Smith’s PJ Thomas Selected for Poets & Quants’ Best and Brightest MBAs

Philip (P.J.) Thomas, representing the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business’ Full-Time MBA Program, is featured among the world’s 100 “Best & Brightest MBAs: Class of 2023,” by Poets & Quants.

Thomas, who has worked for Global Citizen, interned with The Hershey Company and served as Smith’s MBA Association president, will join the NFL’s Miami Dolphins as an associate in its Leadership Development Program.

In reflecting on his Smith experience, told Poets & Quants that he’s most proud of his “advocacy for my MBA cohorts and being part of the program’s move to become STEM-designated.”

He added: “Since entering the program, I’ve been inspired by the international, dual-degree students in the program who juggle additional classes, part-time work, and extracurricular activities. In my program leadership roles, I was especially driven to advocate for them to the school’s key decision-makers toward the STEM designation, which will bolster their profiles post-graduation. It’s been gratifying to see how the designation has fueled their motivation, especially to get more involved in MBA events and building relationships within the cohort.”

Thomas also described a brand management course taught by Associate Clinical Professor of Marketing Mary Beth Furst as especially significant in his MBA studies. “Through experiential learning and lively classroom discussions, I learned the ups and downs of the life of a brand manager. This course prepared me for my internship at The Hershey Company,” he said.

Furst told Poets & Quants that Thomas, as MBAA President, was “a strong supporter of the STEM designation for the MBA program because he saw how it will improve the graduate experience for international students in the future.” She added that Thomas’ previous experience with Global Citizen primed him to look for such opportunities. “As program manager, he focused on marketing efforts to grow the fellowship program dedicated to developing professional and leadership skills in college-age South African students.”

In addition to Thomas, Smith graduate Osazode (Zoddy) Imoisili ’15 (Supply Chain Management and Marketing) is profiled in connection with her MBA from the Wharton School. She also serves on the Smith School’s Young Alumni Council.

Read more: Philip (P.J.) Thomas’ profile at Poets & Quants.