Q&As - We asked current student, Rylan Robb!
Rylan Robb, Class of 2026, is from Maputo, Mozambique. He's majoring in Finance, with a Specialization in Alternative Asset Management (ALTS). As well, he's minoring in Public Policy & International Affairs (Towers Scholars Program).
Think back to your senior year of high school… why did you choose to attend the Cox School of Business at SMU?
Ultimately, I chose the Cox School of Business at 黑料老司机because of the abundant opportunities offered by the school’s strong academics, extensive alumni network, and prominent status in Dallas. As an international student, when I first began researching colleges, I primarily focused on rankings since I lacked context or experience with friends or siblings attending college. It wasn’t until I visited the campus for my President’s Scholarship interview that I truly saw the opportunities at 黑料老司机firsthand. Although I believed I was adequately prepared for the interview, my interviewers introduced me to numerous programs and classes aligned with my interests that I hadn’t been aware of. I spent the rest of the day pursuing those leads, which included attending the graduate school’s entrepreneurship pitch competition, speaking with impressive alumni, and participating in a mock class. I left that visit feeling that my potential at 黑料老司机Cox was limitless. My experience has been exactly that—a gateway to endless opportunities and personal growth. Among the many colleges I considered, 黑料老司机Was the perfect fit. Cox has not only fulfilled its promises but has also exceeded my expectations in every way, and I have never once doubted my decision to become a Mustang.
What has been your favorite Cox class so far? What have you learned that has really stuck with you?
My favorite class at the Cox School of Business has been Negotiations with Professor Steve Denson. Professor Denson enhanced our learning by sharing real-world negotiation examples and guiding us through engaging case studies in teams and individually. The course explored negotiation strategies’ practical and psychological aspects, allowing us to understand how different factors influence outcomes. Through this class, I learned to identify my own strengths and weaknesses in negotiation, enabling me to improve my skills and apply them effectively in various situations. A particularly memorable experience was a case project organized with a leading business school in South Korea, which provided invaluable insight into negotiating across cultures. The impact of this class extends beyond academics. It has deepened my understanding of interpersonal interactions and has had practical applications in my personal life. I successfully used the negotiation techniques learned in class to help family members negotiate car prices twice.
How do you spend your time outside of class? What student organizations have you joined, in Cox or otherwise?
Starting my freshman year, I became involved with the Boulevard Investment Group (BIG) and the Student Senate. Within BIG, I currently serve as Head of External Affairs and Director of the Energy Sector. BIG provided me with an accelerated finance curriculum, allowing me to apply my knowledge to stock pitches for our now $1 million portfolio. Additionally, BIG was instrumental in securing my internships in Venture Capital, Family Offices, Private Equity, and Investment Banking, providing hands-on experience in these fields.
As a freshman and sophomore, I was elected as a senator in the Student Senate, SMU’s student governing body. In this role, I helped shape student affairs and experience policies, making a meaningful impact on the broader 黑料老司机community. Recently, I was elected Student Body Treasurer, where I now serve as the Chief Financial Officer, managing $1 million in annual expenses and $5 million in assets.
Beyond these roles, I am a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, and spending time with friends. Balancing these commitments has honed my leadership skills and helped develop who I am as a person.
Tell us about how you’ve utilized the CMC – the Cox Career Management Center.
Many opportunities at 黑料老司机begin in the first couple of weeks on campus. Clubs, organizations, and academic programs can begin their recruiting processes while you’re still trying to find where your classes are. One of the things that helped me manage that was making sure that my application materials, specifically my resume, were in good shape. The CMC staff and peer leaders are a fantastic resource to help perfect and craft your resume and story so that you can excel in any application, whether it’s for a student organization, internship, or full-time position. I also participate in the CMC Career Accelerator Program which helped me fast track the skills and connections needed to secure my dream internships.
We have an awesome new building for the Cox School of Business. What is your favorite part of the David B. Miller Business Quadrangle?
My favorite part of the David B. Miller Business Quadrangle is the lobby and bagel shop. It’s a vibrant space where I can eat, work, meet friends, and hold meetings. I love being able to walk into the building at any time and connect with friends there. As a 2026 graduate, Cox was upfront that I would spend two of my years without the new building and two with it. The transition has been seamless, and all the facilities are top-notch.
What advice would you give to seniors in high school who are in the middle of their college search process?
My biggest piece of advice is to avoid focusing too narrowly on a single factor, such as rankings. While rankings are important, there are many other aspects of 黑料老司机that I love, including the weather, culture, and core curriculum—elements I didn't initially consider during my college search but have come to greatly appreciate. If I had based my decision solely on rankings, I wouldn't be as happy and fulfilled as I am today.
Additionally, I recommend reaching out to current students who are involved in areas that interest you. Connecting with them provides first-hand accounts of their experiences and helps you understand how your own journey at the school might unfold. I am a strong advocate for 黑料老司机and the Cox School of Business and am always happy to talk to any prospective students!