Nicole Francis, SMU Cox MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Coppell, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas A&M University, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Civil Engineer in Strategic Solutions, Black & Veatch, 5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My last role at Black & Veatch exposed me to the strategic decision-making required of utility management. I’m pursuing an MBA to better understand the motivations behind these decisions so that I can more effectively help clients across multiple industries.
Timing will never be perfect for you to quit your job, but I had accomplished a career milestone (Professional Engineering license) and felt I had learned enough transferable skills to make me a marketable hire after graduating from school.
Why did you choose SMU Cox School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The staff and alumni at SMU Cox are all so eager for you to succeed. The career coaches understand how to help students navigate the changes and, provide endless resources alumni connections, and assign second-year student mentors according to your career interests. The SMU network, combined with the high ROI of their program, made Cox an easy decision for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I enjoy connecting with people and championing them in their own developmental goals, so I’ve dedicated a lot of time towards building a sense of camaraderie among our cohort by creating interest groups and identifying beneficial connections for my peers.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was voted both “Most Likely to be studying at the library on Friday night” and “Most Likely to plan a party using Facebook events” in my sorority superlatives, which together I think represent my philosophy towards a work-life balance.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m targeting strategy and operational consulting or internal corporate strategy.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would recommend finding time in person with each school’s recruiter. It gives you a space to get to know each other and helps differentiate the schools that are willing to answer questions, but more so, it distinguishes those who know their students and curates a culture of continual improvement.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had attended more pre-MBA events over the summer before school started.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
We had countless information and networking events the summer before the program started. It was good practice in managing your time, since most of us were still working at our full-time jobs, but I had not planned my summer to include the time commitment. I befriended peers at the Admitted Students Weekend in April, and we helped each other throughout the summer by meeting weekly to discuss upcoming due dates and begin case interview preparation.
What is your initial impression of the SMU Cox School of Business students/culture/community?
SMU is exceeding my expectations on all accounts for the full-time, two-year MBA program. Our cohort has an interesting mix of backgrounds and great personalities, the alumni and second years help us navigate the program, and the staff are all very knowledgeable and supportive.
What is one thing you have learned about SMU Cox School of Business that has surprised you?
We have a live pony mascot who runs on the field during football games named Peruna!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Our first quarter is the hardest academically and overlaps with the peak networking season for fall recruitment. I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself to seize every opportunity, which has produced great connections and experiences, but also forced me to become strict in prioritizing my time.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
At the end of the academic year, our cohort is divided into two trips where we travel to our choice destination for a week of international business networking and project experience as part of the Global Leadership Program. I’m excited to visit Santiago and Buenos Aires with my new MBA friends before we part for our summer internships.
