Parker Rist ’19 Talks About His Summer “Wow” Experience

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently asked Parker Rist to share his unique experience during this past summer. Parker’s “Summer Story of WOW” is part of his Smith journey and it may be an inspiration to others. It may also be the beginning of what will distinguish him during networking opportunities and job interviews.

Dean Mullins: Tell us what you did this summer?

Parker Rist: My 2017 summer months were spent interning at Medallion Financial Group, working with my peers on the SUSA Executive Board and Dean’s Student Advisory Council, and networking with professionals in preparation for the 2018 summer when I truly “command my career.”

Medallion Financial Group is a small financial planning firm in my hometown that provided me hands-on experience with the daily activities of a financial advisor. Being a small firm, it provided me an interesting perspective that I will certainly speak to during future interviews with the large banks that everyone aims for.

I also spent a few hours each week working with my peers on SUSA and DSAC in preparation for the fall. These meetings allowed us to regroup and maintain the momentum that we built up during the spring semester. Lastly, I spent time networking with professionals in the financial industry, gaining insight about various firms, positions and opportunities.

Dean Mullins: What were the highlights of your experience?

Parker Rist: My time at Medallion was especially impactful because it was my first direct exposure to the industry. It reinforced my desire to work in a field that allows me to interact with people in a daily basis. To that same note, I thoroughly enjoyed each of the conversations that I had with professionals within the financial industry.

Dean Mullins: How/when/why did you plan this experience?

Parker Rist: I obtained my position at Medallion during the spring semester after completing a few interviews. With other offers on the table, I ultimately went with Medallion because of its proximity to my hometown and because I believed, and was correct in doing so, that a small firm would be best in terms of learning the most about the field while creating the most impact through increased levels of responsibility.

The SUSA Executive Board knew going into the summer that we needed to maintain communication and continue working in preparation for the fall so that we could hit the ground running come August/September when our schedule is packed with a bunch of exciting, important events such as Business Week, the Leadership Conference, SUSA NY Trip, etc.

Dean Mullins: Has this experience helped you to clarify your professional and/or personal goal(s)?

Parker Rist: Having the opportunity to speak candidly with partners who started their own practice definitely solidified my interest in the financial field. Their emphasis on longstanding relationships, trust and simply helping others is fully aligned with what interests me and what I stand for on a daily business. Taking part in client meetings allowed me to see firsthand the responsibilities of a financial advisor and the impact that those responsibilities have on clients who are going through tough times, preparing to retire or simply having their annual review.

Dean Mullins: Tell us how your experience might help you continue along the Smith Journey (Freshmen: “Build Your Brand;” Sophomores: “Pioneer Your Path;” Juniors: ”Command Your Career;” Seniors: “Embrace Your Experience.”)

Parker Rist: My sophomore year was all about pioneering my path—I really focused on analyzing all of my options within finance, talking to professors and alumni in order to decide what avenue interested me most. Upon developing an interest in financial advising/wealth management, I began to command said career by spending my summer at Medallion and moving closer to a fall position with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. Junior year will allow me to continue on this path, hopefully earning a junior-senior summer internship that will allow me to learn and affect positive change on those around me, ultimately leading to a full embrace of my experiences during my senior year.

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

Parker Rist: Fill your plate. Put yourself out there and involve yourself in a variety of things so that you can meet new people. There is no shortage of amazing people within Smith; above all else, my favorite thing to do is to walk through Van Munching Hall and see all of the wonderful peers that I’ve met through my two years at Smith. Find people who make you want to be better, people who are on the same track as you, people who are on different tracks than you—do whatever you can to build your network, because it will pay off in the long run.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Parker Rist: I want to help people. Whether it’s connecting my friends with professionals so that they can get a job, advising my future clients, or providing for my family, I want to have a positive effect on those around me. Seeing those around me thriving is just as rewarding as my personal successes.

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

Parker Rist: I grew up in a very diverse area, so I knew that I would appreciate the same when I came to Smith. I didn’t realize, though, how much of a challenge it would be, and I mean this in the most positive way. Being surrounded by other incredibly motivated individuals was a bit intimidating at first, but it’s pushed me to new levels and really brought out the best in me. Aspiring to work in finance has also presented challenges, but I admire the way that Smith supports one another and focuses on the talents of its members rather than perpetuating a cutthroat collegiate business atmosphere and relying on the name of the school. I am always very quick to tell people where I go to school.

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 Smith Start 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.