Community / November 8, 2016

John Strauss ’20 Builds His Brand

John StraussVictor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Smith Freshman John Strauss’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. I do recognize that that you are in your first semester.

John: Building my brand can be a little bit difficult, and, of course, intimidating. But I find it best to just get myself out there. As cliché as that sounds, it really holds true. I try to go to every event I can, meet professionals from every company that’s available, and always try my best to leave a good impression. I build my brand by just being myself; I don’t want my brand to be anything but that.

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

John: Try to attend as many events hosted by the Smith School as possible because they are never without purpose. There is always an opportunity to better yourself and get your name in the professional networks. Even if you are a fairly shy person, just going to the events can help you learn so much about the business world and what you can do to succeed in it.

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

John: By being a dedicated Terp! I try my hardest here on campus because this is the first step in shaping how the rest of my life is going to turn out. Without the University of Maryland and the Smith School, I wouldn’t be nearly as prepared to step into the real world and develop my career. I recognize this, and I want to give back to the school and its community in any way possible. I maintain good grades, attend leadership and community service events on campus, and promote the school when I am off campus.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

John: Now that is a tough question! I don’t have a concrete dream. There is no big plan I have in place, or any big accomplishment or goal I want to achieve in life. I like living. It’s fascinating, challenging, exuberant, and mystifying. I enjoy just being alive, and being surrounded by my fellow man. If I had any dream, it would be merely this: to be as consistently and genuinely happy as possible, and to share that happiness with everyone around me.

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

John: I recognize the level of dedication and devotion that embodies the atmosphere of its community. I know how hard its students and faculty work day-in and day-out. It is an incredible institution that will, without a doubt, guide me to become an outstanding professional and man. I am passionate about anything that shows me its own passion, and the Smith School has shown that it is passionate about me. 

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283  
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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