On November 21, a group of twenty-five Rice Business MBA students spent the day exploring the ExxonMobil campus in Spring, Texas, as part of the Career Development Office’s Career Trek Program. The visit offered students a closer look at one of the world’s most influential energy companies and the many career paths that support its global work.
The day began with a welcome, coffee, and networking session that helped students settle in and start building connections with ExxonMobil professionals and alumni. From there, the group moved through a series of presentations that highlighted key areas of the business, including Investor Relations, Marketing, LCS, Upstream Commercial, Trading, and Finance. Each session offered students the chance to learn how these functions work together and how business strategy influences decisions at every level of the organization.
For many attendees, the breadth of information shared throughout the day provided important clarity about the size, complexity, and structure of the energy industry. As one student, Lotanna Ohazuruike ‘27, shared, “It was truly enlightening listening to the different aspects of the business. It’s interesting seeing how vast, extensive, complex and yet connected the industry is.”
Following the morning presentations, students enjoyed a lunch and networking session with ExxonMobil colleagues. The conversation was open, friendly, and grounded in real experiences from professionals who understand the journey from business school to industry roles. Students appreciated the chance to speak with alumni whose career paths reflect a wide range of backgrounds. Maria Paz Acosta ‘26, noted, “It was the perfect opportunity to know more about the company’s business, and connect with professionals and alumni with similar backgrounds as mine. Highly recommended event.”
The afternoon included a campus introduction and tour that brought the day’s learning to life. Students were able to see how the environment and infrastructure at ExxonMobil support cross functional collaboration, innovation, and long term planning.
This experience was made possible through the thoughtful coordination of ExxonMobil hosts Kristina Borovkova ‘26, David Merchant ‘09 and Sorit Ganguly along with a generous group of professionals and alumni who shared their insights with students throughout the day. Their time, perspective, and commitment to supporting Rice Business students helped create a day filled with discovery and connection.
Career treks like this one show why learning at Rice Business extends beyond the classroom. By engaging directly with organizations across Houston and beyond, students expand their understanding of industries, build meaningful relationships, and gain confidence in their next steps as leaders. Exxon Day capped off a day full of curiosity, conversation, and the kind of hands-on exploration that strengthens the Rice Business experience.
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.
