Tag: pbi

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

Advancing High-Impact Practices: A Semester of Engagement in Pathways to Business and Industry

Business Journalism alumni

This fall, PBI continued its collaboration with key partners, including the Hegi Family Career Center, Mustang Mentors, University Advising Center, and Peer Academic Leaders (PALs). We are also excited to announce new collaborations with the Lyle Career Center and the Meadows School of the Arts Alumni and Career Success office.

PBI hosts events that promote recruitment and engagement for students interested in careers in business and industry, particularly for those not majoring in a Cox School of Business program.

PBI Playbook: Key Plays
The PBI Playbook provides students with a roadmap of experiences they can engage in to explore careers in business and industry. Key plays that students could have checked-off this fall included:

  • Scheduling an Advising Session
  • PBI Welcome Social
  • Welcome to Lyle: Pathways Prep
  • Pathways to Careers in Business Journalism Alumni Lunch & Learn
  • PBI Coffee Chat with Steppingblocks Digital Career Counselor
  • Introduction to Business Research
  • Scheduling a Degree Planning Session with PBI PALs
  • History in Action: Pathways to Business and Beyond

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) Office Hours
This spring, PBI PALs Ruth Assefa and Tiffany Nguyen will continue hosting office hours to provide mentorship and guidance to current PBI students. They are available for coffee chats and can assist students with navigating the Steppingblocks Digital Career Counselor platform. Meetings with Ruth and Tiffany can be scheduled easily through SMU 360.

Upcoming Events

  • Cox 4+1 Webinar: PBI and the SMU Cox School of Business will host a webinar on December 4th from 12–1 PM. This event is open to all undergraduate majors. Students can register here.
  • January Stampede Family Fest: PBI will be recruiting incoming transfer students on January 15th.

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

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

Connecting Majors to Careers: PBI Campus Collaborations

Meadows business journalism students presenting

The Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) initiative is working with campus partners to help students explore how their academic interests can translate into careers. These upcoming events reveal how different majors and skills can open doors to a variety of opportunities in the business world. Encourage students who are interested in business but not in the business school to attend. Students can register for events on SMU360.

Business Journalism Alumni Lunch and Learn – Wednesday, Oct. 29 | 12–1 p.m. | HTSC Chamber
Students can hear from SMU alumni who have built careers reporting on markets, companies, and economic trends. Alumni panelists include Elizabeth Guevara (Breaking News Writer for Investopedia), Shelbie Hamilton (Denton County Editor, Community Impact), Connor Pittman (McKinney Editor, Community Impact), and Saniha Aziz (Lead Communications Director, USAA), moderated by Professor Jake Batsell, Chair in Business Journalism.

Introduction to Business Research – Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Fondren Library 109
In collaboration with the Duda Family Business Library, this workshop introduces students to essential business research tools and databases that can support career exploration and professional development.

History in Action: Pathways to Business and Beyond – Wednesday, Nov. 13 | 3–4 p.m. | Virtual
Partnering with the University Advising Center and Department of History, this session highlights how history students translate classroom skills into careers across industries, demonstrating the value of transferable skills in the workplace.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry

PBI PAL Student Spotlight: Ruth Assefa

SMU student Ruth Assafa

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. 

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

Fall 2025 Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) Events

Students attending alumni panel

We’re excited to kick off the Fall 2025 semester with a strong start! On August 28th, we welcomed 32 students to our PBI Welcome Social, a great sign of growing interest in professional development and career exploration. 

We’re especially grateful for the support from faculty and staff across campus — including the Lyle School of Engineering, Department of History, Meadows School of the Arts, Office of General Education, University Advising Center, Office of Engaged Learning, and PBI PALs Tiffany Nguyen and Ruth Assefa — who help make these opportunities visible and impactful for students. 

This semester, the Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) initiative will host a variety of events designed to help undergraduate students explore career paths, connect with industry professionals, and build key skills for the future. These events are open to all students interested in business and industry, who are not pursuing a major in the Cox School of Business. 

Please encourage your students to check out the full list of upcoming events and register on SMU 360. 

 

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

Reflecting on a Successful Year: SMU Pathways to Business and Industry

As we wrap up another incredible year, the SMU Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) initiative is proud to reflect on its accomplishments and milestones. With 51 events hosted or co-hosted, we’ve been able to offer students countless opportunities to engage with industry professionals, peers, and mentors across various fields. 

One of the most exciting highlights was the hiring of Tiffany Nguyen as our PBI Peer Academic Leader (PAL). Tiffany’s dedication and leadership have been invaluable in fostering student engagement and success throughout the year. 

Our collaborations with key partners, including the Hegi Family Career Center and the University Advising Center, have played a pivotal role in connecting students to resources and providing the support they need to thrive. A particularly memorable event was the Pathways to Careers in Management Science Alumni Panel Lunch and Learn, a collaboration with the Lyle School of Engineering. This event provided an exclusive opportunity for students to interact with successful alumni and gain insights into the diverse career paths within management science. 

Additionally, we’ve continued to highlight valuable tools such as the Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor, which helps students better understand career trends and access personalized career insights. We’ve also produced the Pathways to Business and Industry Playbook – a comprehensive guide for students with campus resources and partners to know, as well as actions they can take to prepare for their future career.

Overall, this year has been filled with meaningful connections, exciting collaborations, and a continued commitment to providing students with the resources they need to succeed in the business world. We look forward to another year of growth and opportunities for our SMU community! 

PBI is currently planning programming and events for the fall, so if you are interested in collaborating with PBI for fall 2025, please contact us at pbi@smu.edu.  

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

Pathways to Business and Industry Spring 2025 Events

SMU Pathways to Business & Industry logo

 

 

The Pathways to Business & Industry initiative offers a full slate of spring programs in collaboration with campus partners. These opportunities are designed for students interested in exploring business and industry careers while pursuing a major in another field. Students can register for events through SMU360.

Social & Networking Events
PBI Scholars Welcome Social
Enjoy free tacos, meet other students and faculty, and learn about resources available on campus.
– Thurs, Jan 30, 2-4 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den

TGIF Lunch in the Scholars Den with PBI
Come have lunch and meet other students and staff in the PBI program.
– Fri, Feb 21, 12-1 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den

Workshops, Trainings & Panels
Pathways to Careers in Management Science 
Learn what a B.S. in Management Science can do for your future from a panel of recent SMU alumni. Lunch provided. Co-hosted with Lyle School of Engineering.
– Wed, Feb 19, 12-1 PM, HTSC Chamber

Introduction to Business Research 
Learn to use Mergent Intellect, IBISWorld, and Factiva to investigate companies and the industries they operate in. Co-hosted with Duda Family Business Library.
– Tues, Feb 18, 11AM-12 PM, Fondren Library 110

Degree Planner Workshop
Get help using SMU Degree Planner from your Peer Academic Leader (PAL).
– Thu, Feb 27, 2-3 PM, Fondren Library 109

Stepping Blocks Workshops
Learn how to use the Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor as a tool to guide your career path forward.
– Tuesday, March 4, 12:30-2:30 PM, Online
– Tuesday, April 15, 12:30-1:30 PM, Online

Advising & Mentorship
PBI Coffee Chats
We’re here for you! Enjoy some coffee or tea and have a one-on-one chat with PBI staff.
– Schedule anytime by e-mailing pbi@smu.edu

PBI PAL Office Hours
Have questions? Want to learn more? Meet with your PBI Peer Academic Leader (PAL) Tiffany Nguyen.
– Mon, Feb 3, 1:30-3:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– Tues, Feb 4, 12:30-2:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– More dates to come. Check schedule on SMU360.

PBI UAC Advising
Receive one-on-one advising with a PBI University Advising Center advisor.
– Workshop: Mon, Mar 10, 3-4 PM, Hughes-Trigg 227
– PBI Drop-in Advising: Mon, Mar 31, 2-4:30 PM, Blanton 408F
– PBI Drop-in Advising, Mon, April 7, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– PBI Drop-in Advising, Mon, April 9, Online

 

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Office of General Education Peer Academic Leaders Student Academic Engagement & Success

Peer Academic Leaders complete programming for Fall 2024

The Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) have completed their programs and events for the Fall 2024 semester. The PALs are a diverse group of undergraduate students who dedicate their time to helping their peers succeed academically.

Under the direction of the Office of General Education and in collaboration with Residence Life and Student Housing, the PALs plan and execute engaging programming on campus and in their assigned Residential Commons.

Some highlights from the semester include:

The Office of General Education is proud of the continued success of the PALs program. Students are encouraged to keep up with PALs events through SMU 360 or by following them on Instagram (@pals_smu). Faculty and staff are encouraged to promote PALs one-on-one appointments to students as well.

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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.