Community / November 8, 2016

Reid Danels '17 Embraces His Experience

Reid Danels '17 Embraces His Experience

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Smith Senior Reid Danels’17 to discuss how he is “embracing his experience” 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.

Reid: I already knew that I wanted to pursue internships and a career in finance so I “built my brand” around that passion. I focused heavily on academics to ensure I got off to a strong start, got involved in a couple of clubs, and became friendly with several older finance students to get an idea of the paths that they were taking.

Dean Mullins: How about your sophomore year? How did you “pioneer your path?”

Reid: I joined a fraternity (ZBT) my first semester sophomore year and immediately became involved. It was one of my best decisions since it has allowed me to enjoy my time in College Park to the fullest and meet my best friends - many of whom are also in the Smith School. By the middle of sophomore year, I knew I wanted to find an investment banking internship for the next summer (between junior and senior year). I spent time putting myself in such a position by building my resume, continuing to focus on my classes, and networking with professionals and alumni in the finance field.

Dean Mullins: And how did you “command your career” during your junior year?

Reid: Junior year was the most critical year. I spent the first few weeks of fall semester networking heavily and preparing for interviews because my number one goal was to secure an investment banking internship for the coming summer. A major part of interview preparation was shaping my story and this is where I leveraged my first two years in the Smith School. I was able to talk about my coursework, Business Honors, joining TAMID and the Junior Wall Street Fellows program. Thankfully, all the hard work paid off as I landed an investment banking internship with Stifel in its Baltimore office, the city where I most wanted to be. Second semester junior year, I focused on improving my technical skills to position myself to receive a return offer. One way I accomplished this was by participating in the Wikler Finance Case Competition hosted by Smith, in which my group won first place with our analysis of a potential merger. This gave me real-world experience analyzing companies and was one of the highlights of my junior year.

Dean Mullins: As you approach graduation from the Robert H. School of Business, how are you “embracing your experience?”

Reid: I’m continuing to build both my network and finance skills through my participation with the Lemma Senbet Fund. I feel very fortunate to be in the position I am now with a full-time job secured for after graduation. Therefore, I am giving back by helping younger students who are pursuing finance internships find their passion and prepare for interviews. My main priority is having fun and making the most of my last year in College Park! I have had a great time here at UMD, and I want to enjoy every minute!

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

Reid: Find what you are passionate about early and pursue that career path and lifestyle relentlessly. We are all very lucky to be in the Smith School, so take a step back and make the most of your time because it goes by faster than you realize.

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

Reid: I have made my mark on campus by getting involved in various communities and organizations. I have been on the board of the National Hillel Basketball Tournament, was involved in my fraternity, participated in the Junior Wall Street Fellows Program, Business Honors, the Lemma Senbet Fund, and have mentored underclassmen pursuing similar career paths in finance.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Reid: I am living my dream now. In the long-term, I hope to raise a family and be running a company in my hometown of Baltimore.

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

Reid: I am passionate about the Smith School because of the opportunities it has provided me. Thanks to the incredible people that I’ve had the chance to work with and learn from, I have grown so much in my three years. The Smith School has helped give me the confidence and motivation to pursue my desired career path.

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.

Back to Top