David Niezelski '18 Commands His Career

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Smith Junior David Niezelski ’18 to discuss how he is “commanding his career” during his Smith journey. So what does the Smith journey entail? During their freshman year, Smith students begin to build their personal brand through the SmithStart program. Sophomores dedicate their second year to pioneering their path to success by focusing on an overall academic and career strategy. Junior year focuses on students taking command of their careers during to ensure that they are well positioned for their professional journey. Finally, as a senior with an arsenal of tools, knowledge and networks, Smith students are able to embrace their experience and celebrate their success.

Dean Mullins: Reflect on how you “built your brand” during your freshmen year.

David: A brand is the sum of countless impressions, and I believe the best way to build your brand is to show others your strengths and actively create positive impressions. Whether you are assuming a role as a leader in your BMGT110 group project, or helping the kid down the hall with his econ homework, every opportunity you have to showcase your abilities will grow the brand that others learn to recognize. Soon enough, this spills over into your professional career -- your skillset becomes more refined, and your resume more pointed. I believe this mindset is what enabled me to start building my brand from Day One here at Smith.

Dean Mullins: How are you going to “command your career” during your junior year?

David: This summer I had the opportunity to participate in an internship program at Bloomberg as a Global Data Intern. During my time at Bloomberg, I made sure to do my homework by identifying Terp alumni in New York City. I set up meetings with several alumni who worked at the firm and in other roles on Wall Street. My goal was to hear as many perspectives as possible. I discovered that a cold email to a Terp alum is much more likely to receive a response than anything else. My largest efforts this year reflect this initiative, as I am “commanding my career” by continuing to develop relationships that are already paying huge dividends in my professional and personal life. For example, the mentors I met through Smith Finance Fellows, CYC, and CASH have been instrumental in my ongoing career search. I am learning something new or finding a new opportunity through this supportive community every single day.

Dean Mullins: What advice would you give to your fellow Smith peers and community?

David: “Don’t wait!” Don’t wait to run for that leadership position. Don’t wait to speak up in class. Don’t wait to send that cold email. And don’t wait to apply for that dream internship. You are more qualified than you think, smarter than you realize, and you definitely have the potential to lead if you just give yourself a chance.

Dean Mullins: How are you making your mark on campus?

David: Every opportunity to lead is an opportunity to leave your mark. The dynamic nature of student groups on campus allows current leaders to constantly strategize and readjust. I have kept this in mind in my various leadership positions and worked to catalyze the change that my peers and I want to see.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

David: My dream is to be a positive influence on others. The professors, mentors and alumni of Smith who have given me their time and attention have been very impactful in my life, and I hope to have the same impact on others. This is a very exciting time for the Smith finance community, and I want to help propel our program to even greater places. Professionally, I hope to grow my brand as an influencer, constantly be a shaker and a catalyst of change in the organizations I serve. The influence that we have on campus during our four short years is only a small precursor to the impact we can have throughout our careers. I am excited to see what mark I will be able to make.

Dean Mullins: Why are you passionate about the Smith School?

David: My passion for the Smith School is rooted in the standards and culture we maintain. The standard of success is what drives each and every Smith student to do great things. For example, my peers are inspiring others, pioneering new corporate partnerships and working alongside leaders in their fields to solve tomorrow’s most critical problems. Often, organizations with such high standards are plagued by a toxic culture, but the sense of collaboration in the halls of Van Munching shows that our community is different. I recently heard an alumnus speak during a recruiting event, and he put it simply: “It’s all about Terps helping Terps!”