Community / December 2, 2016

Kristin Woo '19 Pioneers Her Path

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Smith Sophomore Kristin Woo ’19 to discuss how she is “pioneering her path” during her 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.

Kristin: “Building my brand” was all about finding what makes me a unique and valuable businesswoman. Transitioning into college, I immediately found myself surrounded by motivated and talented people in my Business, Society, and the Economy Scholars program. The community helped me build upon my own strengths and discover my passions. I found that I love developing meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and Smith definitely had many opportunities for me to do so. I gained valuable experiences that helped me discover who I am by joining SUSA clubs to meet students with similar passions, attending career fairs and networking with professionals.

Dean Mullins: How about your sophomore year? How are you “pioneering your path?”

Kristin: As a mentor with the Smith Leadership Institute, I was able to meet many freshmen Smith students and help them begin their own tailored Smith journeys. I am strengthening my resume with an accounting internship, taking leadership positions on campus, and being proactive in my studies.

Dean Mullins: What advice would you give to freshmen? To your fellow Smith sophomores?

Kristin: Take advantage of all the resources Smith has to offer. Resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking events are among the abundance of workshops and events Smith hosts for its students. These experiences are truly valuable to helping polish your professional skills and get you closer to your dream job or internship. Begin building your network by finding peers to share ideas with and reach out to the scores of incredible alumni. It’s awesome to see how valuable collaborating with others can be.

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

Kristin: By having the mindset to use my experiences to help others and by being involved in various facets of UMD, like the Accounting and Business Association and the Finance, Banking and Investment Society, I am having a positive impact and making a difference. I see new faces every day and I know that my own personal experiences can be useful to other students who have similar aspirations.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Kristin: My dream is to achieve both career and personal success. I hope to graduate from Smith and have a job where I can work on projects that I am both passionate and excited about. Perhaps more importantly though, I hope to have a community with a circle of friends and family that support me. I want to give back to my community, whether this be through community service, returning to Smith to help future Terps, or having a positive impact in the Korean-American community.

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

Kristin: I have met lifelong friends here. We are willing to help each other reach our goals and overcome challenges along the way. Not only has my experience with fellow students been amazing, but I have also met professors and staff who are completely dedicated to their students. The Smith community has been welcoming from day one and I am truly proud to be a part of the Smith family.

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283  
301-892-0973 Mobile
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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