Jessica North (BBA '08)

HOMETOWN
Salt Lake City, Utah

MAJORS
Finance, Political Science

INVOLVED IN
Cox BBA Scholar, University Honors Program, University Scholar, Emerging Leaders, WOW Leader, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity (vice president), Student Senator representing the Cox School, Honor Council, Delta Delta Delta, Cox Ambassadors, Order of Omega, Golden Key, Business Associates Program, Nominated by the Dean for SMU Most Outstanding Senior 2008

 
 

• Why did you decide to attend SMU Cox?  

I originally applied to colleges all across the country, but coming to visit campus made the decision to attend SMU an easy one.  Everyone was so welcoming and I really felt comfortable on campus.  Additionally, I knew that I wanted to study business and Cox has a great reputation not only in Texas, but throughout the country.   I also was accepted into the BBA Scholars Program where I got to enter the business school early.  Through this program and the honors program for the University I also received generous scholarship money.  

• Why would you recommend study abroad for other students?  

I studied abroad at SMU in Oxford.  Studying abroad was an amazing experience.  You will have the chance to meet so many new people and experience other cultures.  When else in your life can you take "field trips" to places like Stonehenge and Westminster Abbey?   I really was able to see during my experience how global business and society in general has become.  This was something that added a lot of value to both my classes when I returned and when interviewing for jobs later.  I would encourage everyone to go abroad, no matter where you decide to go. 

• Where have you worked or interned while at SMU?    

I did a summer internship the summer between my Junior and Senior year with Tolleson Wealth Management in Dallas, TX.  My internship was a rotation between their client advisory, investment, tax, accounting and corporate positions.  I had the opportunity to really get my hands on experience in a lot of different areas and discover what I enjoyed the most.  It was a great experience to apply everything I had been learning in the classroom to real life situations.  When the internship ended in August, I was lucky enough to receive a full-time offer of employment upon graduation the next summer.
    
• How did Cox prepare you for internships?  

The Cox school prepared me very well for my internship.  Everyone at the school really wants you to succeed.  My classes gave me the base of knowledge I needed.  Professors were always available to give you interview tips, advice and to help you make connections.  The career center is also outstanding.  I got help with my resume, did practice interviews, and lots of advice.   Cox also has great connections and an outstanding reputation in the Dallas business community.  The combination of all of these things gave me confidence for every interview I went on.  Additionally, at almost every interview I met another Cox graduate.  The alumni ties to the school are very strong, and these ties eventually helped me to land my internship. 

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

I would recommend SMU and Cox for many reasons.  First, the location in Dallas is great.  It's nice to have a small community in the business school, but also have the resources of a big city at your disposal.  There are endless opportunities in Dallas.  But, I think the biggest thing that makes SMU so special is the people.  Everyone is very welcoming and friendly.  The faculty and staff of the school really care about students.  Professors are always available outside of the classroom and want you to succeed.

• Who is your favorite Cox professor, and why?

My favorite Cox professor is Barbara Kincaid, who teaches Law and Taxation.  I am a double major in Finance and Political Science and this class was the perfect mix of the two for me.  She brings so much enthusiasm to the classroom and you really get into the material.   She is also a big advocate of everything SMU and encouraged everyone to attend everything the school has to offer, from football games, to Tate Lectures, to Meadow's performances.  Professor Kincaid also engaged everyone in the classroom and this made it very enjoyable to go to class every week.

• What do you plan to do after graduation?

I will be working as a Client Advisory Analyst for Tolleson Wealth Management in Dallas.