Why Smith?

A Smith MBA will prepare you to take your career, and your life, in exciting directions. Get the most from your investment.

• Smith creates an innovative learning environment: theoretical design and practical application.
• Smith recognizes the advancements of a digital economy and listens to employers and organizations who are looking for leaders with this learning and exposure.
• Smith values diversity and collaboration – our community builds networks.
• Smith is located minutes from Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD – with such access to high tech firms, international policy, finance, manufacturing, government and more – it’s the ideal place to learn and participate.

Spend time now in planning, research, personal growth and social exploration.

Maryland: The Resources to Power your Future

The University of Maryland is a world-renowned leader in research and scholarship. Although the University is 34,000 students strong, the MBA program at the Smith School enrolls approximately 160 full-time students per year; providing our students with the resources of a large university, and the cohesion of a small business school. The media describes the Smith MBA as a “techno-MBA” because our program has been designed to prepare future business leaders with the skills and knowledge needed in an evolving, digital economy. Smith students are involved in innovative and interactive classes taught by diverse faculty. And, by weaving the “thread” of technology through each course, Smith graduates have insight and understanding of how technology impacts business systems, organizations and decisions.

Through the MBA clubs and organizations (Smith has over 20), the Alumni Mentor Network and career development activities, students continue to develop leadership skills, event planning expertise and marketing strategy. Clubs such as the Smith Association of Women MBA's, Finance Association, Black MBA and Hispanic MBA Associations foster cultural, professional and social networking opportunities.

• Enclosed is our diversity brochure, detailing our program. We encourage you to visit our website (www.rhsmith.umd.edu) to learn more about the Smith MBA.

Checklist

Career Focus

• Write goals down. Review frequently (daily, weekly)
• List additional skills needed to reach goals.
• Assess strengths through a career coach or self-test.
• Talk to professionals in fields that interest you.
• Join professional associations
• Seek a mentor
• Do a “job search” for your dream job – what qualifications and skills is the employer looking for?
• Read trade journals and business news sources (WSJ, BusinessWeek, www.fastcompany.com, www.business2.0.com, www.mbajungle.com, etc.)
• Lay out career plan that answers: Why an MBA? Why now?

Academic Preparation

• Take as many quantitative courses as possible as an undergraduate, regardless of major. If you’ve already graduated, look into community colleges, on-the-job training from your employer, or eLearning to hone your skills.
• Brush up on basics:
  • Statistics
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Public Speaking
• Use on-the-job training to build skills in software applications, related fields
• Take a calculus course within 5 years of application to Smith

Building a Network

• Join a professional association
• Stay connected to your undergraduate institution’s alumni association
• Seek a mentor in your current job
• Offer to mentor colleagues or friends
• Get involved in your community as a volunteer
• Schedule informational interviews.

Etiquette Associate with Business Schools and Students

• Check the Smith Admissions events page on our website for upcoming events (some require registration)
• Know the difference between business casual and business formal attire – and if you are confused – ask!
• Send a thank you letter or card to someone you have met for an informational interview. Send them a note in a few months to let them know of your progress.
• Mentors are volunteers. Offer to buy them coffee or lunch in appreciation for their investment in your career/life!
• If you can not make an admissions event, call to cancel. Often there are waiting lists, and this will allow another prospective student an opportunity to participate.

What can I do now?

• Look at the GMAT – www.gmac.org to gain insight to the exam and its components. You can take a free GMAT online to practice and discover your strengths and areas to develop.
• Explore GMAT prep courses – how much are they? How often to they meet? What have others recommended? When is the next Test prep information session?
• Take your GMAT while you are an undergraduate, or shortly after graduation. Much of the quantitative learning will still be fresh, and this will be one thing off of your “task list!” GMAT scores are good for five years.