By Chakib Khechai, Rice University Fulbrighter
In May 2019, as my internship at General Electric was coming to an end, I had a conversation with the facility's operations manager, an extraordinary woman who was well aware of my entrepreneurial aspirations. At the end of our discussion, she suggested, "Why don’t you apply for a master’s program in the US and pursue your dreams?" I smiled and responded, “Sure, I’ll think about it.” But truthfully, I thought the cost of studying in the US was more than my house.
A year later, I embarked on my first venture in robotics with a partner. We designed and manufactured robotic arms in Algeria while also handling industrial maintenance. However, I quickly realized that my engineering background lacked the business acumen necessary for success. After some events led us to exit by selling our inventory and assets, we made a profit but decided to gain more business exposure before diving back into entrepreneurship.
I landed a position at Unilever as part of their Future Leaders Program, which allowed me to work across different divisions and gain a comprehensive understanding of various business functions. This experience boosted my confidence, and I decided to embark on a new entrepreneurial venture aimed at using artificial intelligence to provide academic counseling to underprivileged children.
By 2022, our product was ready, and we were seeking financial support and mentorship. During my research, I came across the Rice MBA program, renowned for its entrepreneurship focus, and it reminded me of that conversation from years earlier. I started exploring financing options, and the Fulbright scholarship emerged as a potential opportunity. Initially, I doubted my chances, but I figured, “What do I have to lose?” I put together my best application, submitted it, and then put it out of my mind.
Months later, while in the middle of a meeting, I received an email notification with the subject "Fulbright." After the meeting, I opened it to find that I had been pre-selected for the interview phase. The process was straightforward, and I meticulously followed the instructions. Eventually, I received a congratulatory email asking for my university preferences. Naturally, I pushed for Rice, and with support from my counselor, I finalized my choice and signed the terms.
A few months later, I found myself flying from Algiers to Houston, Texas. Rice University had special arrangements for Fulbright scholars in student housing, which provided a wonderful opportunity to quickly make new friends.
As I began my studies at Rice, I immediately sought out the LILIE Lab, the university’s incubator. There, I met like-minded individuals passionate about entrepreneurship. LILIE Lab offered a variety of classes and workshops, and I eagerly enrolled in them. This experience proved invaluable, as it provided new insights and helped me pivot our project into its current MVP.
One unexpected challenge was adjusting to thinking in English, as I was accustomed to French. During my first semester, the constant use of English gave me severe migraines by lunchtime. However, by the end of the semester, English began to feel like my native language, and it became much easier to think and speak in it.
Feeling more comfortable with English, I decided to participate in a national business competition, where my team and I secured 1st place. This success fueled my interest in finance, a field that I have grown quite fond of. My first year at Rice concluded with an internship in Private Equity, where I not only made new friends but also learned how to conduct business in the US.
My first year in the US was filled with surprises and challenges, from adapting to a new language and business culture to experiencing the grandiosity of Texas. The culture shock was palpable—everything truly is bigger in Texas, from the roads and cars to the portions of food.
Yet, amidst all these changes, one thing stands out: the heartwarming Southern hospitality. The warmth and generosity of the people here have made me feel truly at home. My journey from Algeria to Houston has been an incredible adventure, and I am profoundly grateful for the support of the Fulbright Program and the opportunities it has afforded me.