The Dallas–Fort Worth area is quickly emerging as a career destination for Rice Business MBAs. With a growing network of alumni, major corporate headquarters, and a dynamic business community, Dallas is becoming an increasingly important market for Rice Business students exploring their next career steps.
To help students engage directly with employers and alumni in this key region, the Career Development Office coordinated a two-day trek to Dallas from October 15–16, featuring company visits, alumni panels, and networking opportunities designed to deepen students’ understanding of the local business landscape.
A Closer Look at the Trek
The visit began with a conversation at the World Affairs Council of Dallas–Fort Worth, where students gained insights into the economic and cultural landscape shaping business across the region.
At Texas Capital, students joined a panel discussion led by Elliott Bouillion ’25, Vice President of Middle Market Banking, Maria Castanon ‘25, Corporate Banking Associate, Josh McNary ‘20, Corporate Banking Associate, and Robert Sullivan, AVP of Early Careers. The session offered an inside look at career pathways in finance, followed by networking and a group lunch with company leaders.
The group then headed to AT&T, where they learned about three early-career programs currently hiring Rice MBAs. Alumni James Duval ’22, Chris Zhou ’24, and Eric Huh ’25 shared their own experiences transitioning from business school to roles in finance and marketing, before students toured the company’s Dallas headquarters.’
The afternoon concluded at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, where Sharmin Ashtaputre ’10, AVP Strategic Planning, and Jenae Rodriguez, Community Engagement Manager, hosted the group for an overview of career opportunities, a “Fed 101” session, and an economic update from Senior Economist Emily Kerr.
That evening, students and alumni reconnected over shared stories and future plans at a networking happy hour at Pegasus City Brewery, where Rice’s strong sense of community was on full display.
Day two featured a hands-on case study session at TIAA, where students collaborated on financial and strategic problem-solving exercises before engaging in coffee chats with Rice Business alumni at Capital One.
The trek concluded with a visit to Toyota Motor North America in Plano, hosted by Cyrus Mistry ’25, where students toured the Toyota Experience Center and learned how leadership, innovation, and operational excellence drive the company’s vision for the future.
Student Reflections
“The Dallas career trek was an incredibly educational and engaging experience,” said Rain Li, MBA Class of 2027. “It gave us the chance to connect with inspiring Rice Business alumni, learn about a wide range of career paths in the DFW area, and further develop our leadership, teamwork, and professional presence.”
Eva Wang, MBA Class of 2027, added, “Hearing about ongoing projects and real-world experiences really broadened our view of various industries and created meaningful networking opportunities with alumni. The happy hour event, with so many alumni joining, truly reflected Rice’s amazing community spirit.”
Looking Ahead
The Dallas trek not only offered valuable career exposure but also strengthened connections between Rice Business and one of Texas’s fastest-growing business hubs. As student interest in the DFW market continues to rise, the Career Development Office plans to expand future programming in the region, connecting even more MBAs with the alumni, employers, and opportunities shaping the next chapter of business in Dallas.
If you’re interested in recruiting top MBA talent for your organization, hosting a trek, or otherwise engaging with the Career Development Office, please contact Tyler L. Hough, Director of Employer Engagement.
