Melissa Horovitz '18 Discusses Emerging CFOs Fellows Program

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed  Melissa Horovitz ’18 to discuss his/her involvement with Emerging CFOs  Fellows Program and how it is part of her SMITH JOURNEY. 

Successful navigation of the Smith journey requires involvement with colleagues, professors, professionals, clubs and organizations here at the Smith School, across campus and in the outside “real” world of business.   Here is what students are challenged to do in each of their four years at Smith:

• Freshmen: “Build Your Brand” through the SmithStart program.
• Sophomores: “Pioneer Your Path” to success by focusing on an overall academic and career strategy.
• Juniors: ”Command Your Career” to ensure that you are well positioned for your professional journey.
• Seniors: “Embrace Your Experience” with an arsenal of tools, knowledge and networks, so that you are able to embrace your experience and celebrate your success.

Dean Mullins:   Tell us about your involvement with The Emerging CFO’s Fellows Program. Why did you apply for it and what are you learning? 

Melissa: I applied for the Emerging CFOs Fellows Program because I wanted to learn more about corporate finance and be involved in the extracurricular activities that would supplement my coursework. I have enjoyed the classes so far, which include Financial Statement Analysis and Advanced Financial Management. Some of the topics I have learned include how to make capital budgeting decisions, the implications of various mergers and acquisitions, financing decisions, and company valuation. We have had various guest speakers in class and have an inter-fellows case competition coming up this semester. Next year, I will be involved in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Fellows Program.

Dean Mullins:  Tell us how your participation in Emerging CFO’  Fellows Program is helping and/or has helped you navigate the Smith journey.

Melissa: The Fellows Programs at Smith are a fantastic way to get involved at the Smith School and they help you feel a part of a smaller community within such a large university. I have benefited immensely from the smaller class sizes that Fellows provides because it has allowed me to get to know other students within my class section as well as build relationships with the professors. It has allowed me to gain confidence through participation in these sections as well as attend various events that promote learning from professionals and the industry that they work in.

Dean Mullins: Reflect on your other involvements and activities here at Smith that have been a part of the Smith journey.

Melissa: My involvement in the College Park Scholars Business, Society, and the Economy Program allowed me to be welcomed into a smaller community within the business school and eventually led me to participate in three short term Global Immersion Programs to Dubai, Southeast Asia and Australia/New Zealand. Participation in Smith through Business Honors, Fellows Programs, various clubs, and a professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, has really shaped my college career.  As a mentor for the SmithStart program as well as in Business Honors, it has allowed me to grow my leadership skills and guide underclassmen to resources in the business school as well as give general college advice. 

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

Melissa: Overall, do not be afraid to try something new! Get out of your comfort zone! Definitely take advantage of the various short term study abroad programs through the Office of Global Initiatives and immerse yourself in a culture different than your own. Business is increasingly becoming more global and by studying abroad you really learn to embrace the global mindset that is essential in global companies today.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Melissa: My dream is to be happy in my career, be challenged and enjoy and be proud of my work. Professionally, I aspire to work in corporate development doing valuation on mergers and acquisitions. I aim to pursue higher education when the time is right in my career and earn my MBA. From a personal standpoint I am passionate about family and I hope to be able to continue to travel around the world!

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

Melissa: The Smith School is a community of driven individuals and is a supportive environment that pushes you to achieve your goals. What I love about the Smith School is that it creates an environment where success is contagious and there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Smith has a culture of collaboration that creates a family-like atmosphere where everyone helps challenge and empower each other to be the best that they can be.

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Students in one of the Smith School’s many one-year Fellows programs join a cohort of like-minded peers to engage in an intense study of a specific area of business, ranging from major-specific topics such as finance and supply chain to general interests such as sport management or global consulting.

Out-of-the-classroom and reality-based learning experiences are at the forefront of the Fellows programs. Whether through special speakers, workshops, site visits, case competitions, or networking events with corporate partners and Smith alumni, students gain practical insights into the business community. 

Small class sizes in reserved Fellows sections of business courses are a hallmark of all Fellows programs, facilitating strong working relationships among Fellows students and the faculty who advise and teach in the programs. Students engage, explore and experience the Smith Community through Fellows!

For more information on the 15 unique Fellows Programs available, go to: Smith Fellows.