Nina Maelin M. Briones, Rice Business MBA Class of 2026
Age: 36
Hometown: Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
Undergraduate Institution and Major: B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of the Philippines – Diliman
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 13 years with Shell Companies in the Philippines. Process Engineer (5 yrs), Refinery Economist (4 yrs), Diesel Pricer for U.S. Mobility (4 yrs)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
It started with my desire to work on initiatives related to alternative and renewable energy. While I was very excited to move forward on this challenge, I found myself having more questions than answers. I realized I may not have enough knowledge and skills to see it on a broader view, especially on the business and financial aspects. While the passion is there, I wasn’t sure if my capacity was enough to give the right recommendations or provide my insights. I decided to look for opportunities to learn and be able to close these gaps and thought of taking short courses, going through books or studying on my own. That’s when the idea of taking an MBA came to mind. It also fits perfectly timing-wise with my career goals of taking on more senior positions and leadership roles.
Why did you choose Rice Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Aside from being one of the top business schools in the U.S., I chose Rice Business because of its location. Being in Houston, the city of diversity and energy, means great exposure and learning opportunities from a personal, community, technical and business standpoint. The energy conferences and symposia in the area would give me the knowledge and exposure to different solutions available for the world’s energy problem. I also chose Rice Business because of the alumni I had the pleasure of working with who had the skills and capabilities of a manager I would want to become one day.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
One unique perspective I can share with our class would be my experience from my last assignment working remotely in Manila for the U.S. market while the rest of our team is based in the U.S. This includes our challenges, opportunities and pointers for success. I also bring with me Filipino values and perspective on diligence, perseverance and sense of community along with my passion for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a foodie! I love exploring different cuisines and learning the story behind the dishes I’m trying. I think it’s one of the best ways to bond, get to know the people, place or community you’re in or visiting. Food has a unique way of bringing people closer, of transcending boundaries.
Post-MBA career interests:
Energy and Sustainability, Supply Chain Management
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Apply first, worry about the rest later. This is one advice I’m grateful I received when I was starting the application process. While financials and logistics are of course big considerations in pursuing an MBA, don’t let them hold you back from taking the first step towards your dream.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
A more structured and paced approach especially when reviewing for GMAT. It took me some time before I gained momentum and started charting schedules.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
GMAT. It has been a while since I was an undergrad, so it did take some time to get attuned again to the process of reviewing and exam-taking – not to mention the exam topics that I’ve not used since university days. Review books, practice exams and having the support of my family helped me to get through it.
What is your initial impression of the Rice Business students/culture/community?
Warm and welcoming. “You belong here” is not just a tagline – they really mean it.
What is one thing you have learned about Rice Business that has surprised you?
How much the school wants each one of us to succeed! I’m amazed with the number of resources available not just for our academic or career needs but also for our overall wellbeing.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Summer internship recruitment activities – being able to balance my time between academic, extra-curricular and recruitment requirements.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Learning new things inside and outside class! I don’t have a business or management background, so a lot of our core subjects would be new. I’m also excited to learn not just from our professors but also from the whole Rice Business community.
