Business Leader Offers Career Development Advice for Mays Students

Philip Choyce, a business leader with more than 25 years in the energy industry, recently sat down to discuss career development advice with a group of students at Texas A&M University – Mays Business School.

Choyce is currently the senior vice president and chief financial officer of an integrated onshore drilling services provider, Independence Contract Drilling, founded by Choyce in 2011. Prior to his position here, Choyce served at Grant Prideco, Fulbright & Jaworksi and Ernst & Young. He earned his undergraduate degree in accounting at Texas A&M University, going on to achieve a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

At a recent sit down between Choyce and a group of Business Honors Students at the Mays School, he emphasized the importance of students learning to adapt as their careers change and grow. He additionally encouraged them to make connections early on, as even connections made at his first places of employment have been of service to him recently.

Additionally, Choyce told students how important teamwork is for a company’s success. “You can’t always play quarterback,” he said. “Sometimes you need to sit back, because the team needs a wide receiver.”

The students in attendance appreciated Choyce’s honesty and advice. Suggestions, such as honestly evaluating your skill sets and being prepared for the difficult first ten years of your career were taken seriously by students. “He said even when one isn’t sure of what they particularly want to do in life, doors of opportunity will open and it is important to take these opportunities in order to gain experience and wisdom,” said Chris Weisberg ‘18, of Choyce’s advice. “Eventually, that experience and wisdom will open up even more opportunities.”

regions: Houston

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