Fatou Fall ’17 Talks about Global Consulting Fellows

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Fatou Fall ’17 to discuss her involvement with Global Consulting Fellows and how it is part of her SMITH JOURNEY. Successful navigation of the Smith journey requires involvement with colleagues, professors, professionals, clubs and organizations here at the Smith School, across campus and in the outside “real” world of business. Here is what students are challenged to do in each of their four years at Smith:

Freshmen: “Build Your Brand” through the SmithStart program.

Sophomores: “Pioneer Your Path” to success by focusing on an overall academic and career strategy.

Juniors: ”Command Your Career” to ensure that you are well positioned for your professional journey.

Seniors: “Embrace Your Experience” with an arsenal of tools, knowledge, and networks, so that you are able to embrace your experience and celebrate your success.

Dean Mullins: Tell us about your involvement with global consulting fellows. Why did you apply for it and what are you learning?

Fatou: As a student of the Global Consulting Fellows (GCF), I participate in various class activities and consulting cases that are led by our wonderful professor, Dr. Patricia Cleveland. I have always been interested in consulting, and as an international student, having a fellowship that focused on consulting on a global and cultural aspect was a dream come true for me. Thus, after going through the Global Fellow’s web page, and talking to some of my friends who were in the program, I decided to apply for it. So far, I have been learning about cultural challenges and how it might affect the different engagements a consultant might have and how to mitigate them. And currently, I am part of a consulting team for Trident Aircraft, which is an aviation school seeking to enter the international market. These are hands-on experiences that will come in very handy once I start my career as an audit associate.

Dean Mullins: Tell us how your participation in global consulting fellows is helping and/or has helped you navigate the Smith Journey.

Fatou: Participating in GCF has definitely helped me navigate through my Smith journey. Through the program, I met some of the most amazing and brightest people, who have always challenged me to give and do more. The program allowed to be on top of what is going on in the school, and because of that I was able to take part of interesting activities and trips. One example was the SUSA trip to New York City during which I met alumni with whom I share the same passion in accounting. The alums shared very useful insights of what to expect when entering the real world of business as a fresh graduate.

Dean Mullins: Reflect on your other involvements and activities here at Smith that have been a part of the Smith journey.

Fatou: As a transfer student, it was very important for me to find ways to be involved in the Smith School, and I was able to do that through clubs and the Fellows programs, both of which had various guest speakers and networking events. Participating in these events has helped me expand my network and connect with different people. Currently, I am a teaching assistant for a career search and strategy class, which allows me to interact with students, mostly transfers, to share my experience, but also learn from them. That has been a rewarding experience so far in terms of helping others as well as being on the other side of the classroom.

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

Fatou: I will tell them not to give up or let a “no” discourage them. If you believe in yourself and what you can offer, then others will start believing in you. Use the resources the school has put in place to your advantage -- the most important for me being the Office of Career Services (OCS). Moreover, talk to your professors, connect with your peers, and go to the different events to build your network. I have been told that opportunities won’t find you, but you must find them. So being involved and connecting with others will bring those opportunities to your feet.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Fatou: My dream is to become someone that will positively impact the world through my work with the young population, who are the future. I have a passion for working with children, and my dearest dream is to have a non-profit organization that will help educate the youth in Africa, especially girls. I want to be happy and always bring joy to others.

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

Fatou: I am passionate about the school’s spirit, and how it always challenges us to do more, do good, and be the best we can be as professionals. That spirit is shared through its faculty and staff who go above and beyond for the students and their well-being. I have struggled, laughed and most importantly, learned with amazing people, built strong friendship, and those are things that will always stay with me, no matter where I go.

Students in one of the Smith School’s many one-year Fellows programs join a cohort of like-minded peers to engage in an intense study of a specific area of business, ranging from major-specific topics such as finance and supply chain to general interests such as sport management or global consulting.

Out-of-the-classroom and reality-based learning experiences are at the forefront of the Fellows programs. Whether through special speakers, workshops, site visits, case competitions, or networking events with corporate partners and Smith alumni, students gain practical insights into the business community.

Small class sizes in reserved Fellows sections of business courses are a hallmark of all Fellows programs, facilitating strong working relationships among Fellows students and the faculty who advise and teach in the programs. Students engage, explore and experience the Smith community through Fellows!

For more information on the 15 unique Fellows Programs available, go to: www.rhsmith.umd.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/academics/fellows-special-programs.