TJ Ademiluyi '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 TJ: Ademiluyi’ 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.

TJ: During my freshman year, I was primarily focused on developing a four-year plan to make sure I succeeded academically and professionally. I joined student clubs that I found interesting and started building relationships with my fellow peers and professors. I knew doing well in my classes came first if I wanted to be considered for various programs and internships, so I really emphasized that. However, I wanted to get an early start on my professional career as well, so I attended the SUSA New York Trip during my first semester. Going on the SUSA trip was a major stepping-stone to learning what internship opportunities the Smith School had to offer.

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

TJ: My sophomore year was when I really focused on trying to get in front of employers in order to find available internship opportunities for underclassman. I attended multiple career fairs and started interviewing for internships in order to get comfortable going through the job application process. I was very fortunate to land an internship at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during the fall semester and Goldman Sachs during the summer.

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

TJ: Having received an offer to intern for a second summer at Goldman Sachs, I really used my junior year to refine the skills I developed during my summer internship. I took relevant classes that I knew would help me succeed during my upcoming internship, and I gained a better understanding of exactly what career I wanted to pursue within the financial services industry.

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

TJ: As I wrap up my final semester in college, I have been vocal in making sure to be a resource for my peers who may have similar career interests and goals. The only way the school continues to grow is by establishing a strong pipeline of career opportunities for more students each year. I believe sharing my knowledge and experiences is the most effective way to make that happen.

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

TJ: It’s never too early or too late to start looking for internship and career opportunities. I would especially advise my younger peers to attend as many networking events, career fairs and other events as they can in order to get more comfortable establishing professional relationships. Your success in the business field depends on your network and it is never too early or too late to start building it.

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

TJ: As the university continues to make investments to encourage more entrepreneurship in our community, I have tried to aid in this effort by joining with a group of other Smith School students to launch and grow 301 Ventures, a student-run venture capital fund for University of Maryland affiliated entrepreneurs. Our campus and broader community have an extremely impressive pool of talented entrepreneurs who need funding in order to grow. Through my work at 301 Ventures, I am very proud to have been able to invest in various companies within our community.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

TJ: I hope to one day apply my skills and experiences to start my own business. I have always seen myself as an entrepreneur, and I think taking the risk of starting something I am passionate about would be exciting. Whether in technology or financial services, creating something that others may use and benefit from would be fulfilling.

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

TJ: The Smith School provided me with numerous opportunities to learn, to network within my field, and to find a career path that was best for me. The school has excellent professors and continuously makes efforts to become a better institution. It is also great to see how involved the alumni community is in the undergraduate program, as it shows that everyone who went here feels a sense of loyalty to the school. I really enjoyed the past four years at the Smith School, and I am proud to be a Terp.

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