Careers are built on connection.
Networking isn't just a buzzword. At Rice, it’s how many of our students land their roles.
The Rice Career Ecosystem offers an array of opportunities for you to network with employers across industries, functions, and locations. Explore information about who hires Rice Owls.
CCD Recruiting and Networking Events
Check 12twenty regularly for the latest details on these events.
- Career & Internship Expos
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Our inclusive campus-wide hiring events are held every Fall and Spring. Meet hundreds of recruiters from diverse sectors—ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups and non-profits—all looking specifically for Rice talent.
While the Career & Internship Expos host many employers and opportunities, please note that not all employers include large career fairs as part of their recruiting strategy. If one of your target employers does not attend the Expo, there are still many ways to connect with them through the Rice Career Ecosystem.
- Career Nights
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Career Nights are industry- or function-specific networking events designed for career exploration, education, and valuable connections. These events allow you to engage with a curated group of employers and Alumni across fields such as Consulting, Finance, Policy, and Biotechnology. Many Career Nights feature short presentations or a panel, followed by open networking.
- Recruiting Presentations, Panels, and Lunch & Learns
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Gain "insider" knowledge from the source. Employers host these sessions to explain their company culture, current projects, and specific hiring processes. For some employers, regular engagement in their campus events can increase your chances of getting an interview.
- Coffee Chats & Campus Interviews
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Take the next step in the hiring process without leaving campus. Sign up for 1-on-1 informal Coffee Chats to ask questions, or participate in formal On-Campus Interviews (OCI) by applying to open roles via 12twenty.
Owl Edge Externships
A low-stakes, high-impact way to connect with Alumni and Employers.
- Test Drive a Career: These short-term (typically 1–3 days) shadowing experiences allow you to visit a host's job site, observe their daily operations, and build a relationship with a mentor.
- When to Apply: Watch for the application cycles in the weekly CCD student newsletter.
More Networking Opportunities at Rice
Leverage the strong Rice Career Ecosystem to tap into wider specialized networks.
- Career Clubs
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Career Clubs are self-designated student organizations that provide professional support and host events with alumni and employers. Join a club aligned with your interests to expand your network, gain leadership skills, and learn from your peers. Many students secure offers by attending specialized, external conferences and competitions, such as Grace Hopper, SWE, or NSBE, through their Career Clubs.
To explore Career Clubs, visit Rice's Owlnest site, and filter for "Career and Professional" organizations. - Graduate Student Association (GSA)
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While your research builds expertise, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and its discipline-specific groups develop your career. The GSA supports students from the lab to careers by working with the CCD and Rice's academic schools to offer tailored professional development and networking opportunities. Learn more about GSA and explore discipline-specific graduate student groups on Owlnest.
- Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie)
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The Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) is a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation activities at Rice. If you're interested in working with a startup or launching your own venture, check out Lilie to find pitch competitions, speakers, and networking events that link you to venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and innovative tech leaders.
- Center for Civic Leadership (CCL)
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The CCL can help you develop as a civic leader by helping you identify your sense of purpose as an agent of positive, meaningful change in your community. Get engaged with the CCL to learn more about their internship and experiential learning programs, like the LRME summer internship program or the Houston Policy Experience.
- Doerr Institute for New Leaders
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The Doerr Institute offers leadership development programs for all Rice students that build on your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world. Check out their programs, which include leadership-focused networking excursions to Houston-area employers.
- Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI)
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OURI is your gateway to the Rice research network as an undergraduate. Their programs connect you with faculty mentors and research opportunities, helping you build technical networks through symposia and research showcases. Get started with OURI here.
- School- and Major-Specific Events
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Rice groups like the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL), the Baker Institute for Public Policy, and the Humanities Research Center regularly host speakers and networking events on campus. Check 12twenty regularly for new events and subscribe to newsletters for the Rice groups you’re most interested in.