Doron Tadmor ’20 Builds His Brand

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith  School of Business, recently interviewed Smith Freshman Doron Tadmor ‘20 to discuss how he is “building his brand” 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 are “building your brand” during your freshmen year.

Doron: My Smith brand is “unstoppable!” When I set a goal, I will not stop until it is reached. So as soon as I set foot in Van Munching Hall, I began networking with every Employer of the Day, introduced myself to all my teachers, joined leadership positions in multiple clubs, and focused on working closely with my peers/colleagues on various projects. I am determined to have people remember who I am and what I stand for.

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

Doron: It is all about your skills and what you can offer that separate you from your peers. The first step is the hardest, don’t let the large campus setting intimidate you. College Park is a large campus with a diverse set of activities and initiatives. Don’t be afraid to pursue your interests because every student can find one or more areas of interest that they can to contribute to. If you are intimidated by the plethora of options, start by communicating with your peers. In no time, you will find that you started a networking circle that will increase over time and offer you the required connections to get involved quickly and find your place in the campus community. Don’t let an opportunity pass you by, and apply for everything, even if you aren’t 100% sure that you want to do it. With more choices at hand you will be able to find your way and build your own brand.

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

Doron: Although I just joined the Terp family, I am already involved with many organizations that directly influence the lives of other students. These range from student governance to being part of an international startup that focuses on improving third world country e-commerce infrastructure. By being very active on campus both academically as well as socially, I am able to maximize my personal enrichment, be it through coursework, or by submitting applications to organizations I wish to belong to and build with my contributions. Within the first couple weeks of being at UMD, I was already involved in multiple leadership positions, such as the Student Government Association Legislature, Resident Hall Association, Relay for Life Committee, and others.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Doron: My dream is to make a difference and in some way, change the world for the better. My dream to change the world started at a very young age. While I was in second grade, my brother got in a car accident and was in a coma for four months. Shortly after, my sister got diagnosed with cancer, and my parents filed for divorce. As a second grader, this was a very tough time, but my community held me up and provided me with the support I needed to thrive, and that is how I got to be the person I am today. From this experience, I came to appreciate the intrinsic motivation to help others, and from that stemmed my dream. We all hear and experience firsthand the direction that the world is moving towards, not because of the current presidential election, but rather due to the development course of humanity and how our single livable planet is being impacted. I envision that one day I will be actively defining and developing new international environmental policies and finding ways to increase the effectiveness of how countries can resolve issues. If I succeed, I hope to channel humanity in directions that will be new, positive and productive.

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

Doron: I’m passionate about Smith School because of the tools and opportunities it offers me. As part of my personal goals of being able to make a difference in communities around the world, the Smith School prepares me for that in two ways: (1) strong undergraduate business curriculum with enough breadth and depth that arms Smith graduates with invaluable tools and knowledge; and (2) numerous international opportunities to study abroad and engage in entrepreneurial initiatives. I have been truly impressed with the exposure and tools that Smith has already provided me with and I can’t even imagine what my skill set will be after completing the next three years and gaining that much more valued knowledge. I look forward to using my newly acquired Smith tools to embark on my dreams and change the world.