communication, networking, and creating a positive and collaborative environment for all stakeholders involved.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My most cherished memory as an MBA student is the initial launch week. This immersive experience involved getting acquainted with the campus, learning more about Rice, meeting our professors, and receiving our ID cards. Returning to school after a considerable time made this experience especially significant. The week was filled with memorable moments, from having our headshots taken to engaging in enjoyable activities like visiting a brewery and exploring the NASA Space Center. It was a perfect blend of academic orientation and fun, setting a positive and exciting tone for the entire MBA journey.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Rice Jones MBA program? For potential applicants seeking admission to the Rice Jones MBA program, my advice would be to first understand the genuine purpose of pursuing an MBA deeply and how it aligns with their future aspirations. Leaving a job, especially after experiencing financial stability, can be challenging. It requires a strong mindset to overcome the difficulties.

Reflect on the sacrifices made to get to this point; it’s not just about what people achieve but what they are willing to sacrifice. Many individuals sacrifice a lot to pursue an MBA. Clearly articulate your post-MBA career goals, emphasizing the alignment with the unique offerings of Rice Business. Demonstrate a clear understanding of and alignment with Rice Business’ values, especially in terms of collaboration and community engagement. This holistic approach will not only strengthen your application but also prepare you mentally for the transformative journey ahead.

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