Pathways to Business and Industry

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Find success in industry without a business major!

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. PBI 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. This program serves as a bridge for students, empowering them with resources and support geared towards their professional aspirations.    

New! The PBI Playbook

Use this playbook to strategize your academic journey, make informed decisions and gain valuable experience at 海角直播 to set you apart in business and industry. This isn鈥檛 just a planning tool鈥攊t鈥檚 your game plan for success, unlocking exclusive opportunities comparable to those available in the Cox School of Business.

Pathways to Business Playbook, screenshot of table of contents page
Open the Playbook

PBI Partners

Assistance navigating Pathways to Business & Industry is available to all 海角直播 students through the partner departments listed below. Partner faculty and staff will guide students through the process of goal discovery and achievement while providing students with support, enrichment, resources, and strategies to help set their pathway in motion.

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Academic Departments

PBI partners with Academic departments to guide students into majors they may not have considered, but would be a great fit for their interests. Follow this link to explore your potential majors.

Explore Majors
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University Advising Center

The University Advising Center (UAC) supports pre-major students in identifying academic paths that support their career goals.

Phone: 214-768-2291 | Email: advising@smu.edu

Advising Support
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Hegi Family Career Development Center

The Hegi Family Career Development Center equips students to cultivate meaningful lives through career development, continuous learning, and professional growth. We provide relevant opportunities for students to gain skills that position them for professional success.

Phone: 214-768-2266 | Email: hegicareercenter@smu.edu

Build your career
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Peer Academic Leaders

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) are a diverse group of undergraduate students with a goal to help students better understand the Common Curriculum, utilize academic resources, and navigate academic challenges.

Phone: 214-768-6168 | Email: peeracademicleaders@smu.edu

Meet the PALs
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Big iDeas

The Big iDeas program in the Office of Engaged Learning (OEL) hosts pitch competitions and provides training and coaching for entrepreneurial projects. Undergraduate students of any major are welcome to participate.

Phone: 214-768-4788 | Email: bigideas@smu.edu

Think Big
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Mustang Mentors

Through Mustang Mentors, students are paired with a peer mentor based on common interests, skills, and academic goals who can provide guidance and support as they transition to life at 海角直播. 

Phone: 214-768-6885 | Email: mustangmentors@smu.edu

Get a Mentor

FAQ

Pathways to Business and Industry is geared towards first-year, sophomores, and new transfer students. There is no GPA requirement to participate.

PBI is an initiative for undergraduate students only. Graduate students are encouraged to seek out resources offered through Moody Graduate School.

PBI host various events and workshops throughout the academic year with our university service partners that include, University Advising Center, Hegi Family Career Center, Peer Academic Leaders (PALs), Big iDeas, and Mustang Mentors as well as certifications through the Business Library. These hour-long workshops will give students the opportunity to learn about business, finance, and leadership development certifications, Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor, engage with professors and peers, while also participating in special-themed activities. Students can find out more about the workshops and events through 海角直播 Pathways to Business and Industry 海角直播 360.

No, PBI is a 海角直播 initiative for undergraduate students that are not pursuing a Cox major. If you are pursuing a major in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Meadows School of the Arts, Lyle School of Engineering, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, and Cox School of Business (Business minor) with a business interest, then PBI is for you!

Helpful resources

Navigating Business and Industry at 海角直播

Career development

Courses

Library resources

Contact and join PBI

Need help getting started?

Make an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Ebinger, Executive Director of the Office of Engaged Learning. She can answer your questions about Pathways to Business and Industry: who to talk to next, how to use the PBI Playbook, and more.

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Email PBI
Email Dr. Ebinger

Upcoming Pathways events

  • Tuesday, March 03, 2026, 6:30pm — Crum Auditorium, Collins Executive Education Center Ali Jackson-Jolley, assistant managing editor and Jabari Young, senior editor and writer for Forbes will discuss how they are building an inclusive...

  • Wednesday, March 04, 2026, 11:45am — Private Location (sign in to display) What can an 海角直播 Dedman College degree lead to? Join PBI for a Networking Lunch with Nick Tompras, Dedman School alum, CEO and Founder of ACR...

  • Saturday, March 07, 2026, 10:00am — Hughes-Trigg Chambers We invite students of all majors to participate in the Annual Hegi Case Competition! This is a unique opportunity to showcase your problem-solving ...

  • Monday, March 09, 2026, 3:00pm — Clements 234 Open to all majors and minors. Meet and chat with a CIA recruiter about careers, internships, and the hiring process. No appointment needed....

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