Lauren Irwin (BBA '09) 

HOMETOWN
Springdale, Arkansas

MAJORS
Marketing, Spanish

INVOLVED IN
University Honors Program, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity (Secretary and VP Scholarship and Awards), Cox BBA Scholar, Cox Ambassadors, Delta Delta Delta, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Order of Omega


• Why did you decide to attend SMU Cox?

First, the outstanding reputation of SMU Cox drew my interest right from the start! Second, I was fortunate enough to receive the honor to be a BBA Scholar as well as a University Distinguished Scholar.  Third, I felt that the knowledge I could gain from SMU and the city of Dallas would provide me with the background I would need to make a successful entrance into the business world. This great city offers endless opportunities in business and many extraordinary attractions.

• Have you studied abroad? 

Yes, in Xalapa, Mexico and Madrid, Spain.  Before even stepping foot on campus, I knew I wanted to study abroad. The best way to learn about another country is to personally experience it. Living with a host family encouraged me to discover new customs and expand my cultural education. With today's global society, there is no better way to experience another culture than to dive right in through one of SMU's incredible abroad opportunities. 

• Where have you worked or interned while at SMU? 

I worked at J. Crew in Dallas during my sophomore year and continued with J. Crew in New York City the following summer. Currently I am interning with PepsiCo focusing on the company's multicultural marketing strategy to Wal-Mart.

• How did Cox prepare you for internships?

A key part of job searching is networking. Through workshops and classes, Cox teaches the importance of networking and helps students position themselves to discover job opportunities that might otherwise be impossible to find. I actually received my internship with PepsiCo from a contact I met in line at the New York airport. 
Cox has taught me the strategies of marketing, and I now have the opportunity to apply these concepts within the real world. All of Cox's courses have taught me useful tips that I have used daily while interning with PepsiCo. The Cox BBA program includes a number of general education courses in areas such as Information Technology and Management, which are useful in any business field. 

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

With SMU's top academics combined with a beautiful campus and many diverse organizations, it's hard to say no. SMU and Cox have paved my way in growing as a young professional with a positive future ahead. 

• Who is your favorite Cox professor, and why?

My favorite Cox professor is Thomas Poehlman, a professor of International Marketing. An education both inside and outside of the classroom is vital in today's society. Studying in a foreign place has broadened my perspective on the different cultures of today, and Professor Poehlman has shown me the importance of understanding a country's business environment before experiencing it firsthand. He has helped me to have a better understanding of what is important in today's international marketplace and not just what we may see from an outside perspective. 

• What do you plan to do after graduation?

After graduation I am very interested in the business marketplace on both a domestic and international level. I hope to utilize both of my degrees, and I am excited to see where they will take me. I am a flexible individual, and I know that SMU has prepared me to face the future and take advantage of the many opportunities that are ahead.