How Rice MBAs Are Leading the Energy Transition

Being in the heart of Houston — the world’s energy capital — we’re more than a business school. We’re a community. We explore breakthroughs, tackle emerging trends and connect with the brightest minds in energy. Our students aren’t just here to learn; they’re here to shape what’s next. 

Through student-led conferences, competitions and Houston’s unparalleled energy events, Rice Business students gain hands-on experience and form lifelong connections. Whether you’re looking to advance in energy or make a bold pivot, you’ll be right where the action is. 

How Rice MBAs Are Leading the Transition

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Our MBAs are passionate about change — and at Rice Business, change starts together. With peers, faculty and industry leaders by your side, you’ll have the chance to drive innovation and make an impact that lasts. 

From hosting dynamic conferences to solving real-world competition challenges, here are a few ways Rice Business is helping students lead in the energy transition:

• Rice Energy Finance Summit (REFS): Attend our annual student-led conference and explore big ideas with industry leaders tackling global energy challenges. 
• Rice Cleantech Innovation Competition (RCIC): Compete for $27,500 in prizes, solve real problems and connect with cleantech innovators. 
• Renewable Energy Leadership Conference: Join clean energy leaders in reimagining the U.S. electric grid. 
• Energy Tech Venture Forum: Partner with investors and startups to shape the future of energy. 
• Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC): Pitch your ideas on the world’s largest and richest student startup stage.  

At Rice Business, the opportunities are endless. Together, we’ll pave the way for an energy future that’s smarter, greener and brighter.  

Powering the City 

Houston isn’t just the energy capital — it’s a hub for innovation. With world-class conferences and over 270 cleantech and climate-tech startups, there’s no better place to lead the energy transition. At Rice Business, you’ll be at the center of it all.  

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Here are just a few events that put you right where the action happens: 

• Offshore Technology Conference (OTC): Connect with global innovators at one of the world’s largest energy events. 
• CERAWeek by S&P Global: Be part of game-changing conversations on energy and climate.  
• North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) Summit: Explore cutting-edge trends in oil, gas and renewables, including the Energy Innovation Case Competition.  

Beyond conferences, Houston’s Ion District offers hands-on opportunities to collaborate and create. At Rice Business, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant community of thinkers and doers — building your network and transforming your future.  

The Rice Business Impact 

At Rice Business, we believe in building the future together. Through cutting-edge courses, hands-on projects and invaluable networking, we empower students to thrive in the evolving energy landscape.  

Our energy specialization includes standout courses like Renewables and the Energy Transition Lab, where students collaborate with organizations in government, academia, nonprofits or industry on energy projects that match their interests. These electives allow students to further collaborate on real-world projects with industry leaders.  

Rice Business alums are proof of the power of our community: 

• Nicole Grimes ’20 moved to Houston from Florida, started in financial services, and now works as senior advisor for corporate brand strategy and advertising at ExxonMobil. “I had always loved commercial digital art, but the energy sector really fascinated me,” she says. “Now, I’m motivated and inspired by the challenges of the energy transition. I finally understand what purpose is.”  
• ​​​Phoebe Wang ’13, a 2022 C3E Business Award winner, credits her Rice MBA for helping her advance her career. “I grew up in Asia, and pollution was such an important issue,” says Wang. “I started my career in material science engineering, so now it's kind of coming full circle that I'm looking at investments in climate tech. I think the Rice MBA let me, kind of, leapfrog in my career.” 

Learn more about Phoebe's journey on our podcast, Owl Have You Know. 

Energy is the top industry for our graduates. In 2023 alone:  

• Nearly 12% of Full-Time Rice MBA grads started careers in energy. 
• Full-Time MBA grads are earning 127% more in their post-MBA energy roles compared to the average salary pre-MBA. 
• 29.6% of Professional MBA grads joined energy roles. 

Between Houston’s thriving energy conferences, our alumni connections and student-led organizations, you’ll gain everything you need to help lead the energy transition.