Community / December 9, 2016

Sarah Lodder '20 Builds Her Brand

Sarah LodderVictor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Smith Freshman Sarah Lodder ’20 to discuss how she is “building her brand” 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 are “building your brand” during your freshmen year.

Sarah: My “Smith Journey” got an early start this summer, as a student worker in the Smith Undergraduate Program’s Office. Working in the office allowed me to meet many people within the Smith community and learn about great opportunities early, so that even before the semester began I had an idea of what interested me and what I wanted to pursue in my first semester. One the opportunities I enjoyed the most was when I joined the entertainment track with the SUSA New York City trip. I’ve always had a passion for music and the trip really opened my eyes to what a career in the music industry entailed, as well as how I could begin my career. I’m trying to “build my brand” through experiences and discovery, while also building on my own interests in music with the Maryland Music Business Society or empowering other women with the Smith School Women’s Society.

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

Sarah: Surround yourself with people who inspire you to do and be more. I have the incredible opportunity to work alongside upperclassmen in the Smith Undergraduate Program Office. Each one of my co-workers has such amazing qualities and accomplishments that inspire me to be kinder, smarter and work harder. I’m also a part of SmithPeers, a group dedicated to mentoring students - freshmen and upperclassmen. This experience has allowed me to meet high achieving students of all years and I can always rely on this group for great advice in academics and extracurricular activities. My mentor was actually the person who encouraged me to apply for the New York Trip! There’s a phrase at Smith: “Your network is your net worth.” As a freshman, it’s important to realize that this “network” goes beyond developing professional contacts and extends to a support network of peers and friends. If your network is made up of bright, high-achieving and passionate individuals, then your net worth is greater than gold.

Sarah LodderDean Mullins: How are you making your mark on campus?

Sarah: I am a member of the flute section of the Mighty Sound of Maryland, the University’s Marching Band which performs at every home football game, as well as a member piccolo section of the Maryland Pep Band, which performs at every home basketball game. The Mighty Sound of Maryland is the largest and most academically diverse student organization on campus, and unofficially one of the hardest working groups. I love representing UMD through this activity because it’s challenging, fun and rewarding to see the delight on fans faces regardless of age when we spell out ‘MARYLAND’ or perform our signature ‘Block and Mess.’

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Sarah: My dream is to work for a Broadway marketing agency and share the magic and excitement of the fine arts with others. My passion for music and the arts has always guided me, and the story telling aspect of Broadway is done in a manner that is so unique in the field and at such high caliber. Being given the honor to craft a campaign to convey the story of a show through a medium like artwork is beyond exciting, as this artwork eventually becomes synonymous with the show itself. I want to help share the important stories of Broadway with everyone, whether in the theater on a Playbill or in the middle of the street on a billboard. Along with the arts, I’d also like to work as an advocate for the Artic, which has faced threats of irreversible damage through climate change. I’ve always found the Artic to be an incredible frontier of beauty and adventure, with marvels such as glaciers, the aurora borealis, and iconic animals like polar bears. I want to preserve this nature for every generation in the future.

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

Sarah: I’m passionate about Smith because of the people here. Staff has been supportive inside and outside the classroom, and there’s such a strong sense of respect among students and professors. Professors are never condescending about my ideas and I’m given so much freedom to cultivate my own opinions about business. Being given this independence and trust has really increased my own self-confidence as a student and a young adult, as I can now come to my own conclusions of what is best rather than being told. All the students I’ve met are intelligent and motivated to create a future that they can be proud of and to making Smith an incredible environment to be a part of.

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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