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Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry University Foundations

Introducing the Career Discovery Experience Course UNIV1399

 

Southern Methodist University is committed not only to helping students succeed in the classroom, but also to their self-discovery and understanding of where their SMU education can take them. Many students arrive on campus still unsure about their direction — and we’re excited to offer a new way to help them find their path to success.

This Spring, we’re launching the Career Discovery Experience, a hands-on, for-credit program that helps students connect their interests, strengths, and major selection to real-world career paths.

The Career Discovery Experience gives students the chance to:

  • Explore careers through real projects with companies like L’Oréal, Intel, and charity: water.
  • Develop essential, transferrable workforce skills in areas such as digital marketing, AI, and data storytelling.
  • Earn academic credit while gaining clarity and confidence in their next steps.
  • Increase self-knowledge and awareness of the many resources available on our campus.

Co-designed in partnership with Podium Education and their employer network, the Career Discovery Experience is open to Pathways to Business and Industry students (25 seats) and Dallas County Promise Students (25 seats).

The Spring 2026 Course is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and will run under the course codes UNIV 1399-001 for Pathways to Business and Industry students and UNIV 1399-002 for new transfer students from Dallas College. Jennifer Ebinger, Sheri Kunovich, Troy Forte, and Whitney Jones will serve as the instructors, and will be working in tandem with Podium Education to deliver the program. Please note that this special section of UNIV 1399 will carry 3 credits, and students are encouraged to register alongside their other Spring 2026 courses.

For questions or more information, please be in touch with Jennifer Ebinger, Troy Forte, or Whitney Jones.

 

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

We are excited to announce the launch of SMU’s Global Career Accelerator

Beginning in Summer 2025, SMU will offer undergraduate students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop in-demand skills, and enhance their intercultural competency through the Global Career Accelerator, a virtual internship program placing students on international teams to work on client-driven projects. 

Through this program, students will:  

  • Collaborate with peers from over 50 countries in an internship-style experience. 
  • Bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application through innovative capstone projects. 
  • Work on projects for top global companies like Intel, The Grammys, and Amazon. 
  • Earn 3 internship credits while developing critical industry skills. 
  • Engage in Global LiveLabs and interactive coursework designed to enhance intercultural communication and professional development. 

The program is open to all SMU students, with no prerequisites required. The flexible format ensures Mustangs can gain internship experience and enhance their career readiness while balancing academic and personal commitments.  

To learn more about the Global Career Accelerator program through Podium Education and its benefits, visit careeraccelerator.smu.edu.