B.B.A. Mentor Alliance

Connect with experienced professionals who can help you explore career possibilities, build confidence and prepare for your transition to the workplace.

Turn career possibilities into a clearer path forward

The B.B.A. Mentor Alliance connects SMU Cox undergraduate students with professionals who can help them explore where their interests and ambitions might lead. Through regular one-on-one conversations, students gain firsthand perspective on careers, industries and the professional world while developing the confidence and habits that can help them make the most of their early career journey. 

More than a source of career advice, mentorship is an opportunity to learn from someone who has already navigated many of the choices ahead. Your mentor can offer perspective, ask thoughtful questions and help you build a stronger understanding of the opportunities available to you — and how you want to pursue them. 

 

Is the B.B.A. Mentor Alliance right for you?

You don't need to have your career path figured out to benefit from a mentor. The B.B.A. Mentor Alliance is designed for SMU Cox sophomores, juniors and seniors who are ready to take an active role in their professional development.  

The program may be a good fit if you want to explore potential careers or industries, learn how professionals navigate important career decisions, strengthen your professional communication and relationship-building skills or gain a perspective on the working world that complements what you're learning at SMU Cox. 

 

At a Glance

Who can participate: SMU Cox B.B.A. sophomores, juniors and seniors

Program length: August - May

Mentor meetings: 30 minutes each month, virtually or in person

Student commitment: Required training, monthly mentor meetings and in-person program events

Program events: Once per semester

Make the most of your mentorship

A strong mentoring relationship is a shared commitment. Your mentor can offer experience, perspective and guidance, but you play an important role in shaping where the conversation goes. By coming prepared, staying curious and taking an active role in the relationship, you can make each conversation more meaningful — and build professional habits that will serve you well beyond the program. 

  • Come prepared. Set goals and bring questions or topics to your conversations. 
  • Take ownership. Be proactive about scheduling, communication and follow-through. 
  • Stay curious. Use the relationship to explore perspectives and experiences beyond your own. 
  • Build the relationship. Approach mentorship as an opportunity for ongoing learning and connection, not simply as a source of job leads. 

 

How the B.B.A. Mentor Alliance works

  1. Apply | Late spring

    Applications for the upcoming academic year open near the end of the spring term. Eligible SMU Cox B.B.A. students receive the application directly by email.

  2. Prepare | Late August

    Selected participants attend required training to prepare for a successful mentoring relationship and learn what to expect throughout the program.

  3. Meet your mentor | Early September

    Students are thoughtfully matched with mentors based primarily on career and industry interests, with additional consideration given to professional roles, organizations, backgrounds and shared interests.

  4. Build the relationship | September-May

    Take the lead in scheduling a 30-minute conversation with your mentor each month. Monthly topics and resources can help you make the most of your time together.

  5. Connect with the community | Fall and spring

    Participate in an in-person program event each semester, including an early fall event and a late spring event.

Ready to find your mentor?

Your career doesn't have to be fully mapped out to start learning from someone who's been there. The B.B.A. Mentor Alliance can help you explore what's possible, learn from experience and build professional relationships that prepare you for what comes next. 

Applications for the upcoming academic year are emailed to eligible SMU Cox B.B.A. students near the end of the spring term. 

Questions? Contact Yasmin German at yazming@smu.edu. 

 

Become A Mentor

If you’re interested in mentoring B.B.A. students, the SMU Cox B.B.A. Mentor Alliance is currently seeking SMU and Cox School alumni with 1+ years of professional experience to dedicate three hours a semester to mentorship. While business experience is preferred, mentors are not required to hold a B.B.A. or MBA degree for consideration. No previous mentoring experience is required. If you're interested in mentoring at a different degree level, we also offer mentoring programs for our Specialized Master’s and MBA students.

Become a B.B.A. Mentor
Learn more