Internships That Inspire

Watching his twins, Dawson ’19, ’23 and Shannon '19, graduate from Rice was a special moment for Houston businessman David Klein '71, '76. It was especially meaningful to see them pursue paths they truly loved — paths shaped in part by their internship experiences at Rice.

For Dawson, an anthropology major, an internship with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Sustainable Initiative in Mongolia proved transformative. By helping herders strengthen their bargaining power and increase revenue from cashmere sales, he gained firsthand insight into how financial tools can be used to address environmental and social challenges. The experience inspired him to pursue an MBA at Rice, and today, he works in mergers and acquisitions at an environmental conservation firm, blending analytical insight with a commitment to sustainability.

Shannon began college with plans to pursue a legal career — but her internship with a member of Parliament in London marked a turning point. The experience gave her a direct view of law and policy and an opportunity to help people on a larger scale. It also prompted her to reevaluate her goals. She realized that law wasn’t the right fit and ultimately shifted her focus to education. After graduating with honors in English, Shannon received a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She has served as a classroom teacher, intervention teacher and now as a reading specialist, combining her passion for education with a desire to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives.

Inspired by their experiences, the Klein family came together after graduation to consider how they could help future students. David recalls: “Both of my children said, without hesitation, that they wanted to help provide internship opportunities for students who might not be able to afford them, especially during their sophomore and junior years.”

In 2019, they established the Klein Family Summer Opportunity Grant, which provides immediate-use funding to support Rice’s Owl Edge internships on an annual basis. Each year, up to 12 students receive grants that help cover living expenses, transportation and other costs — opening doors to career-shaping experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

David stays closely connected to the program. Every September, he attends Rice’s luncheon for grant recipients, eager to hear their stories and aspirations. “Many of them will say, ‘I am changing my major. I don’t want to do what I thought I did,’” he says. Others share that their internships affirmed their chosen path, giving them a valuable head start in their careers. For David, there’s great fulfillment in helping students discover the direction that’s right for them.

Reflecting on his own Rice journey, David admits he didn’t fully grasp its impact until after graduation. His Rice education laid the foundation for a dynamic career spanning real estate, banking, venture capital and more. Today, he continues to give back, serving on the Board of Advisors for Rice Business, as a Will Rice community associate and as a judge for the Rice Business Plan Competition.

“Giving back to Rice is more satisfying than anything else I do,” David says, “because Rice has contributed so much to my success.”

Accelerate the Vision

Internships are a powerful catalyst for student growth and career discovery.To help expand access to transformative experiences like those supported by the Klein Family Summer Opportunity Grant, contact Andrea Sankey, director of development, at andrea.sankey@rice.edu or 713-348-4408.