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22 Apr 2020, 13:58
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Hello,
I would like to have a sense of my chances of earning a scholarship at RICE class Intake 2020: R4 potentially with a GMAT waiver vs. waiting for next class Intake 2021:R1 having a more prepared application. I will apply to more schools if I wait.
Background
I was just let go from one of the Big 4 Oilfield Service Companies in Houston. Long story short, I came back home to renew my work visa, got denied with no apparent reason, applied again, got an RFE, was preparing the paperwork, the virus hit, the O&G market went down, and I was let go.
Concerns
I understand that as soon as you start your MBA you start looking for an internship potentially leading you to a full-time offer.
My main concern right now is that even if I get accepted this year, I will face a depressed job market in the next 12-24 months.
As an international I would like to maximize my chances of landing an internship and a full-time position when the job market demand looks more promising, hence why I am looking at waiting to apply for the class of 2023. On the other hand, businesses have already started to make budget cuts, including universities, which could mean there will be fewer scholarships resulting in tougher competition.
Kindly, I would like an opinion on my outlook and chances of getting in with a scholarship.
Profile
Demographics
Hispanic from El Salvador. Male, 30.
Undergrad
Majored in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Admin from LSU (May, 2013)
GPA: 2.92
Projected GMAT
> 650
Work experience
6 yrs in Oil & Gas. 5 in Houston, 1 in Aberdeen, UK.
1 yr as a Field Engineer:
- 1/ 2 Mechanical Engineers hired among all Petroleum Engineers. (~50 in total).
- Quickly picked up the workings of the system (software + hardware) used in the field to provide an innovative service in the industry. Market leader of such service since its adoption in the early 2000s.
- Got promoted as the first Global Technical Support Specialist for a newly formed software division within R&D providing the first line of technical support (24/7) worldwide, and closely working with the software development team on making software products more stable. (Most SMEs left the company during an acquisition, code had to be rewritten from scratch, including Real-Time physics model and Controls Systems one.)
2 years as a Global Technical Support Specialist for such softwares:
- 1 yr in the UK to help the region transition to the newly upgraded softwares, occasionally traveled offshore in the North Sea, commissioned equipment for offshore use, client demos, provided simulator training, etc. etc.
- 1 yr back in Houston supporting regions worldwide (13 at the time), and the dev team.
- Promoted to Global Product Champion.
3 yrs of Product Management (last position held).
- Managed a portfolio of 5 softwares with an average development budget of $1.2 MM / yr., and a development team of 3-6 members (did not report to me)
Recommendations
Could get 2 from mid-level management. (Directors, possibly a VP)
Community
None
Leadership
- President for SHPE (Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers) Fall 2012-Spring 2013.
- ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
- LSU Soccer Club
Post-MBA goals
Energy Consulting
Product Management
Corporate Finance
Any help is appreciated!
Thank you very much.
I would like to have a sense of my chances of earning a scholarship at RICE class Intake 2020: R4 potentially with a GMAT waiver vs. waiting for next class Intake 2021:R1 having a more prepared application. I will apply to more schools if I wait.
Background
I was just let go from one of the Big 4 Oilfield Service Companies in Houston. Long story short, I came back home to renew my work visa, got denied with no apparent reason, applied again, got an RFE, was preparing the paperwork, the virus hit, the O&G market went down, and I was let go.
Concerns
I understand that as soon as you start your MBA you start looking for an internship potentially leading you to a full-time offer.
My main concern right now is that even if I get accepted this year, I will face a depressed job market in the next 12-24 months.
As an international I would like to maximize my chances of landing an internship and a full-time position when the job market demand looks more promising, hence why I am looking at waiting to apply for the class of 2023. On the other hand, businesses have already started to make budget cuts, including universities, which could mean there will be fewer scholarships resulting in tougher competition.
Kindly, I would like an opinion on my outlook and chances of getting in with a scholarship.
Profile
Demographics
Hispanic from El Salvador. Male, 30.
Undergrad
Majored in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Admin from LSU (May, 2013)
GPA: 2.92
Projected GMAT
> 650
Work experience
6 yrs in Oil & Gas. 5 in Houston, 1 in Aberdeen, UK.
1 yr as a Field Engineer:
- 1/ 2 Mechanical Engineers hired among all Petroleum Engineers. (~50 in total).
- Quickly picked up the workings of the system (software + hardware) used in the field to provide an innovative service in the industry. Market leader of such service since its adoption in the early 2000s.
- Got promoted as the first Global Technical Support Specialist for a newly formed software division within R&D providing the first line of technical support (24/7) worldwide, and closely working with the software development team on making software products more stable. (Most SMEs left the company during an acquisition, code had to be rewritten from scratch, including Real-Time physics model and Controls Systems one.)
2 years as a Global Technical Support Specialist for such softwares:
- 1 yr in the UK to help the region transition to the newly upgraded softwares, occasionally traveled offshore in the North Sea, commissioned equipment for offshore use, client demos, provided simulator training, etc. etc.
- 1 yr back in Houston supporting regions worldwide (13 at the time), and the dev team.
- Promoted to Global Product Champion.
3 yrs of Product Management (last position held).
- Managed a portfolio of 5 softwares with an average development budget of $1.2 MM / yr., and a development team of 3-6 members (did not report to me)
Recommendations
Could get 2 from mid-level management. (Directors, possibly a VP)
Community
None
Leadership
- President for SHPE (Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers) Fall 2012-Spring 2013.
- ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
- LSU Soccer Club
Post-MBA goals
Energy Consulting
Product Management
Corporate Finance
Any help is appreciated!
Thank you very much.
PersonalMBACoach
Expert
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Joined: 11 Sep 2010
Last visit: 28 Apr 2026
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Expert reply
26 Apr 2020, 13:28
Kudos
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rafaM24
Hey rafa!
Thanks for posting. Scholarships are always a bit of a black box for schools. Some hand them out pretty liberally while others are stingier. It simply comes down to who can afford to pony up to be able to attract students from taking no money at higher-ranked schools.
Looking at your profile holistically, there are a lot of things I like. As an URM in engineering with good leadership and career progression, you've put yourself in a decent spot. I'd like to see the GMAT be a bit higher in order to combat the low undergrad GPA. Were there any mitigating circumstances why it was below 3.0? No need to answer here, but if you worked full-time or had family responsibilities it lets you off the hook a bit.
It's a very tough market for O&G now, and there is no guarantee that internships will be available next year. I'd keep your mind open about possibly interning with a different type of company with the hope that O&G comes back by 2023. That being said, I do think your chances are good for Rice but I can't give you an answer on whether or how much scholarship you could receive. Rice isn't one of the schools that is known for doling out tons of money.
Feel free to reach out at [email protected] to discuss you situation in more depth.
Regards,
Scott
