Marshall Vandermeer, SMU Cox MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas A&M University, Chemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I worked as a senior consultant for an environmental consulting firm, Trinity Consultants, for 4 years before attending SMU.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Although I enjoyed the science and technology of chemical engineering, much of my work was implementation oriented and did not allow me to see a top-down perspective of my clients’ business. I decided to get my MBA to gain the business acumen and opportunity to pivot into a role where I could be involved in impactful decision making for companies and not only drive revenue for my employer but also change in the field in which I was working.
Why did you choose SMU Cox School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose SMU Cox for a number of reasons, the first of which was the school’s unmatched reputation and network in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. SMU Cox has an impressive faculty that are experts in their field academically but also many of them have a wealth of experience in industry as well. And lastly, I visited a number of schools before making my decision and I felt that the culture of Cox was most aligned with my personality and values and was the best fit for me personally.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I think my work experience is a differentiating contribution that I bring to the class of 2026. There are a handful of engineers in my class but my work in the oil and gas and petrochemical industries in unique among them and especially with the focus on the environmental side and sustainability.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m obsessed with playing pickleball.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be open to possibilities. I was unsure when I began this process of where I wanted to go and what exactly I was looking to do. It was certainly more work to do the research and explore more options, but it was well worth it.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start earlier on anything that can be done before the applications open. Round one goes by quickly when you are busy with work and trying to do as many applications as you can before the deadlines.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
For me, the biggest hurdle was writing essays. I think what got me through this is writing drafts and revising over time with feedback from trusted sources rather than trying to do it all in a day or two on my own.
What is your initial impression of the SMU Cox School of Business students/culture/community?
My first impression was organized, ambitious, and supportive.
What is one thing you have learned about SMU Cox School of Business that has surprised you?
Although I knew SMU had great connections and career management, the overwhelming support and resources to draw from in my career search has been amazing and exceeded my expectations.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The one thing I am most anxious about is having enough time to be a part of all the opportunities that Cox and an MBA offers, on top of school, recruiting, and personal life.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to get to know my cohort and build some relationships that will hopefully last a lifetime
