Edward Anthony Blanco

University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business

“A calm individual eager to learn who cherishes friendships, family, and laughs that make the stomach hurt!”

Fun fact about yourself: I have always dreamed of being a musician.

Hometown: Friendswood, TX

High School: Friendswood High School

Major: Management Information Systems (MIS)

Minor: Finance & Sales

Favorite Business Course: Business Applications of Database Management – MIS 3376

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

• Bauer Ambassadors – Ethics Advocate & Bauer Gala Research Exhibit Expert
• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – Secretary Executive Councilman
• LeaderShape – 1 of 36 selected student participants
• UH Frontiersmen – Pay Master
• PES – Student Sales Professional
• Fidelity ISC (PES) – 1st Runner up and scholarship recipient
• The Bergaila Companies Scholarship Sponsor (PES) – Scholarship Recipient
• Regina Balderas Scholarship Recipient
• Joe W. Martin Scholarship Recipient
• Knights of Columbus – Active Member

Where have you interned during your college career? Ernst & Young (EY) – Denver, CO, Technology Consultant Intern

Where will you be working after graduation? Ernst & Young (EY) – Houston, TX, Technology Consultant

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? The advice I would give to students is to encourage them to probe their deepest curiosities and seek answers, experience, and failure. In business, every interaction with your peers, elders, mentors, and professors lays a learning opportunity and a chance to formulate an everlasting impression or relationship. The trials and tribulations of today will only make your future more fruitful and sustainable. It was told to me; fail fast and fail quick. So, I would like to relay that same message to future business students.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? I am most surprised about the interconnectivity of people, processes, and technology in business. I remember learning about globalization in the international business course and how we, as businessmen and businesswomen, can connect with one another, complete deals, and influence the masses –while technology continues to advance and remains at the tip of our fingers. In my opinion, many business problems we see today are at the root of people, processes, or technology utilized. Quite frankly, that never occurred to me until I began my studies in business.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? If I had to choose, I would have applied to the Bauer College’s Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship program early in my college career at the University of Houston. For the past four consecutive years, the Wolff Center has been ranked as the #1 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship program in the nation, and the students within the program are nothing short of exceptional. I firmly believe my growth as a student and professional would have been exponential and ultimately provided a strong foundation for my forthcoming business ventures.

What business leader do you admire most? The business leader I admire most would be Warren Buffett. I began investing back in 2020 and can remember aligning myself with his investment philosophy which ultimately led me to good habits and diligent market research. I am inspired by his influence and impact as chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and would like to spread financial literacy and awareness in a similar manner. As a future CFP, I will ensure to shine a light on his successes, shortcomings, and lessons to my prospective clients.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? A testament to my diligence was made in the first semester of my Senior year. I am beyond proud to acknowledge I enrolled in 18 credit hours while entering my first semester of Bauer’s Program for Excellence in Selling at the University of Houston – the nation’s #1 sales program! I concluded the semester on the Dean’s List, earned four scholarships, and remained on track to graduate Cum Laude this May.

Which classmate do you most admire? Jackie Clogan, for sure. Jackie is a true jack-of-all-trades. I met her a semester ago and quickly learned how extremely active she is in extracurricular activities, serving on the Student Executive Board as Leadership Chair, working as a LoveHandle intern, excelling in the PES sales program, and has been on the Cougar Dolls Dance Team. Despite her busy schedule, Jackie remains compassionate and never fails to imbue anyone in her presence with high spirits and encouragement; I swear she is always smiling! I certainly admire her consideration for others, the tenacity she has when working diligently, and how resilient she remains on her journey to prosperity. She has achieved so much; she’s incredible!

Who would you most want to thank for your success? To pinpoint a single person would be tirelessly too difficult. The foundation of my success is certainly built upon the support and contributions of my close immediate family, my Godparents, my peers, my closest friends, professors, and faculty, as well as mentors; I mean the list goes on! However, I must especially thank my mother who has dedicated so much of herself to my endeavors and each of my passions and accomplishments. Through her I learned to care for others and remain humble despite any circumstances. She taught me how important it is to be patient, cool, calm, and collected in a world full of noise, distraction, and instant gratification.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1) After obtaining an MBA I seek to own my own business with a SaaS business model

2) Five or seven years from now I will be a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

What are your hobbies? As of today, I continue to love running, hiking, rucking, creating music with my closest friends, and unapologetically trying new cuisines. My goals are to listen to more podcasts and teach myself how to play guitar this year.

What made Edward such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2023?

“After a student organization meeting, one of Edward’s peers said to me “I want to be like that guy” (while pointing at Edward). Edward is an exceptionally well-rounded individual, and not just for his great academics, two minors, or engagement with the college and university, but also for his human quality.

I remember one of my first interactions with Edward and thinking about how his warmth and generosity are so evident. He is the type of student who is liked by everyone and who stands out quietly, who is always curious and eager to learn, who asks for feedback and welcomes positive criticism, but most importantly, who applies it leading to his continuous improvement. During his time at the Bauer College, Edward has been extremely determined and has taken advantage of the many opportunities offered by the college, joining student professional organizations, clubs, attending leadership programs, and much more. He has excelled academically and was selected to be part of our Program for Excellence in Selling, where he has displayed a maturity and professionalism beyond his years. The same professionalism, no doubt, led to a full-time offer with a great company. I predict that this is only the first of many accomplishments that await him. And I am sure that, when he starts his new job, many of his coworkers will also think “I want to be like that guy.”

Roger Barascout, Ed.D.
Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives

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