Cameron LeJeune

Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University (SMU Cox)

“Curious, results-oriented driver of change who seeks to make an impact.”

Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana

Fun fact about yourself: I am writing this from Dubai on an MBA trip sponsored by the Cox School!

Undergraduate School and Degree: Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business BBA Finance (2015)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Districtt, Co-founder (Consumer subscription furniture rental start-up)

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Dallas

Where will you be working after graduation? Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Consultant

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

–    Student Advisory Board – President

–    Student Advisory Board – First Year Officer

–    Organized household goods drive benefitting Jubilee Park Community Center

–    1st Place – McCombs National Energy Finance Challenge

–    Career Management Center – Peer Coach

–    Cox MBA Admissions – Ambassador

–    Cox Distinguished Scholar (full-ride merit-based scholarship)

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Participating in the McCombs National Energy Finance Challenge stands out as my most significant business school achievement. Prior to the event, I had never participated in a high-stakes competition where a comprehensive strategy had to be developed, researched, and presented within a 72-hour window. Not only was the participation requirement intense, but I also had limited expertise in energy, raising concerns about my ability to contribute to the team.

Despite my internal reservations about lack of applicable experience, the competition served as a transformative learning opportunity. As the event unfolded, our team swiftly converged on a high-level strategy, assigned workstreams, and most importantly established effective communication expectations. This collaborative atmosphere empowered me to take leadership over my assigned tasks, while receiving constructive feedback from my teammates.

The competition demanded a significant commitment, reshaping my weekend plans entirely. However, the cohesive teamwork made it incredibly enjoyable. Beyond deepening my understanding of energy finance, the exchange of insights within the team was invaluable. Each teammate not only contributed their own critical findings, but also with their diverse working styles.

Winning the competition was undoubtedly a great feeling, but my greatest source of pride is the teaming skills I developed. It underscored the power of overcommunication in alleviating anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the need for micromanagement. Moreover, the shared challenge forged a bond with my teammates, forming the basis for lasting friendships. Winning was merely a symbol for the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and relationship-building that defines the business school experience.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The achievement that stands out the most is my role in navigating a critical challenge during a real estate development project I was overseeing. After we acquired the target property, I uncovered a major mistake I made during the due diligence process which threatened our redevelopment strategy. Once discovered, I took immediate action, transparently informing the firm’s partners and ensuring I was actively seeking a solution.

I delved into intensive research on the municipality’s building codes and sought counsel from local experts with a nuanced understanding of the regulations. This allowed me to comprehend the priorities of code officials and craft a well-structured variance proposal. Notably, this proposal not only safeguarded our primary interests but also made minor concessions that resonated with officials, showcasing our alignment with their concerns.

This process, albeit challenging and humbling, imparted important lessons I will carry throughout my career. I learned the importance of honesty about mistakes, the necessity of seeking guidance (especially in unfamiliar areas), and the significance of considering the perspectives of all stakeholders in tailoring solutions. Despite the unexpected financial cost we incurred on the variance, the accepted solution allowed us to proceed with a redevelopment that returned well above what we had initially underwritten, offsetting the cost burden. The experience taught me that strategic problem solving is bolstered by transparency, collaboration, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Why did you choose this business school? Selecting SMU Cox for my MBA was driven by the institution’s unparalleled network in Dallas and throughout Texas. Having already experienced the benefits of this network during my undergraduate studies at SMU, I was eager to build upon this foundation for my MBA.

The strength of Cox’s network manifests in three pivotal areas. First, the student body itself presents a unique advantage. Many students aspire to establish their careers in Dallas post-graduation. This shared goal fosters not only easy to maintain professional connections, but also enduring friendships beyond our time at school. Second, the faculty and guest speakers at Cox are distinguished professionals and academics with remarkable achievements in their respective fields. The Dallas location allows us to attract accomplished individuals who bring real-world insights to the classroom, enriching our academic experience. Lastly, the extensive alumni network in Dallas is a strategic asset. The fact that many graduates choose to stay in the region provides ample opportunities for networking and mentorship. Whether recruiting or seeking advice, the proximity of alumni at desirable companies, often just a short drive from campus, facilitates easy and meaningful connections. This comprehensive network at SMU Cox aligned perfectly with my career goals, offering a dynamic environment where academic learning integrates with practical industry insights, mentorship, and sustainable relationships.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My standout MBA professor is Thomas Leverton, who taught the Management Consulting Process. His impressive professional background allowed him to infuse practicality into every lesson. His assignments and feedback honed my critical thinking ability and enhanced my slide-writing skills, mirroring the dynamics of my experience working at BCG over the summer. His constructive feedback not only improved my academic performance, but also uniquely prepared me to be successful at BCG, providing insights that transcend the classroom and directly contribute to my effectiveness in consulting.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite MBA course was Financial Statement Analysis, taught by Dr. Hemang Desai. Although it was an accounting course, it also incorporated elements of finance and strategy. Dr. Desai’s approach involved assigning weekly cases that compelled us to scrutinize not only a company’s strategic decisions but also their financial ramifications. This intersection proved invaluable, especially for those pursuing roles in management or financial analysis, emphasizing the interconnectedness of qualitative decisions and quantitative outcomes.

The course delved into intricate scenarios like M&A and financial institution accounting, providing practical insights into complex situations. Dr. Desai’s lectures facilitated in-depth exploration of each case, ensuring constant engagement. The class became a dynamic forum where theory met real-world application, significantly enhancing my analytical skills and strategic mindset for navigating the complexities of corporate finance.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA tradition at SMU Cox is the Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of the wide-ranging cultures and traditions held by our student and faculty community. The event is a true melting pot, featuring food, music, and dance from cultures such as Brazil, India, Haiti, Japan, and of course, my hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. Beyond the culinary delights and performances, Cultural Festival fosters a deeper understanding of our fellow students’ backgrounds, creating a unique bond over shared cultural elements. The festival is not just an exploration of diversity, but also a celebration of the beauty inherent in each culture. This year, students lingered for an hour after the event officially ended, dancing, taking photos, and laughing together, reinforcing the sense of community this event helps create.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? The one adjustment I would make is to diversify my course load through a broader range of elective courses (specifically in ITOM and marketing). I double-concentrated in finance and strategy to align with my passions. However, I now recognize that taking more courses outside of the concentrations would have broadened my skill set. I recently assisted in a course catalog review for a consulting-focused initiative and discovered compelling options that directly align with the work done in consulting yet were missed since they were outside of the strategy umbrella. Although I did complete courses in database design and data visualization, I could have increased my exposure to unfamiliar topics to further enhance my readiness to the challenges and opportunities awaiting me at BCG. This hindsight encourages me to value the benefits of a varied learning journey in the future to ensure well-rounded preparation.

What is the biggest myth about your school? I think a big myth about all MBA programs is that there is less focus on learning and the main priority is networking. I certainly did not find that to be the case at Cox. The first semester of the program was extremely rigorous. While this caught many people off guard, it served two main purposes. The first was that it prepared us for what the real world looks like – steep learning curves and short timelines. The second was that it created a bond throughout the class. Since everyone was experiencing the same pressure, it was easy to recognize the importance of supporting one another. The first semester provided me with a valuable toolkit with which I could better navigate the pressure and scale the learning curve at a quicker rate throughout the program. While it wasn’t the “two-year vacation” some people claim MBAs to be, I believe the experience was much more formidable because it wasn’t.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I love most about Dallas is its versatility, providing distinct pockets with different value propositions based on where you are in life. For the younger crowd looking for a lot of social opportunities, there are three to four different areas to live, each presenting a unique atmosphere with endless options to enjoy either alone or with friends. As life progresses and settles, Dallas seamlessly transitions into accessible neighborhoods boasting excellent school districts and ample green spaces, ideal for raising families. While not the most walkable city, there is a feeling of compactness despite the vast expanse of the DFW metroplex. Dallas’s well-thought-out city planning ensures that, whether navigating the bustling urban scene or enjoying the tranquility of suburban life, everything is within a relatively short driving distance. This convenience not only reflects the city’s efficiency, but also creates a sense of connectedness, making Dallas an adaptable and welcoming metroplex that caters to diverse lifestyles and preferences.

What surprised you the most about business school? The most pleasantly surprising aspect of business school for me has been the administration’s proactive approach to student feedback and their commitment to collaborative program improvement initiatives. Cox has dedicated itself to enhancing the student experience through innovation. However, as with any innovative endeavor, not every initiative was immediately embraced or understood by the students. Yet the administration has always been open to feedback. They’ve provided platforms to give students a place to voice concerns and propose alternatives that align with the desired goals. A notable lesson ingrained in this process was the importance of presenting constructive solutions rather than just identifying issues – a valuable workplace skill.

Serving as the President of the Student Advisory Board further deepened this experience for me. This role not only allowed me to actively contribute to the dialogue between students and administration, but also provided hands-on experience in problem assessment and solution building. This collaborative environment has not only enriched our education journey, but has equipped us with the practical skills needed to navigate challenges effectively in our future workplaces.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I most admire is Jace Eakin. His unparalleled work ethic has been a constant source of inspiration for me in various aspects of our MBA journey. Commuting daily from Fort Worth and making a regular weekend trek to Houston for recruiting, Jace constantly faced demanding time commitments yet never once complained. His hard work paid off too, landing him at an investment bank in Houston that does not traditionally recruit from SMU Cox. His determination helped reshape my own perspective during moments of being stressed and overwhelmed, encouraging a more positive and focused mindset.

Beyond his individual achievements, Jace’s impact on the Cox community will be long lasting. As the primary tutor for first-year students in the introduction to finance course, he played a pivotal role in helping students grasp the essentials of finance – a tough task when you consider the number of students with little to no exposure to finance before entering the program. In addition, he has worked alongside me on a number of program-improving initiatives. Beyond the value of his ideas and solutions, he approaches challenges with a level-headed perspective, removing feelings and emotion that may distort judgement. Jace’s ability to preserve in the face of adversity has set the bar for what I hope to achieve one day.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? The first is to bring a new client to BCG. Achieving this would signify not only the development of a track record within the firm, showcasing my ability to build trust internally, but also establishing a reputation for delivering meaningful solutions to earn the trust of clients. This accomplishment would mark a pinnacle in my professional journey, reflecting a level of mastery I would take immense pride in.

The second is to start my own company again. Prior to joining Cox, I co-founded a company that shut down within two years. While the experience was challenging, there were many useful takeaways. Now, I aspire to revisit entrepreneurship armed with lessons from the first experience, enriched by the MBA program, and strengthened by my time at BCG. This internal challenge fuels my determination to become a better leader, decision-maker, and operator. The goal is not only to overcome past setbacks but to leverage those experiences to create a more resilient and successful venture, contributing to my personal and professional growth.

What made Cameron such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Since the start of his Cox MBA, Cameron LeJeune has truly embodied the definition of “Best & Brightest.” He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovation, leaving a lasting mark on both his Cox School peers and faculty. In the classroom, Cameron consistently stood out to his faculty and classmates for his insightful contributions and strong intellect. Beyond academics, Cameron’s own strategic vision for the Cox MBA program has played a pivotal role in enhancing the MBA experience for his peers. Cameron took an active role in various extracurricular activities, showcasing his strong collaborative skills and steady commitment to the betterment of the Cox community. Whether leading a student initiative as President of the Student Advisory Board (SAB) or mentoring his peers as a Peer Coach, he consistently demonstrated the qualities of a true leader, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in which his peers thrived. During his tenure as SAB president, Cameron established a new initiative of student-led industry panels. These sessions were organized and conducted by second-year MBA students. They provided a platform for new students to engage directly with students currently interning within targeted industries. Participating in these panels offered invaluable opportunities for incoming students to gain insights on entering the industry, while also fostering networking and mentorship connections.

Cameron’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic thinking secured him a coveted position at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Upon returning to the second year of his MBA program, Cameron immediately worked to create pathways for his peers to secure similar positions at top consulting firms. He taught proactive networking and mentorship, and shared invaluable insights into the consulting industry to his peers. He supported first-year students in case prep for consulting interviews. Additionally, he consulted with the Career and Enrollment offices about adding an opportunity for faculty advocacy to support both domestic and international students getting placed in consulting firms. Lastly, Cameron has been a key supporter of our annual Cox Cultural Festival, which celebrates all the cultures represented within the Cox School. Cameron’s impact on the SMU Cox MBA program has been profound, and I do not doubt that he will continue to excel and make meaningful contributions at BCG and beyond.”

Kerry Wright
Associate Director
SMU Cox Full-Time MBA

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