Author: Alisha Bailey

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Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Pathways to Business and Industry collaboration with Peer Academic Leaders

The SMU Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) initiative continues to build strong collaborations across the university throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. One of the highlights of this initiative is the active involvement of the PBI Peer Academic Leaders (PAL), who work alongside PBI and PALs to host events that connect students with valuable resources, networking opportunities, and engaging social experiences. 

With six active campus partners, including multiple academic departments, the PBI initiative offers a comprehensive approach to career preparation. Our PBI PAL is at the heart of planning and organizing a variety of events throughout the year. Among the exciting upcoming events is the Keychain Making with The DIG, scheduled for April 29th from 5:00-6:30pm. This event offers students a fun opportunity to network, unwind, and practice a technical skillset while tapping into their creativity. 

Tiffany Nguyen, our dedicated PBI PAL, shared her enthusiasm about hosting five PBI PAL events during the 2024-2025 academic year and engaging with nearly 40 students through combined PBI and PBI PAL events:  

“I feel that every event I plan, I’m always excited to host them. The enthusiasm I have for the PBI [initiative] can’t be put into words, because I don’t think there’s any other opportunity like this ever for students.” 

The collaboration between PBI and PALs is not only a testament to the strong sense of community at SMU but also to the initiative’s commitment to providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in business and industry. With exciting events like the upcoming Keychain Making with The DIG, students are sure to benefit from this invaluable partnership. 

If you have undergraduate students that are interested in attending our upcoming PBI events hosted by our PBI PAL, encourage them to visit the PBI SMU 360 page to sign up. 

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Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Pathways to Business and Industry: Drop-in Advising for Students

The University Advising Center (UAC) has been an active partner with Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) throughout the academic year, offering valuable support through UAC Workshops and upcoming drop-in advising sessions to help students navigate their academic journey and career paths. These sessions provide students with personalized guidance to enhance their academic and professional development. 

Here’s the schedule for the upcoming advising sessions: 

  • March 31: 2-4:30 PM, Blanton 408F 
  • April 7: 2-4:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den (Snacks provided) 
  • April 9: 2-4:30 PM, Virtual via Zoom 

During the advising session, advisors will show students how to easily navigate the Shopping Cart and Schedule of Classes by adding their desired courses to the cart, reviewing course details, and then registering once their schedule is finalized. 

Whether students are seeking advice on course selection or career planning, these sessions offer a valuable opportunity to connect with an expert advisor who is here to support your success. 

PBI will be hosting a recruitment table in the UAC, with the following dates and times: 

  • April 8, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Blanton 408A 
  • April 9, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Blanton 408A 
  • April 10, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Blanton 408A 

This will be a chance for undergraduate students to learn more about the PBI initiative and sign up. 

If you have students that are interested in finding out more about PBI, feel free to reach out to pbi@smu.edu. Undergraduate students can easily register for any of the drop-in advising sessions via SMU 360. 

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Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Recap of Pathways to Careers in Management Science

On Wednesday, February 19th, the Hughes Trigg Student Center Chamber was abuzz with excitement as over 35 attendees gathered for the Pathways to Careers in Management Science Lunch and Learn event. This engaging session connected students with industry insights in the dynamic field of Management Science.

We were thrilled to welcome SMU alumni Lily Anderson, Sophie Fernandez, Caroline Thompson, and Elizabeth McPherson—all of whom have successfully carved out careers in this field. They shared their personal stories, illustrating how a strong academic foundation – combined with determination and industry experience – can pave the way for success.  Their insights reinforced the value of the SMU’s Management Science program and the power of alumni mentorship. 

Beyond the informative discussions, the event featured raffle prizes and departmental swag from Operations Research and Engineering Management (OREM) and Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI), creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. More importantly, it served as a reminder of the importance of alumni in guiding current students as they explore future career opportunities. 

Preston Sanderson, OREM Project Manager at the Lyle School of Engineering, shared his thoughts on the significance of alumni engagement:

“From a departmental perspective, this event reinforces the importance of our alumni network and the vital role they play in mentoring and inspiring future generations of Management Science professionals. It’s a testament to the strong foundation our program provides and its impact on shaping successful careers.” 

The event reaffirmed the critical role that alumni play in shaping the next generation of leaders in Management Science, and we look forward to hosting more career-focused events that continue this important work. As Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) continues to gain its reach across the university, we are committed to promoting meaningful connections between students and academic departments, helping undergraduates explore majors that align with their career aspirations.  

Want to learn more? 

Students interested in PBI can reach out to pbi@smu.edu

For those that have an interest Management Science, visit the Lyle Hart Center for advising to learn more about academic and career pathways.  

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News Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Pathways to Careers in Management Science

Students sitting at table with notebooks.

As we dive into the Spring 2025 term, we’re excited to announce an upcoming event that will help connect current students with accomplished alumni: Pathways to Careers in Management Science Lunch and Learn. This event will take place on Wednesday, February 19th, from 12-1pm, and will feature five SMU alumni who have navigated their way into successful careers in management science: Lily Anderson, Sophie Fernandez, Hayden Hodes, and Elizabeth McPherson. These alumni will share their experiences in the field, providing valuable insights into how their education at SMU helped shape their careers and the variety of roles that exist for management science graduates. 

Management Science is a field that offers a unique combination of analytical thinking and practical problem-solving.  Sophie Fernando ‘23 shared what drew her to the Management Science major:

“We learned about process mapping and statistical modeling and operational efficiencies among many other things— all of which could be applied to see very tangible results of improvements in whichever organization we chose to join after graduation.”

This focus on hands-on, real-world applications is one of the key features of the program at SMU.  

Dr. Eli Olinick, Associate Professor in the Department of Operations Research and Engineering Management, highlights another crucial aspect of majoring in the Lyle School of Engineering:

“The Lyle Accelerated Pathways gives students the opportunity to earn a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in 5 Years. Students are encouraged to start exploring this option during the spring of their sophomore year.” 

Whether you are a current student, prospective student, or someone interested in exploring the possibilities within management science, this Lunch and Learn is the perfect opportunity to hear firsthand how these professionals applied their education to make a tangible impact in their organizations. 

To learn more about the PBI initiative, feel free to reach out to pbi@smu.edu. 

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Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Unveiling new possibilities: Fall highlights from Pathways to Business and Industry

Alisha Bailey talking with students at tabling event

SMU Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) is an exciting initiative dedicated to supporting undergraduates as they navigate their academic journeys and prepare for careers in business and industry. By fostering aspirations and providing resources, PBI equips students with the tools they need to succeed both during their time at SMU and beyond.

This fall, PBI collaborated with key partners, including the Hegi Family Career Center, University Advising Center, and Peer Academic Leaders (PAL), to organize a diverse selection of events. These 15 sessions spanned various academic disciplines, featuring contributions from departments such as Journalism, History, and Operations Research Engineering Management.

One of the highlights of the fall term was the Pathways to Business and Industry Current Student and Alumni Panel. The panel brought together current students—Daniyal Saleem ’27, Oliver Xu ’26, and Bianey Rojas ’27—representing majors like Data Science and Management Science & Economics. Alumni speaker Sean MacKenzie ’23, an Economics graduate now working at JP Morgan, offered valuable insights into transitioning from college to a professional career.

As we look ahead to the spring semester, PBI is gearing up to deliver a lineup of unique workshops, social events, and targeted programs. Students are encouraged to explore the calendar of events and register on SMU 360 to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Additionally, this spring, our dedicated PBI Peer Academic Leader (PAL), Tiffany Nguyen, will be hosting office hours to provide mentorship and tailored advice to current PBI scholars and students interested in joining the program. She will also lead Spring Degree Planner Workshop and the Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor Sessions, equipping students with practical tools to navigate their academic and career journeys. Meetings with Tiffany can be easily scheduled through SMU 360.

If you know any first-year, second-year, or transfer undergraduate students eager to explore careers in business and industry—even those without a business degree—please encourage them to join PBI by signing up at smu.edu/pbi.

For more information about the PBI initiative, feel free to reach out to Alisha Bailey at pbi@smu.edu. Pony Up!

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Pathways to Success: Student Spotlight on Ritney Coleman

Ritney Colment presenting to research team
Ritney presenting weekly updates of human trafficking research to the team during teh Summer Research Intensive.

Ritney Coleman is a rising senior pursuing a B.S. in Economics with Financial Applications. A military veteran, he initially aimed to major in accounting and become a CPA, but decided on a different career path where he felt he could make more of a societal impact. Ritney found the Non-Profit Organization and Concept Primer course (offered through the Economics department) to be “one of the most impactful courses and added to my understanding of non-profits and how they are managed.” This course provided the theoretical concepts needed to thrive in the non-profit sector, while Ritney’s internships and volunteering brought classroom concepts to life.  

Ritney credits SMU’s vast resources with helping him focus on his passion for research and non-profit leadership. During his junior year, Dr. Wendelin Donahue, SMU Director of Community Engagement, helped Ritney gain practical experience by collaborating with local non-profits through community events. Ritney’s goal is to develop a non-profit that serves disadvantaged youth by providing various opportunities through field trips, seminars, sports programs, and college access support.   

Ritney emphasizes the importance of networking and engaged actively with professors to uncover learning opportunities. This summer, he is a research assistant for Dr. Elizabeth Wheaton-Páramo, Research Associate Professor in Economics through the Office of Engaged Learning’s Summer Research Intensive. In his work with Dr. Wheaton-Páramo, Ritney is using the SMU human trafficking data warehouse to gather data on organized crime groups transition between smuggling and human trafficking. Sometimes it’s difficult to relate the theoretical course work to practical experiences, but Ritney noted that the knowledge obtained in his Introductory Econometrics class has helped him “feel confident analyzing data” in his summer research project.  

When asked about his advice for incoming first-year students, Ritney said, “the opportunities are available, but students need to be active, not passive, in their networking pursuits. I was able to get an internship by simply asking my professor.” Ritney recommends first and second year undergraduate students schedule an appointment with the Hegi Family Career Development Center early for resume prep and to build their LinkedIn profile. He also credits his peers in the Economics department for providing him with useful resources.  

For students interested in data analysis and practical skills development, Ritney suggests exploring the Bloomberg Terminals in the Business Library, where he is currently pursuing the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate. 

To find out more information about the SMU Pathways to Business and Industry, please contact pbi@smu.edu.  

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News Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry

Exploring boundless futures with SMU’s Pathways to Business and Industry

A close-up view of a person typing on a laptop.

Embarking on a journey, SMU Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) is an ongoing initiative designed to guide undergraduates through their academic years and beyond, nurturing their aspirations towards careers in business and industry. PBI extends its support not only to first and second-year students but also to transfer undergraduates, ensuring a comprehensive approach to academic and career development.

SMU PBI offers a structured framework enabling students to explore majors and minors within academic departments across campus including Dedman College of Humanities and Science, Meadows School of the Arts, Lyle School of Engineering, and Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

In collaboration with SMU’s academic departments and university service partners, PBI organizes a series of tailored events throughout the fall and spring semesters. These programs will serve as invaluable opportunities for students to delve deeper into the initiative’s offerings, foster meaningful connections through networking, and engage in enriching experiences.

By joining PBI, eligible students that are actively pursuing opportunities for growth and development gain exclusive access to tailored programs and events. These initiatives not only broaden their understanding of business and industry careers but also provide paths for hands-on learning and skill enhancement.

If you know of first, second, or transfer undergraduate students eager to unearth their passions and navigate their academic and professional trajectories, encourage them to join PBI by signing up at smu.edu/pbi.

To learn more about the PBI initiative, feel free to reach out to pbi@smu.edu.