Hargun Kalsi '17 Embraces Her 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 Hargun Kalsi ’17 to discuss how she is “embracing hher experience” 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.

Hargun: I got a glimpse of all Smith had to offer by attending numerous company networking events. Attending events was helpful because it removed the anxiety associated with professional interactions. By learning how to network early on, I was not afraid to fail. Looking back, this was the best approach to my time here because I slowly started to narrow down the things that didn’t peak my interest, and started focusing on clubs and programs that could help shape my future.

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

Hargun: As a sophomore, I had a more concrete idea of what I expected my future to look like. With this in mind, I narrowed my search to clubs and opportunities that would help me expand my network. The Banking and Private Wealth Management Fellows Program, for example, offered classes where I learned the art of financial statement analysis -- a key skill that would later help me secure my first internship. I realized that I wanted to find a career path within banking, and this led to a growing interest in prestigious banks in New York City.

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

Hargun: Networking and building long-lasting relationships with important people was very valuable. In particular, a supportive mentor helped me understand the transition between college and the working world. Good advice is a very powerful thing. After realizing this fact, I wanted to offer my help to others, so I applied to be a Student Career Advisor for the Office of Career Services. I helped others find answers to their professional questions and improve their resumes, which was a very satisfying experience. Ultimately, after interviewing for numerous companies through the Office of Career Services (OCS), I was extremely excited to accept a summer internship at JP Morgan Chase & Co. as a Corporate Analyst.

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

Hargun: Three years ago, I did not have half the knowledge I have today and I know I made a lot of mistakes along the way. I realize that it’s not the number of interview questions you have answered “correctly” or how many people you know, it’s about the quality of interaction and relationships that you maintain. I look back at all the time I spent networking, studying late at night, getting good grades, and researching potential career paths and I know it all has led me to where I am today. I will always remember the memories I have made at Van Munching Hall.

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

Hargun: The best advice I have for my peers within the Smith community is to make valuable connections. Do not take the school's resources and networking opportunities for granted. Although the events may seem repetitive at times, it is always smart to go and get exposure interacting with business professionals. Also, the more you practice talking to employees, the more comfortable you will be portraying your personality in an interview.

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

Hargun: I have always wanted to share my experiences with others so that they could learn from my mistakes and save some time on their journey. As a Student Career Advisor, a Teaching Assistant for two classes, and an overall mentor to a number of close peers, I feel that I have made my mark on campus by reaching out to many different constituents in the community. I hope to come back as alumni and share more of my life’s experiences in the future.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Hargun: Ultimately, my dream is to find success in the heart of New York City’s financial district. I want to enjoy a lavish lifestyle while making sure to do my fair share of giving back to the community that helped me achieve my success. I want to continue to be satisfied with my life’s decisions and content with my speed of progress, both personally and professionally. I do not know where I will be in five years, but I know that I will make sure I am happy.

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

Hargun: The Smith School has given me so many opportunities that have helped me become the person I am today. I have grown so much here, whether it was as a public speaker presenting for the QUEST program, or through my experiences at the Center for Social Value Creation, consulting for a non-profit organization in Pittsburgh. Each activity I participated in was a bit more challenging than the last. At Smith, I have really pushed myself, and I am proud of it.