B.B.A. Mentor Alliance

Connect with 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. 

 

At a Glance

Who can participate: SMU Cox B.B.A. sophomores, juniors and seniors in good academic standing

Program length: August - May

Monthly meetings: One meeting per month

Meeting format: In person, virtually or by phone

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

Student application timeline: Eligible students will receive an email invitation toward the end of the spring term.

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. 

 

The B.B.A. Mentorship Journey

  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. The required training covers meeting guidelines, schedule of events, mentorship best practices, participant standards and monthly themes and resources.

  3. Meet your mentor | Early September

    Students and Mentors are thoughtfully matched based on a combination of shared interests, complementary career goals, and educational backgrounds.

  4. Build the relationship | September-May

    Put the skills and guidance gained during your program training into practice as you connect with your mentor for a 30-minute conversation each month. You'll receive support in preparing for and facilitating these meetings, along with suggested topics and resources to help guide meaningful discussions.

  5. Connect with the community | Fall and spring

    Participants are invited to in-person program socials in the fall and spring, providing opportunities to strengthen their mentoring relationships and connect with other program participants.

Learn from professionals who have been where you are.

B.B.A. Mentor Alliance mentors bring experience from across industries, career paths and stages of professional development. From emerging professionals to seasoned business leaders, our mentors offer valuable perspectives on navigating career decisions, exploring opportunities and building a foundation for professional success. Through these connections, Cox students gain firsthand insight into the business world and guidance from professionals who understand the opportunities and challenges of launching a career.

100+

B.B.A. mentors

91%+

One-to-one mentorship rate

Up to 20+

Years of professional experience

Questions?

Contact us at bbamentoralliance@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 business experience to support the next generation of business leaders. 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
More Chances to Mentor