Michael Khizgilov '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 Michael Khizgilov ’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 freshman year. I do recognize that that you are in your first semester.

Michael: The best way to build your brand is by having a true and visible impact. For me, this means going full speed at whatever I commit to and always being willing to put myself out there. During my first six months on campus, I have immersed myself in as many opportunities as possible, following my existing passions and discovering new ones. This involves opportunities inside the Smith School, at IEFS or TerpAMA meetings, or outside, where I apply my learning and experiences to the real world. This path has led me to my current internship at Sandboxx, where I am able to make a true impact in the military community. I want to make my brand known and my voice heard on campus, taking advantage of the many networking events available to Smith students and building relationships with faculty and other students. I also make sure to focus on building a brand that projects my true personality, and I find it important to explore other passions such as music (made easy through the Maryland Music Business Society).

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

Michael: Get involved! The Smith School truly offers something for everyone. If you have an interest in music, consider the Music Business Society. For those drawn to the links, the Golf Business Society may be for you. You also have the opportunity to explore something completely new. This is the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and maybe even discover a new major. If you think you might have an interest in accounting, the Accounting Business Association can help you determine whether it is the right major for you. The same resources exist for every major. There is an organization at Smith to fill every interest, and if there isn’t, start a new one! Above all, I would stress the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you every day to achieve more. Connect with upperclassmen and faculty members -- you will be amazed by what you can learn by having a simple conversation.

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

Michael: This is definitely a challenge on a campus that features over 30,000 students. However, I quickly realized that I want to leave my mark on the people around me. So, I am currently working towards that goal through my work with the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship and events such as Spark and Idea Shell. My involvement with the Dingman Center allows me to not only develop my own vision for improving the educational system in this country, but help others realize their goals and turn them into legitimate businesses. I have encountered individuals tackling problems ranging from agriculture in Africa to building a better smart home platform. All of these people share the same desire to change the status quo for the better. I also strive to make a difference within the organizations I have joined on campus. In addition to Smith organizations, I have joined peer mentor and support groups outside of the Smith School as I find that I thrive when I help others thrive and achieve their goals, achieving mutual growth and success while forming tight-knit and intimate communities that make a large campus feel a lot more like home.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Michael: My dream is to love what I do, leveraging my passions to make a difference. I have always been the type of person to seek challenging new opportunities, and the same is true in my professional life. The only way I will be successful in the face of these challenges is if I truly have a passion for my work. Every time I walk into the Smith School, I see firsthand what this passion can do when combined with unrelenting dedication and conviction in the actions of both students and faculty. This is a model I wish to copy in achieving my own personal success. As a first-year student, I am still discovering exactly what my dream entails, but I know that at the end of every day, I want to look back and think, “Wow, I can’t believe I will get paid to do that again tomorrow!”

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

Michael: I feel inspired by the incredible community around me. I see the effort put in by both faculty and students. This mutual desire to grow and learn creates an environment that cannot be found anywhere else on campus. The Smith School supports this community with incredible facilities (such as the world-class Bloomberg terminal lab) and unique resources, such as the Office of Career Services with its resume reviews and interview preparation or any of the many major-oriented organizations. Together, this unique mix allows students to pursue their dreams and become successful in the business world and beyond.

For more information about the undergraduate program at Smith, visit: www.rhsmith.umd.edu/undergrad.