Experiential / Reality-based Learning / September 11, 2015

Smith Freshmen Go Beyond Majors

Smith Freshmen Go Beyond Majors

This month, freshmen in the Class of 2019 will attend a series of events to kick-off their experience at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Smith student Philip Peker ’18 writes about the “Beyond Majors” event on Sept. 3, 2015.

On Sept. 3, 2015, Smith freshmen were treated to another high-profile professional event called “Beyond Majors” as part of the ongoing SmithStart program. Throughout the evening, students traveled from one room to another listening to representatives and recruiters of different firms talk about what they do at the company, and how their industry feeds off of certain majors offered at Smith. This “speed-dating” with companies allowed freshmen to see how each major falls into certain professional avenues. In between presentations, finger food was provided much to the relief of the ever-hungry students.

In its entirety, “Beyond Majors” was a brilliant learning experience for the students, helping them dive into what “majoring” actually means for them. Each company embodied the possibilities of each major, although quite loosely. Baker Tilly, for example, explained the ins and outs of a public accountant’s professional environment, and what it takes to become a public accountant. The representative broke down myths about how boring being a public accountant is by recounting exciting experiences when working with challenging clients. By doing this, the young business school students are getting a refreshing and direct perspective on jobs that they had little to no inside information about.

SECU, the leading credit union in the state of Maryland, shed light on what it means to work in the finance industry without the stress and physical rigor of Wall Street and investment banking. Most people assume that getting a degree in finance inevitably leads them down a road that includes long hours, crazy workdays, intense company atmosphere, and unrelenting bosses, paperwork, and client demands. Investment baking seems to be the most prized path, but with many drawbacks. Many students don’t see themselves cut out for the dog-eat-dog world that is Wall Street, and so to learn about finance jobs outside this hypercompetitive world was uplifting and immensely helpful. “Beyond Majors” fulfills a need of many students that many regular business school operations can’t supplant: the security of knowing that their major is not limiting them, but rather opening the doors to many various career paths.

The other two companies, Target and NewDayUSA, both of which have very close alumni ties to the Smith School, were equally as informative. Target talked about the breadth of opportunities at their company, from floor manager to inventory analyst to the ever-growing cybersecurity department, and how you never know what you might end up doing, so each and every skill you learn matters. NewDayUSA introduced the students to the mortgage and house loans industry, talking about underwriting, loan processing, and what it means to be a loan officer. As always, the representatives were eager to share valuable information with the bright students, as they knew that they were interacting with the next generation of partners, employees, and leaders in their companies and beyond.

As the last rotation of presentations ended, and students were slowly strolling towards the exits of Van Munching Hall, the air was electrified with a sense of purpose and drive. The energy in the hallways by the end of the evening was completely different than at the beginning; students weren’t dragging their feet or slouching anymore. They were walking with a pop in their step, and smiling a thousand dollar smile.

 “Hearing about the internship opportunities already as a freshman is so amazing,” says Maraide Cifelli, a freshman international business student.

Giving freshmen a chance to start thinking about internships and professional opportunities this early allows them to have a significant leg up on their peers from other business schools who will be looking for a job come four years just like them. After seeing what each major flows in to in terms of professional careers, many students felt like they were more aware of what they want to focus their academics on during there time at Smith.

 “I came in not knowing what I want to do, but after tonight, I know its marketing,” Michael Harrison, another Smith freshman proclaimed. “The fact that it’s only my fourth day of classes and I’m already meeting with all these employers and companies that are interested in me is incredible.”

All these opportunities, all these options, all these different paths, it can be a little daunting the first few weeks of being a Smith freshman, but thanks to the SmithStart program, students are put on the right path to success, equipped with the resources needed to achieve any and all of their professional goals. 

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

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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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