Pathways to Business and Industry

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 SMU to set you apart in business and industry. This isn’t just a planning tool—it’s 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 SMU 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.

  • photo of Dallas Hall at SMU

    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.

    Explore Majors

  • photo of Blanton Hall at SMU

    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

  • Photo of networking event with people talking and smiling

    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

  • Photo of Peer Academic Leaders (PALs)

    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

  • Group photo of Big iDeas winners with big checks

    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

  • two students on a bench laughing

    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 SMU. 

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

    Get a Mentor

Get involved

  • JOIN PBI

    Signup form

  • Contact PBI

    pbi@smu.edu

  • How to Explore Majors

    Learn how to find a major that works for your career goals.

    Explore Majors

  • News & Stories

    Read recent success stories and program updates

    Read stories

  • Events

    View the most updated PBI events on SMU 360

    Attend

Helpful resources

Duda Family Business Library

On-demand learning from Franklin Covey

Free courses through LinkedIn Learning

Steppingblocks digital career counselor

SMU Global Career Accelerator

Contact us

  • Headshot of Alisha Bailey

    Alisha Bailey

    Alisha Bailey is Assistant Director of the Office of Engaged Learning. She can answer your questions about Pathways to Business and Industry!

    Make an appointment

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 SMU Pathways to Business and Industry SMU 360.

No, PBI is a SMU 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!

Upcoming Pathways events

  • Office Hours with PBI PAL

    Thursday, November 13, 2025, 1:00pm — Private Location (sign in to display) Join your PBI Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) for office hours to check in on your academic progress and extracurricular involvement. This session also...

  • Office Hours with PBI PAL

    Monday, November 17, 2025, 9:30am — Blanton 338 Join your PBI Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) for office hours to check in on your academic progress and extracurricular involvement. This session also...

  • Office Hours with PBI PAL

    Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 1:00pm — Scholars' Den Join your PBI Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) for office hours to check in on your academic progress and extracurricular involvement. This session also...

News and Announcements