On The Rice Track: Seeing The World Through Global Field Experience

Ten years from now, I will look back and say, “I am so lucky to have lived my MBA experience along such incredible people, at an outstanding university, and through transformative programs.” While that might sound like a tagline from an advertisement, it is not, it is simply the truth.

I consider myself one of the fortunate few who get to study at a top business school. And when I reflect on this privilege, one experience stands out above the rest: the Global Field Experience.

A SEMESTER TO REMEMBER

From the moment we set foot on campus, Rice Business ensures that every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to tackle complex business challenges. The first semester is designed to be an intensive, high-impact learning experience. Here, essential disciplines like finance, accounting, strategy, economics, marketing, and organizational behavior are not just taught in isolation but are intentionally interwoven. This structure ensures that by the time we begin our GFE consulting projects, we can see how every business function connects in real-world applications.

Throughout the semester, we tackle rigorous case studies, collaborate on group projects, and engage in interactive simulations that mimic the complexity of global business decisions. We do not just study frameworks, we learn how to use them effectively. This prepares us for the moment when we will have the opportunity to work as student consultants for enterprises in emerging markets. Rice fosters a culture of experiential learning and collaboration, ensuring that we are problem-solvers, strategists, and leaders by the time we step into the GFE.

The GFE is where all of this learning transforms into action. It is where Rice Business students transition from absorbing knowledge to applying it in the field. We are set up in teams and assigned a real company facing a critical challenge. Throughout the second semester, we analyze the problem, apply our MBA toolkit, and develop solutions that create tangible value for our clients. Then, at the end of the school year, we travel to our client’s site, often in Latin America, to present our recommendations in person.

COMBING THROUGH THE DETAILS

One of the most highly-anticipated moments leading up to this journey is the Destination Reveal. It is an event orchestrated by the Global Programs and Experiential Learning team to unveil the cities where our cohort will embark on this life-changing experience.

For me, that destination was Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was not a city I had ever thought I would visit, but it turned out to be exactly where I needed to be. For an entire week, alongside 60 of my classmates, I was immersed in a city bursting with energy, eager to learn, explore, and, of course, enjoy the occasional celebration.

My team and I were assigned to a startup incubator wrestling with a critical business model challenge. We were set out to design a solution that not only addressed the company’s current struggles, but also laid the groundwork for future success.

We began by analyzing similar incubator models across the globe, identifying patterns, threats, and factors that made certain approaches work (or fail). We scrutinized financials, explored potential revenue streams, and accounted for the unique challenges of engaging skeptical researchers who were hesitant to bring their work to market.

We then compared our client’s approach to the startup incubator model at our own university, interviewing industry experts, and envisioning a framework that would work within their specific market. Using strategic analysis, we identified key competitive advantages and gaps in the ecosystem and delivered a proposal that would help our client move forward with confidence.

EXPERIENCING BUENOS AIRES

However, this experience was not just about the work. Buenos Aires captivated us. From its vibrant streets and stunning architecture to its unparalleled hospitality, the city welcomed us with open arms. We savored meals in world-class restaurants and discovered hidden gems in Mercado de San Telmo. We stood in awe of La Casa Rosada and wandered through the colorful streets of La Boca. Perhaps the most unforgettable moment came when the program organizers arranged for us to take tango lessons, followed by an unforgettable performance at El Viejo Almacén.

I will never forget the look on my friend Adekunele’s face as we watched the dancers, completely lost in the moment. Overcome with emotion, he turned to me and said, “You do not know what is happening to me right now.” That was the magic of Argentina—a place where elegance, passion, and connection all come together.

From late-night strolls along Puerto Madero to countless servings of dulce de leche ice cream, this trip is a memory I will cherish forever. This is just my story, one student’s journey to Buenos Aires. But imagine what my classmates who traveled to São Paulo, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, and Bogotá have to say. The Global Field Experience is a testament to the global perspective Rice Business offers, a reminder that learning does not just happen in classrooms, but in genuine connections, on city streets, and in the moments we least expect. The GFE is an experience I will carry with me always.

Mercedes is an international full-time MBA student at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business with a passion for marketing, and entrepreneurship. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, she gained early insights into the world of business, negotiation, and problem-solving, leading her early in her career to take the role as Managing Director at Shoe Mix Shoestores, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

She expanded her professional experience with an internship at the Houston Energy + Climate Startup Week 2024, diving into hands-on projects that furthered her expertise in transformative marketing strategies. Additionally, her volunteer work at a young age, as a teacher in Nicaragua, allowed her to connect with underserved communities, building empathy and resilience that influence her approach to both life and business.

Known for her kind heart, she connects easily with teams, helping them work together efficiently. When she is not immersed in her work, she is often near the ocean—SCUBA diving, hula-dancing, or enjoying the beach, where the wonders of the underwater world inspire her adventurous spirit.

DON’T MISS: ON THE RICE TRACK: HOW I OVERCAME IMPOSTER SYNDROME