UTSA business students travel to Houston to learn about careers in the oil and gas industry

(March 29, 2019) -- Twenty UTSA College of Business undergraduate and graduate students visited the corporate campuses of two of the world’s leading international oil and gas companies—Exxon Mobil  (Exxon) and British Petroleum (BP) to learn about careers and internships in the oil and gas industry.

The daylong trip was sponsored by the college’s Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD) and the International Business Programs Office.

As part of the experiential learning experience, students participated in panel discussions which highlighted the businesses corporate cultures, toured their state-of-the-art facilities and learned about the importance of pioneering new research and technologies to meet the world’s energy needs.

Fellow Roadrunners at Exxon and BP were instrumental in providing their insights into working in this industry. At BP, students met with Kathleen Martinez ’94, senior director of national strategic relations, and Pat Clynes ’89, former transportation manager. At Exxon Garrett Gilbreath ’17, financial analyst, hosted a panel discussion with Roadrunner alumni Damian Alanis ’14, Jessica Alanis ’12, Thomas De La Cruz ’16 and Tonjaka Miller ’16.

“Engaging in conversation with the alumni and executives at these two companies takes learning beyond the classroom and makes it real for students,” said Aimee Laun, director of the CSPD. “This discovery in turn sets them on a more defined path toward a career.”

Brianna Caban, a master of accountancy student, made connections during the trip, which led to an internship interview with ExxonMobil. 

“There is great value in every representative you encounter on a corporate visit,” Caban said. “I advise students to take advantage of your time to network and don’t limit yourself to interacting with only top leadership.”

This is the second corporate visit coordinated by the College of Business.  Last fall students visited the Dallas headquarters of AT&T and Southwest Airlines.

“Corporate visits push our students outside of their comfort zone and help them grasp the opportunities they have in the global business market,” said Rebecca Pollock, director of global engagement. “We look forward to the next corporate visit.”

— Giselle Villalpando

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