Community / November 23, 2016

Dhivyan Karunakaran '20 Builds His Brand

Dhivyan Karunakaran '20 Builds His Brand

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Smith Freshman Dhivyan Karunakaran’20 to discuss how he is “building his brand” 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 are “building your brand” during your freshmen year.

Dhivyan: Throughout my life, I have demonstrated a commitment to serving others and I knew I wanted continue in college. In high school, I cofounded a charitable nonprofit organization known as TeCanal, which provides technology to low-income communities. As part of the Smith School’s ChangeTheWorld Consulting program, I was recently selected to be a financial consultant for the Food Recovery Network (FRN), a nonprofit organization that recovers surplus food from college dining halls and donates it to partner agencies that feed less fortunate people in need of food. Along with the four other members of my team and our mentor from Deloitte, I am helping the FRN assess its impact nationwide. I love being able to apply the lessons that I learned from starting TeCanal to help another nonprofit organization that also seeks to make a positive social impact.

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

Dhivyan: Follow your passions. At the Smith School, we have access to a huge variety of majors, courses, clubs, special programs, and events. No matter where your interests in business lie, the Smith School probably has something for you. If it doesn’t, start something new!

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

Dhivyan: I have made my mark on campus by joining clubs such as the Finance Banking and Investment Society (FBIS) and International Economics and Finance Society (IEFS). In these clubs, people interested in finance learn about different career paths in finance and discuss recent financial trends/events. Also, I have attended several networking events on campus to interact with representatives from various companies. Although most of them are only looking to recruit juniors and seniors, I have developed relationships by asking these representatives questions about their respective companies, sharing information about my skills and experiences with them, and listening to their advice for me.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Dhivyan: My dream is to acquire a broad base of knowledge by working in different areas of finance over the course of my career, including investment banking, asset management, consulting, and corporate finance. I love the challenge of working in a dynamic, constantly changing environment. Anything, whether it be developments in technology or global political events, can affect business conditions, and financial professionals must be cognizant of these factors.

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

Dhivyan: Choosing the Smith School it was the best decision I have ever made. At Smith, the opportunities for learning and growth are endless Courses at the Smith School are taught by outstanding, dedicated professors, students have access to awesome facilities like the versatile Bloomberg terminals and the nicest classrooms on campus. As the Smith School has built its reputation for academic excellence, it has also developed a network of connections throughout the business world. If students put themselves out there, they can make connections that will enable them to pursue their dreams.

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
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gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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