M.S. Career Advisory Board

Connect with experienced professionals who can help you expand your network, deepen your industry knowledge and turn your M.S. experience into momentum toward your career goals.

Turn new knowledge into career momentum.

Pursuing an M.S. degree can open new possibilities for where your career goes next. Whether you’re building the skills to advance in your current field or preparing to take your career in a new direction, the M.S. Career Advisory Board connects you with professionals who can offer relevant perspective along the way. 

Through regular one-on-one conversations, you can expand your professional network, deepen your understanding of industries and roles and gain practical insight into the opportunities you’re considering. Your mentor can help you connect what you’re learning at SMU Cox with the professional landscape ahead — giving you another perspective as you make decisions about your next move. 

At a Glance

Who can participate: Eligible incoming Cox M.S. students

Program length: September - May

Mentor meetings: 30 minutes each month

Meeting format: In person, virtually or by phone

Student commitment: Summer Career Kickstart course completion, signed participation agreement, monthly mentor meetings and in-person program events

Student application timeline: Express interest before beginning your degree program and complete your Kickstart course.

Make the most of your mentorship

A successful mentoring relationship depends on active participation from both the mentor and the student. Your mentor can bring valuable experience, perspective and industry insight to the relationship, but you will get the most from the experience by taking ownership of your conversations and connecting them to your goals. 

  • Come prepared. Mentors and mentees receive suggested monthly topics and resources to help guide conversations throughout the program. 
  • Take the lead. Plan to initiate and lead a 30-minute conversation with your mentor each month, whether you meet virtually or in person. 
  • Be specific about your goals. Use the relationship to explore the roles, industries, companies and career questions most relevant to your professional interests. 
  • Build your network thoughtfully. Approach mentorship as an opportunity to develop a meaningful professional relationship that can last beyond your time at SMU Cox, not simply as a source of job leads or introductions. 

 

The M.S. Mentorship Journey

  1. Prepare and express interest | Summer

    Before beginning your degree program, you’ll complete the Summer Kickstart course, which includes a “Get to Know You” survey and an agreement outlining mentorship expectations and your commitment to the program.

  2. Get matched | Early September

    Career coaches help match students with mentors based on factors such as job function, company interests, target markets, industry alignment and personal interests.

  3. Build the relationship | Academic year

    Lead a 30-minute conversation with your mentor each month. Suggested topics and resources are provided to support your discussions.

  4. Connect with the community | Fall and spring

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

Questions?

Contact Rhea Horton at rdhorton@smu.edu. 

 

Become a Mentor

If you’re interested in mentoring Specialized Master’s students, the SMU Cox M.S. Career Advisory Board is always open to SMU and Cox School alumni who are willing to dedicate approximately three hours a semester to mentorship and networking opportunities. While business experience is preferred, mentors are not required to hold a B.B.A., Specialized Master’s or MBA degree for consideration. No previous mentoring experience is required. Interested in mentoring at a different degree level? We also offer mentoring programs for our B.B.A. and MBA students.

Become a M.S. Mentor
More Chances to Mentor