This fall, the Naveen Jindal School of Management welcomed the largest undergraduate class in its history, enrolling more than 5,800 students. With the hallways busier than ever, the school’s growth is not just a trend — it reflects the school’s consistent focus on student success.

“Our growth speaks for itself,” said Aaron Beaudrie, the director of undergraduate recruiting. “Students see the value in what we offer — not only a strong academic foundation, but a clear path to success after graduation.”

DaShawn Johnson, a business administration sophomore, said he was drawn to the Jindal School because of its strong reputation for excellence and its proven track record of student achievement.

“What attracted me to the Jindal School were the endless opportunities made available to students,” he said. “The resources that the Jindal School affords students make it easy for students to get involved and put themselves out there. I chose the Jindal School because of the prospect of taking advantage of the opportunity to become a better person and student, along with building myself for future employers.”

From Classroom to Career

The Jindal School’s commitment to student outcomes begins in the classroom but extends far beyond it. From their first semester, undergraduate students gain the skills to thrive in the real world. This focus on career readiness is woven into every program, with a strong emphasis on internships, hands-on projects and professional development.

A unique feature of undergraduate programming at the Jindal School is that all students must complete at least one internship before graduation. Internships provide students with practical experience, the opportunity to develop skills and the chance to build a professional network long before they enter the workforce.

“Employers know that when they hire a Jindal School grad, they’re getting someone ready to contribute from day one,” said Tom Kim, director of the Jindal School’s Career Management Center. “Our students don’t just know business principles — they’ve practiced them. They’ve completed internships, worked on real business problems through programs like UTDsolv and built the exact kinds of skills that employers are looking for.”

Many Jindal School graduates go on to work for top companies in the North Texas region, one of the nation’s fastest-growing business hubs. Jayashree Balakumar, who earned a BS in Healthcare Management in 2022 and is currently a Supply Chain Management graduate student, completed her internship with Johnson & Johnson and will begin her career with Tesla this fall. She credits her internship for deepening her understanding of supply chain management.

“My education from JSOM has been a major factor in finding my place in the corporate world,” she said. “The faculty and curriculum set students up for success by prioritizing the fundamental concepts needed to engage with industry professionals and solve real-world problems.”

This blend of academic learning and professional experience keeps Jindal School students at the top of recruiters’ lists.

Equipping Students for a Competitive Market

Olabanji Osifowokan, a 2024 BS in Information Technology and Systems graduate, is a prime example of someone who hit the ground running after graduation.

“My four years at the Jindal School prepared me for life after college,” he said. “The combination of rigorous coursework, collaborative projects, faculty support, development programs, and club involvement equipped me with the knowledge, connections, and skills to thrive in my current role as an analyst.”

Osifowokan’s journey is a testament to the Jindal School’s focus on career readiness.

“During the last two years of my college career, I focused heavily on developing my data analytics knowledge and skills through coursework, club activities, and workshops,” Osifowokan said. “This focus has given me the confidence to effectively navigate conversations and projects centered around data analytics.”

The Jindal School’s curriculum is designed to stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring students master the skills that matter most in today’s business landscape. One key example is the school’s focus on data analytics and technology. In response to the growing demand for tech-savvy business leaders, the school has integrated technology into its courses, most recently incorporating artificial intelligence throughout.

“We are constantly updating our programs to reflect what is happening in the market,” said Courtney Graves, director of undergraduate student services at the Jindal School. “We’re doing more than ever to keep students engaged in the classroom and excited about their careers.”

Building a Legacy of Excellence

As the Jindal School welcomes its largest undergraduate class ever, the momentum continues to build. On Oct. 9, the Jindal School broke ground on JSOM III, a 125,000 sq. ft. addition that reflects the growing need for space driven by increased enrollment and expanding programs. This new facility will house the undergraduate programs, support the school’s ongoing growth and advance its mission to lead in business education and research on a global scale.

“This year’s incoming class is the largest we’ve ever had, but it’s more than just a number,” said Beaudrie. “It reflects the trust students place in the Jindal School to deliver an education that meets and exceeds their expectations. We’re proud to help shape the future of business leaders, and as we continue to grow, so will the impact our students have on the world.”