# Networking and Leadership Opportunities

**Source**: https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/hybrid-mba/networking-and-leadership-opportunities
**Parent**: https://business.rice.edu/

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##### Have a Question?

### [Steve Summers](https://business.rice.edu/person/steve-summers)

Manager of MBA Recruiting, Working Professional Programs

[713-348-5375](tel:713-348-5375)
[Email](#) 

[Schedule a Consultation with Steve](https://go.oncehub.com/SteveSummers_Master)

## Networking and Leadership Opportunities

A recent media survey asked corporate MBA recruiters from top business schools what basic skills were considered to be assets. Communications, analytical thinking, collaboration and teamwork earned the highest marks. The skills most sought after and difficult to find in MBA candidates? Strategic thinking, problem solving and leadership. We designed opportunities to help you develop and practice those skills during your Hybrid MBA program. Find the right place to practice your leadership.\

[Apply Now](https://business.rice.edu/apply)

### Networking and Leadership Opportunities

- Conferences and Case Competitions

  Rice Business offers MBA students ample opportunities — including summits, conferences and competitions — to network with industry and business leaders. Some of the best examples are:

  - [Rice Energy Finance Summit](https://business.rice.edu/node/5246)
  - [Women in Leadership Conference](https://business.rice.edu/node/5026)
  - [Rice Veterans Business Battle](https://business.rice.edu/veterans-business-battle)
  - [Rice Business Plan Competition](https://rbpc.rice.edu/)
  - [Rice Cleantech Innovation Competition](https://business.rice.edu/RCIC)
- Rice Business Board Fellows

  Both students and organizations benefit from the Board Fellows program. Students gain leadership skills and nonprofit experience. Organizations can utilize student energy and ideas.

  Applying is required, and matches are based on skills, background and organizational needs, as well as student interests.
- Leadership Coaching

  The program is organized into 18 synchronous classroom hours, 12 self-study hours and six self-scheduled practice coaching sessions with other classmates. In-person instruction takes place across three modules that are six hours each.

  From the Leader as Coach program, students learn to:

  - Connect with people and create psychological safety.
  - Partner with others to identify developmental goals and improve performance.
  - Achieve sustainable change for individuals and teams.
  - Elevate leadership with self-coaching tools.

  “This has been one of the most transformational programs that I have participated in. My leadership journey before now was always focused on execution and problem solving, with less emphasis on the needs and development of people around me. Now, I am more present in my conversations, keen on the feelings and messages that people share with me. This change has not only been impactful at work and social settings, but more importantly at home.”

  - Sujeev Chittipolu
- Student Clubs and Organizations

  Rice Business offers over 30 [diversity](https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/beyond-classroom/student-clubs#diversity), [professional](https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/beyond-classroom/student-clubs#professional) and [social](https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/beyond-classroom/student-clubs#social) clubs for students to join.

  These clubs aim to help MBA students network, develop leadership skills, learn about various professions, build stronger relationships with each other, and foster a sense of community. Clubs allow students to follow their passion or try something new.
- Global Field Experience (GFE)

  To succeed in a global economy, it is imperative to understand other cultures.

  The [Global Field Experience](https://business.rice.edu/node/276) (GFE) is an adventurous, immersive program that opens minds and changes perspectives. Students apply what they learn in classes to consulting projects abroad. The GFE builds strong, experienced global partners and leaders, and is required for all MBA students.

  Previous destinations include:

  - Chile
  - Argentina
  - Brazil
  - Peru
  - Colombia
- Career Treks

  Work schedule permitting, Hybrid MBA students can experience a wide variety of industries in cities across the country through [Career Treks](https://cdo.business.rice.edu/blog/2023/03/01/career-treks/). Facilitated by alumni and coordinated by Career Development Office staff, Career Treks help students explore business areas and roles available for post-MBA job opportunities.

  Past treks include:

  - Week on Wall Street (New York City)
  - Technology Trek (Austin, Seattle, Silicon Valley)
  - Energy Trek (Houston)
  - Health Care Trek (Houston)

## Interested in Rice Business?

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[Close](#)

> Overall, Rice Business and its Hybrid MBA program offer the perfect blend of academic excellence, practical application and networking opportunities.
>
> #### Aaqib Mohammed
>
> Hybrid MBA
>
> [See Profile](https://business.rice.edu/news/aaqib-mohammed-why-i-chose-rice-business-and-hybrid-mba-program)

## Upcoming Networking Events

Mar 18

### [Defense & Space Tech Happy Hour with Leonid Capital Partners and Rice MBA Veterans Club](https://business.rice.edu/event/defense-space-tech-happy-hour-leonid-capital-partners-and-rice-mba-veterans-club)

5:00pm to 7:00pm\
The Ion (Late August Restaurant), 4201 Main St, Houston TX, 77002

Mar 25

### [Houston Impact Series - Spring 2026](https://business.rice.edu/event/spring-2026-houston-impact-series)

6:00pm to 8:00pm\
AFC, Rm 115, McNair Hall

Mar 26

### [A Conversation with Professor Yan “Anthea” Zhang](https://business.rice.edu/livepodcast)

5:30pm to 7:30pm\
Room 116, McNair Hall

### OWL HAVE YOU KNOW PODCAST

Learn the stories of our alumni and how Rice Business helped their careers.

### [The Value of a Kind and Collaborative Community feat. Joanna Nathan '19](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fsr8dmzqHQRhhtrycaCAe?si=DMWux2zKSlCM4rGyQXsfLA)

In this episode, Joanna, CEO of Prana Thoracic, shares her career journey, passion for healthcare, deep connection to Rice, and how the heartbreaking loss of her young son serves as her inspiration for finding groundbreaking medical technologies to help others.

### [Your Biggest Competitive Advantage is Your Authentic Self feat. Takeya Green ‘22](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0IAAQFVX1Cj77rYc2yo8Zr?si=zW-hRlKySHaDxoB99aj_VQ)

Takeya joined Citi as an investment banking associate in Houston, Texas for the clean energy sector. In today's episode with host Scott Gale ‘19, she shares her experience overcoming the challenges placed in front of her to being honored this year by the Texas Business Hall of Fame as a leader of distinction.

### [Banking in the Bay Area feat. Danielle Conkling '09](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0kFMsHsyoMBzumYXL2GQth?si=6h9UQcPzQ0CHY0AdrXKk3A)

Danielle is the director of corporate social responsibility and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and serves as the ESG program lead for Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Hear her talk with host Scott Gale ‘19 about her start in finance and banking, getting acclimated to Houston after moving from the East Coast for her MBA, the future of ESG, and her travels with her family.

[See All](https://business.rice.edu/alumni-podcast-old)

## Keep Exploring

[Tuition and Fees](https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/hybrid-mba/tuition-and-fees)

### Ready for the Next Step?

[Request More Information](https://business.rice.edu/request-information)

##### Have a Question?

### [Steve Summers](https://business.rice.edu/person/steve-summers)

Manager of MBA Recruiting, Working Professional Programs

[713-348-5375](tel:713-348-5375)
[Email](#) 

[Schedule a Consultation with Steve](https://go.oncehub.com/SteveSummers_Master)