Daniella Mazel '18 Commands Her Career

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Smith Junior Daniella Mazel ’18 to discuss how she is “commanding her career” 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 “built your brand” during your freshmen year. 

Daniella: I spent a lot of time considering what I would major in and what field I wanted to go into. I decided to double major in management and marketing after reading Creative Confidence by David and Tom Kelley for my Business Society and Economy Scholars program. I was fascinated by the design thinking process and how it relates to businesses. The idea of the design thinking process helped me define my passion for creativity and design in business.

Dean Mullins: How are you going to “command your career” during your junior year? I do recognize that this year is still beginning.

Daniella: This past summer, I worked as the strategic planning intern at Danaher Corporation, a Fortune 200 company. During my time there, I helped the strategic development department improve the quality and coherence of their workshop materials. In essence, it was a creative consulting project and I loved working on it. This year, I hope to broaden my scope beyond campus positions and secure an internship in management consulting to pursue what I love.

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

Daniella:  Build connections and stay busy. You never know who you might meet and how that connection can be beneficial down the road—whether that be a professor, program director, recruiter, or advisor. Also, there are so many amazing opportunities in Smith that you can get involved in to stay busy and make an impact, so make your years here count!

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

Daniella: My passion is making good things better and I think I am doing just that through innovating Smith undergraduate courses as well as other aspects of the university. After my freshman year, I was invited to join the Innovo Consulting Scholars program to help innovate and improve a business school course. I absolutely loved having input into the course design and teaching methods. I continued in the Innovo program to help innovate the change-major process for the entire university. We presented our findings to major university stakeholders – vice presidents and members from the president’s cabinet – and I hope our recommendations will have a positive impact on the student experience here.  

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Daniella: My dream is to join a top management consulting firm to work on business transformation projects. I hope to make my mark in the consulting world and help facilitate positive business changes.

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

Daniella:  The Smith School has provided me with so many incredible opportunities: from TA positions to the Innovo Scholars program to the Design Fellows program. I have learned to be more confident in my abilities and have become a leader in the student community.