On November 7, a group of Rice Business MBA students spent the morning exploring Houston’s real estate landscape through an immersive visit to Hines, one of the city’s most recognized firms in global real estate investment, development, and management. The experience offered students a close look at the business behind Houston’s evolving skyline and a chance to learn directly from professionals who shape it every day.
Students began the morning at the Hines downtown office, where the HR team welcomed the group and led an inside tour of the facility. The visit provided valuable context on how Hines approaches development, design, operations, and long-term asset strategy across its portfolio.
Following the tour, students participated in a panel discussion with Hines colleagues who shared their career journeys, industry insights, and perspectives on working in a global real estate organization. The conversation highlighted the variety of paths available within the field and offered practical advice for students curious about careers in real estate. The group appreciated the openness of the panelists, who reflected candidly on their experiences and the opportunities that come with working at a firm rooted in Houston and connected to communities around the world.
The morning was energetic, informative, and full of the kind of connection that helps students translate classroom learning into meaningful career exploration. Many participants left with new clarity about potential roles in the industry and a deeper understanding of the strategic and operational drivers behind real estate development.
Thank you to the Hines team for welcoming our students and for creating a thoughtful learning experience for those exploring real estate as part of their MBA journey. Experiences like these show the strength of our Houston network and the value of engaging directly with organizations that continue to shape the future of our city.
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.
