Q&As - We asked current student, Landon Hickam!

Landon Hickam is a Class of 2029 Business Analytics & Supply Chain Management major.

How has being part of the BBA Scholars program shaped your academic journey so far?

As a BBA Scholar, I get access to opportunities in the business school earlier than freshmen who aren’t in the program. Being part of this elite group coming out of high school has me taking classes in my second semester that are typically sophomore or even early junior-year classes. The main benefit for me is knowing that over 100 peers are doing as well, if not better, than I am. The competition motivates me to do well academically and uphold the prestigious reputation that the BBA Scholars program carries within Cox.

How do you balance the demands of athletics with the expectations of the BBA curriculum?

In my first semester at SMU, I got a good start on the BBA curriculum, while being in season with the Men's Soccer team. With the demands of travel and practice, it is easy to overlook the academics, which should come first. Prioritizing academics over social life in the first semester is what made the biggest difference for me. I allowed myself some fun once completing my work, but some days took more work than others. That is just the reality of being a student-athlete in a high-achieving academic environment.

The Career Accelerator Program is a major part of the BBA Scholar experience. What aspects of the Business Discovery course or career preparation resources have been most valuable to you?

The structure and accountability of the CAP Program have been the most valuable to me. First-year students are quick to write themselves off when it comes to interactions with professionals and getting in front of employers. In CAP, you not only have the opportunity to do this, but are required to if you want to stay in the program. That level of accountability, combined with resume reviews, employer exposure, and early access to internship opportunities, gives us a real head start.

What support systems have been most helpful for you as a BBA Scholar and student-athlete?

My peers have been my strongest support system. Being sociable in my classes helped me build friendships that became essential when I had to travel for soccer. Team-required study hours also kept me grounded, and reaching out to professors when needed made a big difference. With those combined supports, I was able to do well academically throughout the semester.

Looking ahead, how do you see your athletic background and business education working together in your future career path?

My athletic background is a large part of my marketability coming out of college. Being part of a high-performing team, such as the ACC-winning Men's Soccer team, gives employers confidence in my social skills and my ability to contribute to a high-performance environment. Pairing that with the hard skills and business foundation I’m gaining at Cox gives me a well-rounded profile for whatever career path I pursue.

Any advice for prospective students who are in the middle of their college search?

My advice for students in the middle of their college search would be to find a college that is not only proven to place students in jobs but also has the resources to allow you to figure out what you want to do if you’re unsure. At SMU Cox, there is a class that exposes you to all the majors in the business school to aid that process. Also, pay close attention to each school’s network. If you don’t plan to live near the university long-term, make sure it has strong connections in the region where you hope to build your career because those networks are vital for jobs and opportunities after college.