Career Support & Outcomes

Every SMU Cox student enjoys full access to the services and public facilities available on the SMU campus. This includes study and meeting room reservation capabilities, access to research materials and business publications through the Duda Family Business Library, invitations to join educational and networking events sponsored by our 15+ Centers and Institutes, mentoring and career support from the Career Management Center (CMC), participation in graduate student clubs and organizations, and more.

Our graduates frequently share that these services and activities were a valuable part of their overall experience at SMU Cox. We encourage all our students to get involved early and often to maximize the long-lasting career benefits of our community and our network.

Career Management Center

From the day you enroll at SMU Cox, our Career Management Center team is on hand to help you achieve your professional goals. Every MBA student is assigned a dedicated Career Support Coach who will work to understand your unique experience and skill strengths and guide your career development. SMU Cox Coaches are all seasoned professionals with corporate and higher education experience, well-prepared to help you navigate career changes, industry transitions, promotions, internships and new roles. And Career coaching and job placement assistance is lifelong. SMU Cox Alumni can take advantage of a dedicated Alumni Career Support Coach available to all graduates.

Resources and services offered by the CMC include:

Alumni Career Coaching and Services
Assessment Tools
Career Planning
Coaching
Cox Mentorship Academy (MBA students only)
Industry-Specific Informational & Networking Events

In Person and Virtual Career Fairs
International Student Career Resources
Interview Preparation
Resume Review
Salary Negotiation

Career Management Center: By The Numbers

3000+

Company Contacts Across DFW and Beyond

500+

Active Hiring Companies

200+

Networking/Career Events in 2024

Meet Your Experienced Professional Program Career Support Coaches

Anne Cadigan-Dunlap

Anne Cadigan-Dunlap, Director of Working Professional Career Programs, has served in a variety of positions in the Cox Career Management Center since 2017. Annie is certified at the PCC level by the International Coaching Federation as both an Executive Coach and a University Career Coach. She is experienced in coaching adults with ADD/ADHD. Her professional career includes experience in industrial manufacturing, CRE with a focus on retail development/leasing, business development and managing her own executive coaching practice. She holds a B.A. from Colgate University in History and an MBA from the Wharton School in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management.

Alicia Love

Alicia Love, Associate Director of Working Professional Career Programs, brings eight + years of experience at SMU spans from coaching Masters and PhD students in the Lyle School of Engineering to MS Business Analytics students in Cox and undergraduate/graduate for Dedman, Meadows and Simmons. Alicia received her university coaching training from the National Association of Colleges and Employers and Stanford University’s Life Design for University Educators. Most recently, Alicia managed campus and MBA recruiting for Keurig Dr Pepper. She has international degrees from Vanderbilt University (B.A.) and UVA (M.A.) and her MEd from SMU in Higher Education Administration and Leadership.

Meet Your Early Career Program Career Support Coaches

Judi Umali-Rajkumar

Judi Umali-Rajkumar leads career programs and services for MBA Direct and Full-Time MBA students. With 20+ years of career coaching, recruitment, talent development, and HR experience across financial services, consulting, tech, automotive, hospitality, and higher education industries, she leverages employer insights to help MBA’s tell and adapt their personal brand stories to diverse employer audiences. Judi also specializes in consulting and case interview preparation.

Shanna Upchurch

Shanna Upchurch has over a decade of experience in career coaching, recruiting, admissions, and program development. She supports MBA students throughout their career journey. Her background includes corporate marketing and brand management, leading cross-functional teams and driving operational improvements. Shanna specializes in job search strategy, resume writing, and personalized career development plans, helping students clarify goals and communicate their value with confidence.

Irina Owens

Irina Owens has been a long-standing member of the MBA coaching team, with over 10 years of experience coaching Cox students. In addition to being our go-to marketing and brand career coach, she will provide generalized career coaching support this summer. Prior to her time in the academic space, Irina has 15 years in the CPG industry, working with various companies like Information Resource, Inc (IRI) on the Frito-Lay account, Nielsen, Keurig Dr Pepper (Formerly known as Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPSG)), and Red Bull North America.

Alex Cross

With 15+ years of experience in finance, operations, and consulting at companies like PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, American Airlines, and Mosaic Sales Solutions, Alex Cross brings deep industry knowledge and a strategic approach to career development. She has successfully coached MBA students to identify their ideal career paths, whether that’s to grow within their companies or navigate the external recruiting process, ultimately landing the roles to which they aspire.

Shilpa Hegde

Shilpa Hegde draws on experience in career coaching, student affairs, admissions, and academic advising at institutions like SMU Cox, NYU, and UT Austin. She specializes in helping MBA students translate their strengths into meaningful career outcomes. Shilpa’s approach blends individualized coaching, skill-building workshops, and strategic networking to equip students with the tools and confidence to succeed in competitive recruiting environments and achieve lasting professional success.

More Ways to Build Your Network and Develop Career-Changing Skills

Online MBA students have full access to the SMU campus, facilities and resources. Maximize your MBA experience by participating in a variety of organizations, centers and institutes that offer meaningful in person, and occasionally virtual, opportunities to learn, grow and connect.

professor and student discuss homework assignment

Cox Mentorship Academy

The Cox Mentorship Academy thoughtfully matches mentors to support professional growth.

Student Club & Organizations

Over 25 graduate-level student clubs and organizations to connect with SMU Cox peers.

Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom

The Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom promotes economic research and discussion.

Maguire Energy Institute

The Maguire Energy Institute supports energy students with networking events, treks & more.

Business Leadership Center

The Business Leadership Center offers skill-building programs & seminars taught by experts.

Folsom Institute for Real Estate

The Folsom Institute for Real Estate offers networking and hands-on learning experiences.

Brierley Institute for Customer Engagement

The Brierley Institute for Customer Engagement offers an MBA specialization, corporate projects and events.

photo of man at Caruth Dallas 100 podium

Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship sponsors monthly venture community forums.

Duda Family Business Library

The Duda Family Business Library dedicated business librarians and research resources.

Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship supports young entrepreneurs.

Students lined up in the Cox School with awards

JCPenney Center for Retail Excellence

The JCPenney Center for Retail Excellence supports retail careers with internships & networking events.

Niemi Center for Economic Growth & Leadership Development

The Niemi Center for Economic Growth & Leadership Development offers Research Fellowships.

phone of Spears Institute LAUNCH accelerator

Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership

The Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership helps turn ideas into businesses.

Online MBA Student Outcomes

Experienced Professional Class of 2024 Stats

44%

On average, graduates saw a 44% increase in salary.*

64%

Percentage of graduates received a promotion within in 4 months of graduation.

1/3

Almost 1/3 of graduates pivoted to a new function or industry within 4 months of graduation.

^{*Weighted average of 115 reported salaries.}

Early Career (MBA Direct) Class of 2024 Stats

43%

Almost 43% of graduates changed job function within 3 months of graduation.

67%

Percentage of graduates received a promotion within 3 months of graduation.

21%

Percentage of graduates changed industries within 3 months of graduation.

Alumni Stories

John B.

“The program accelerated my professional growth. I was promoted two rungs up right after I finished the program.”

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Kyle T.

“The impact has been immediate. I landed a new job at a startup, two levels up the career ladder. The knowledge and confidence I gained were direct contributors to this advancement.”

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Tamaris C.

"The best decision I’ve ever made. I made a major career move. I credit the program with opening those doors.”

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Connect with a Current Student

Start leveraging the Cox School community now. Reach out to a current student via our messaging platform, Unibuddy, and get your questions answered about Online MBA ROI, outcomes, and even cohort FAQs. The welcoming network at SMU Cox is ready to chat even before your day one.

Let's Connect