Stephen Flessner '17 Embraces His 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 Stephen Flessner ’17 to discuss how he is “embracing his experience” 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 “built your brand” during your freshmen year.

Stephen: My journey into the Smith School was a little different than most. I attended a community college and transferred to the University of Maryland in the spring of my sophomore year. Upon arriving, I immediately felt the impact of this school and began building my brand by getting involved in everything I could. This included joining both CASH Club and the Real Estate Investment Club. Spending time with those who were educated and passionate about my interests really helped me to solidify my educational path and establish goals.

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

Stephen: Being a transfer student definitely challenged me to jump in to get my feet wet and simultaneously jump ahead to plan my future. I remember talking to many of my professors about career possibilities and just trying to soak up as much information as possible. I also tried to attend all extra programs such as guest speakers to get a sense of where I wanted to apply for internships.

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

Stephen: I sum up my junior year in two words: networking and interviewing. Fall semester was jam-packed with attending career fairs, networking events and interviews. While it was extremely stressful at times, but it was well worth it. I interviewed with three of the Big Four accounting firms and have accepted an offer for a summer audit internship with Ernst & Young to begin my professional career.

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

Stephen: It is a huge relief to begin my senior year having already accepted a full-time offer with EY. I think senior year is the best time to take a step back and really appreciate all the progress you have made. I now find myself connecting classroom topics to the bigger picture, instead of just trying to memorize every minute detail. In addition, it is nice to be able to relax at networking events and enjoy all the little things -- such as the free food!

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

Stephen: Don’t get caught up when things do not go according to plan. It is very easy to get frustrated and upset after doing poorly on a test or not receiving an offer after an interview. Going through all the processes at the Smith School reinforced the principle that everything truly does happen for a reason. Also -- never lose yourself by letting what can be a wild ride steer you away from your core values.

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

Stephen: Being an active member both inside and outside the classroom has allowed me to make my mark on the campus. Never be afraid to share an experience when it relates to a topic in class or club meeting. I am now also a campus ambassador for EY, so it’s an awesome feeling to be able to share information about my internship from this past summer and offer advice to those who are in an identical situation as I was last year.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Stephen: My dream has stayed pretty consistent over the past few years. I hope that when I am retired and am sitting in my rocking chair that I will look back on my life and know I made a direct impact on the lives of many. While I am not exactly sure how I will go about reaching this dream, I do plan to live my life with an open eye to any opportunity that could turn this dream into a reality.

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

Stephen: I am passionate about the Smith School because it possesses one of my most important values, which is being devoted to continuous self-improvement. Each year, I have come back to a school that has sought new initiatives to become even better than the previous year. I have never felt alone in my pursuit of both educational and career goals because everyone involved within the Smith School makes it very obvious they are always here to offer support. All you have to do is ask.