Collin Aufhammer (BBA '11)

HOMETOWN
Pasadena, California

MAJOR
Real Estate Finance

MINOR
Spanish

INVOLVED IN
University Honors Program, Mustang 11, Union, Mustang Maniacs (vice president), Campus Crusade for Christ, College Republicans, Cox BBA Scholar, Cox Ambassador

• Why did you decide to attend SMU Cox? 

I chose to attend the SMU Cox School of Business for a number of reasons including scholarships, the wide variety of majors within the school, and my admission to the BBA Scholars Program, which allowed me to enter the business school as a freshman. However, what really persuaded me to attend SMU Cox were the fantastic professors and the amazing BBA Program staff who were able to get me excited about my major and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They have truly taught me that my educational experience can be as great as I want it to be.

• Have you studied abroad?     

I have not studied abroad yet, however I am planning on traveling to Xalapa, Mexico next summer for a six-week language immersion program that will help expedite completion of my Spanish Minor credit requirements.    

• Where have you worked or interned while at SMU?

I've worked two different jobs so far while being a student at SMU. The first was a part-time retail job at a store called Martin+Osa. My second job was a summer internship with a company called Western Asset Management in Pasadena, CA. The company helps other companies manage their employees' 401ks programs and pension plans in low-risk markets such as bonds and money markets. 

• How did Cox prepare you for internships? 

SMU Cox did a very thorough job of preparing students for not only how to search for internships, but also how to address possible employers on the phone, through email, and in personal interviews. They even went so far as to offer students the chance to learn how to dine with prospective employers in the "Business Etiquette Dinner." Professors and BBA staff are always willing to help give students advice for resumes and interviews and many will even do mock interviews to prepare their students for the real thing. I feel very confident during interviews and internships because of the valuable advice and information I've learned while at Cox.

• Why would you recommend SMU and Cox to prospective students?

I recommend SMU and the Cox School of Business to prospective students because it is truly one of the top business schools in the country. Professors are top notch, study abroad programs are very accommodating to Cox students, Cox facilities offer students great opportunities for research and learning, the SMU and Cox alumni network is very strong and continuing to grow, and lastly internship opportunities in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and in many cities across the US is unparalleled. 

• What do you plan to do after graduation?

As of right now, the plan is to return to Southern California and to pursue a career in finance or investment, but everyone knows things can change in two or three years so we'll see what really happens.