Coleman Carter, SMU Cox MBA Class of 2020
Age: 27
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Harvard (Economics)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): IT Consulting at CPSG Partners/Mercer for 5 years
Why business school? Why now?
I wanted to learn new business skills and grow my professional network. My wife finished her Master’s degree at Vanderbilt in May, and now it is my turn!
Why SMU Cox? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to return to my home state and be in a smaller program where I could know most of my classmates.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think the most valuable thing I bring to my class is the belief that corporate culture is as important as a company’s profitability.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have competed in several gripping competitions. It is a very niche “sport” with a great community.
Post-MBA career interests?
Strategy and entrepreneurship.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I got a lot out of talking to current students and alumni about their experiences at their school.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started my application earlier to avoid a stressful sprint to the finish line.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Updating my resume feels like pulling teeth to me. Shout out to my school counselor wife for helping me!
What is your initial impression of SMU Cox’s students/culture/community?
The community is very strong, and second-years and alumni are very willing to help you out in any ways they can.
One thing you have learned about SMU Cox that has surprised you?
How quickly the module schedule moves. You have to stay on top of your work.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I feel like I just got here but am already on the internship hunt. The good part is that there are so many employers coming to campus that you have lots of opportunities to interact with them and see what their company culture is like.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the Global Leadership Program, which is a required part of the Cox MBA curriculum for First Years. We travel to two countries in our choice of Europe, Asia or South America, where we meet with local business and government leaders and visit manufacturing facilities to better understand the dynamics of global business.
