Wesley Wilson Clingman, SMU Cox MBA Class of 2020
Age: 26
Hometown: Montgomery, AL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The University of Virginia : Major, Government
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Stephens Inc. – Investment Banking (3 1/2 years); Jim Wilson & Associates – Real Estate (3 months)
Why business school? Why now?
I was looking to pivot careers and business school was an opportunity to invest in my education and better equip myself for a broader range of career choices.
Why SMU Cox? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
SMU’s Cox School of Business has an excellent reputation, and I was particularly drawn to the student / professor ratio and the caliber of faculty. The Cox School also offers an extensive alumni network.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
We are most valuable as a collective group. The more we learn from one another’s skill sets and backgrounds, the more we enhance our own MBA experience.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love horses!
Post-MBA career interests?
Business Development, Brand Management and Entrepreneurship.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit the school and meet current students.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started studying earlier for the GMAT / GRE.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT / GRE. The opportunity for a great education helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of SMU Cox’s students/culture/community?
SMU’s Cox community is extremely friendly and tight-knit. The faculty welcomes questions and new ideas. As a class we enjoy working hard, but we also love intramural sports and happy hours.
One thing you have learned about SMU Cox that has surprised you?
SMU has incredible career resources as well as academic resources. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Business Leadership Program seminars as well as student led organizations.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Mod A Finals.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
To have a better understanding of business fundamentals and to have made new friends.
