Powering Possibilities: Energy Industry Week at Rice Business

At Rice Business, we know Houston is the energy capital of the world and our students are eager to explore the incredible opportunities this industry has to offer. That’s why the Career Development Office is launching this year’s Industry Weeks series with Energy Industry Week, the first of four dedicated weeks designed to immerse students in key sectors shaping today’s business landscape.

Throughout the semester, Industry Weeks bring together alumni, employers, faculty, and students for hands-on learning, candid conversations, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re just starting to explore industries or focused on building your network in a specific field, these weeks are designed to give you insider perspectives and open doors.

Energy Industry Week kicks off with a dynamic lineup of events that connect students with alumni, employers, and leaders making an impact in this vital sector. Here’s a look at what’s happening this week:

Hear from the Insiders: Energy Alumni Recruiting Panel
Tuesday, September 16 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM | AFC, McNair Hall
Register in 12twenty

Who better to learn from than alumni who are actively recruiting Rice MBAs today? In this lively and candid panel—complete with a spicy Hot Ones-style twist—you’ll hear what employers look for in resumes and interviews, how hiring decisions are made, and what they wish candidates knew before recruiting begins. Expect honest advice, practical takeaways, and a lot of fun.

Energy 101
Wednesday, September 17 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Virtual
Register in 12twenty

New to the energy industry? This session with the Energy & CleanTech Association will give you the lay of the land. From traditional oil and gas to renewables and cleantech, you’ll learn how the industry is evolving and discover the many career opportunities available in Houston’s thriving energy economy.

Fueling Your Future: A Deep Dive into Career Paths and Leadership in the Energy Sector
Thursday, September 18 | 5:00–7:00 PM | AFC, McNair Hall
Register in 12twenty

Industry executives will share their career journeys and leadership insights in this fireside-style conversation. With time to network before and after, this session offers a chance to hear candid stories, ask questions, and imagine your own career in energy.

Houston Energy Trek
Friday, September 19 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM | Multiple company sites
Registration is at capacity. Stay tuned for future career treks!

What better way to wrap up the week than by stepping inside some of Houston’s leading energy companies? Students will visit Phillips 66, Shell Trading, and NRG to see different facets of the industry up close. Along the way, you’ll connect with Rice Business alumni, meet recruiters, and gain a clearer picture of how an MBA can open doors across the energy sector.


Keep Exploring: CDO Energy Resources

The conversation doesn’t end with Industry Week. The CDO offers a variety of resources to help you dive deeper into careers in energy and sustainability, including:

These tools are here to support your career journey long after the week’s events conclude.


Energy Industry Week is more than a series of events—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and see how Rice MBAs are shaping the future of energy. And it’s only the beginning. This fall, Industry Weeks will continue to spotlight other sectors that matter to our students and our community.

Fall 2025 Industry Weeks Schedule

Mark your calendars:

  • Healthcare Week: September 29–October 3, 2025
  • Tech Week: October 27–31, 2025
  • Real Estate Week: November 3–7, 2025

Together We Will.

By Shelley Richard
Shelley Richard Associate Director, Career Education and Advising