Arden Barnett, Rice Business MBA Class of 2026
Age: 29
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas Christian University – Accounting (BBA and MAcc)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Chief of staff at a boutique firm focusing on advancing economic development projects for Tribal Nations (3 years), Tax Associate – Asset Management Group at KPMG Dallas (2 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Since high school, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about how businesses work and how they set themselves up to capitalize on future opportunities. So, getting my MBA has been a long-term goal. Pursuing it now versus later has a lot to do with finding a renewed sense of entrepreneurship within me over the past year and wanting to return to school to diversify and hone my skill set.
Why did you choose Rice Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Choosing Rice Business was certainly the easiest part of the application process. There are many outstanding schools to apply to, but I found Rice to fit what I was looking for in a program more than the others I considered. My most important factors included having a top-tier entrepreneurship program, a top-tier finance program, more intimate class sizes and being in a city with countless business opportunities in all industries. Few MBA programs could check all those boxes for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I have had quite a unique professional career that I plan to use to contribute a different perspective in my classes. I started my professional career as a tax accountant at KPMG, but I also worked with Tribal Nations and the National Institute of Health on various projects that have exposed me to many unique business situations.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
During junior high and high school, I always thought I was going to go to culinary school (if school at all) and work for three Michelin star restaurants. I have always been passionate about the industry, and chefs like Charlie Trotter have heavily influenced my business mindset.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I want to work in the financial industry in some capacity that would allow me to help businesses unlock their full potential and grow to be some of the most successful companies in the world.
Having grown up in Mississippi and now living in Texas for quite some time, I’ve gained a fresh perspective on what kind of environment is needed to elevate businesses from less popular markets to the forefront of the business world. There is so much talent and untapped potential in the U.S. region that I call home, and I cannot wait to help it grow.
Dean Peter Rodriguez summed it perfectly in his welcome video to all admitted students when he said, “It Isn’t whether they’re going to be an entrepreneur but when they’re going to be an entrepreneur.” That statement has continued to resonate with me and my long-term career aspirations. Who knows if I will run my own business, but there is something to say about having an entrepreneurial mindset and applying such skills to help others fulfill their goals.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
It is crucial to understand why you want to attend a particular school and be very methodical about selecting which schools meet your needs. Everyone is different, and we all learn better in different environments. Rankings are not everything and save yourself the stress of applying to a dozen plus programs. Find the few schools that you think are where you truly belong and put everything you have into those applications. You’ll end up where you need to be.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wouldn’t change anything. When I was ready to hit “submit,” I made sure that I had said everything I wanted to say and that no matter the outcome, I could be proud that I had given my best effort.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I had to choose something to skip, like most, I would probably say the essays. What helped me get through writing my essays was embracing the prompt.
One essay prompt was, “While we know a picture is worth 1000 words, in 500 words or less, tell us the story of a photo of your choosing that has significant value in your life experiences.” I have a professional headshot of my grandfather from the 1980s that was taken during the height of his career and fulfilling his mission of helping Jackson, MS grow. He taught me so much of what I know about business, and that picture of him never leaves my desk.
What is your initial impression of the Rice Business students/culture/community?
Amazing. Houston and Rice have immediately felt like home. It is so much fun learning about the backgrounds of my classmates. Rice has done an excellent job of providing opportunities to learn about each other and hear from those in the Class of 2025.
Shoutout to Joe Soto, Coni Zingarelli and the entire Recruiting and Admissions team. They did a fantastic job of ensuring incoming students had opportunities to meet each other.
What is one thing you have learned about Rice Business that has surprised you?
How engaging the professors are. Obviously, I knew all my teachers would be extremely qualified and knowledgeable, but I love how much effort they make to engage students of all professional backgrounds to give their perspectives during class.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Finding the appropriate summer internship. So much is thrown at you the second you start school that you sometimes second guess what companies, industries and locations are right for you to pursue to help achieve those long-term goals. You have to stay calm, cool and collected.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Networking. Also, the sense of school pride between students and alumni is exhilarating. Everyone looks after everyone and prides themselves in being Owls.
