Taylor Roethle '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 Taylor Roethle’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.

Taylor: For me, freshman year was about figuring out who I was and getting involved in as many activities and organizations as I could. Not only were there heightened expectations academically in college, but (like most freshman) I also had to adapt to living on my own. This allowed me to figure out how I learned and studied, as well as what interested me. I had always thought about being a finance major growing up with both my brother and dad being businessmen, but I truly found my passion for finance in my freshman year.

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

Taylor: I did not get heavily involved in Smith until I was a sophomore. I had joined a fraternity the spring of my freshman year and was not much exposed to the opportunities at Smith; however, this changed with my involvement in FBIS and CASH. I was also a part of the Sophomore Wall Street Fellows program. I realized that I needed to start focusing on my career path and building a network. This was all in hopes of getting an internship I could leverage my junior year. In short, I was soaking in everything I could about the financial world with hopes of eventually being a part of it.

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

Taylor: My junior year, I was a part of the Junior Wall Street Fellows program where I was able to have a class almost solely dedicated to my recruitment process. I also started to take a leadership role in FBIS my junior year. I was holding more responsibilities and starting to really leverage the network I had developed throughout my various involvements on campus with the goal obtaining an internship in equity research. I was able to secure this in the first semester of my junior year, which allowed me to finally being able to give time to back to younger students, which is something that I benefitted from my freshman and sophomore year.

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

Taylor: I feel now that I am a senior, I am focusing on trying to make a last impression on the Smith School as well as continue to give back to the community. I still serve on the FBIS exec board, and now also serve as the President for Order of Omega, which is a Greek honor society. Both of which allow me to give time to underclassmen. I have also been able to continue learning through the Lemma Senbet Fund, which challenges me with questions that are not typical in classroom settings. These opportunities have allowed me to network with many amazing alumni that I would not have otherwise met as well as continue to fuel my curiosity.

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

Taylor: I would tell my Smith peers to get involved in something you enjoy as early as possible. It allowed me to grow as a person and expand my knowledge throughout my four years, even though I really didn’t get involved until I was a sophomore. If you don’t know what you truly enjoy, go to anything and everything until you find your passion. Finding something you're passionate about allows the work related to it not seem like actual work.

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

Taylor: I believe that I am making my mark on campus by attempting to give back as much as I can and serving as a role model for others. I would not be in the situation that I am today without upperclassmen taking the time to talk with me and mentor me as a freshman and sophomore. My goal is to help as many people as I can find their dream in business and help them get there.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Taylor: My dream is to be happy in life. I have realized recently that there are many ways to be successful both at work and in my personal life, but I believe that the key is to be happy. In terms on my career, I hope to continue my passion for the financial markets, and maybe even run my own fund one day.

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

Taylor: I’m passionate about the Smith School because it has given me the education and tools to be prepared to enter the financial world. Furthermore, the many opportunities to meet amazing people that I would not have met otherwise. It has in essence been the launch pad to my career, and it has been the place where I have met some of my best friends.