Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) provides a unique opportunity for first- and second-year undergraduate students, as well as transfer students, who plan to pursue careers in business and industry but are not enrolled in the Cox School of Business. It offers access to a range of internship opportunities and exclusive activities, guiding students as they explore potential majors, and connecting them with relevant classes tailored to their interests and career goals. The program serves as a bridge for students, empowering them with resources and support geared towards their professional aspirations.
In the role of Pathways to Business and Industry Peer Academic Leader (PBI PAL), Ruth serves as a peer advisor and representative of this initiative. She will help to increase peer-to-peer engagement, plan events for PBI students, and strengthen connections with student groups across campus.
Q: What intrigued you about PBI and what made you apply to be a PBI PAL?
The mission of PBI was one I wanted to contribute to because PBI gives students a real chance to achieve their career goals by giving them resources to obtain certifications, training, and attending business related events and much more. My past job experiences and knowledge of technical industry was one of the main reasons I applied to be a PBI PAL because I felt like it was a good match to influence non-business students.
Q: What skillsets are you hoping to gain personally and professionally?
I believe by taking on the role as a PBI PAL affords me the opportunity to advise students on campus in career and by providing academic support, this puts me in a position to continue to grow in public speaking. I would like to continue to gain skills in event planning, and I believe this position will help me increase my skills in organizational and logistical coordination.
Q: What skillsets are you hoping to share with other students through PBI PAL events and programs?
I’m hoping to share my technical skills with other students because of my background in Computer Science. I feel like the business field and technology field intersect at times and I believe that I can help students find resources that can help them strengthen their technical skills as they explore other careers and internships that intersect with technology and business.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most by being a PBI PAL this academic year?
What I am looking forward to the most is creating and organizing events that can help non-business students. For example, the upcoming PBI PAL Data Analysis and Visualization Workshop that I am hosting with the SMU Statistics and Data Science Club will provide students with an understanding of how data science connects with the business world by walking them through a mini project where they are experimenting with Python and other coding tools. Undergraduate students can develop skills in data science by learning to use relevant tools, gaining insight into how these skills can open pathways into careers in business and industry.
Q: As a PBI PAL, what services can you provide to undergraduate students that are interested in business and majoring in a non-business major?
Undergraduate students can register on SMU 360 and sign up for my office hours for the fall on Mondays and Wednesdays. During my office hours I can help students navigate the PBI Playbook which lays out key steps on being successful as a PBI student, teach students how to use degree planner on SMU dashboard, help students explore opportunities and resources by reminding them to schedule their appointments with their career counselors and engage with Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor.
To find out more about PBI, visit smu.edu/pbi or to have student sign up for Ruth’s office hours, visit SMU 360.
Melina Padron will join the Office of General Education team on Monday, July 24. Padron’s professional experience includes serving as an enrollment counselor and, most recently, serving as an admissions counselor at Arizona College of Nursing.