Tushig Idersuut Fall ’17 Talks about Information Technology and Business Transformation Fellows

Victor Mullins, associate dean of the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Tushig Idersuut ’17 to discuss her involvement with Information Technology and Transformation Fellows 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 information technology and business transformation fellows. Why did you apply for it and what are you learning?

Student Response: I applied to the Information Technology and Business Transformation Fellows (iTbT) because I wanted to I wanted to learn more about the impact of technology has on businesses and how businesses can leverage technology to gain a competitive advantage. Prior to the iTBT Fellows program, I had no real knowledge of computer software or the different programs that businesses use. Last semester, we learned how to code VBA in Excel and now we’re learning about SQL and database management. Learning more about different business application has taught me about the power of technology and how a dynamic a business can be.

Dean Mullins: Tell us how your participation in the information technology and business transformation fellowsis helping and/or has helped you navigate the Smith Journey.

Student Response: It actually has been an illuminating experience for me because when I first started studying business, I thought it was just sales and marketing but business is much more than that. Technology plays a pivotal role in everyone’s lives and how people do business. Last semester, I had the chance to go on the SUSA New York trip with other iTBT members and visited variety of different companies to examine how they were using technology to achieve their business goals. We visited large, established corporations, like Microsoft, that has endless resources as well as a small start-up that operated in a co-working office. While the start-up was a small team of less than ten people, it had achieved immense success during its six months of operation already racking up hundreds of thousands in revenues. It goes to show how people can achieve so much more with technology on their side. The Fellows program inspired me to add Information Systems as my double major and continue to learn more about IT.

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

Student Response: This semester, I joined the Innovo Scholars Program to help improve the University processes regarding transfer students. It has been hard work and my cohort and I have worked to understand much about the process as possible. As a transfer student myself, it has been a rewarding experience to have been given a chance to help others through the challenges and issues that they face. Given the scale and size of UMD, it can be an overwhelming experience to navigate through all the nuances and find your niche. My business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, has also allowed me to build a network within the Smith that has been helpful in making me feel more connected to the school.

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

Student Response: I highly encourage everyone to get involved as early and as much as possible. There is a club or an organization out there for everyone and it is a great way to meet other people who share the same interests. There are also numerous events hosted by Smith that is tailored for everyone’s interests and these events are a great way to learn more about an industry or company and network with others.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Student Response: My dream is to inspire and help others through my work. Business at the core is about people, which is why it is important for me to work for a place that values corporate responsibility and foster an open culture. I want to make an impact on others’ lives whether it is solving issues that society face or helping others achieve their own goals and dreams. Ultimately, my goal is to run my own business. I think there is something noble about building something from scratch but at this point in time, I want to learn as much as possible about the different facets of business before I dive in.

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

Student Response: I am passionate about the Smith School because it is always working to be more competitive and innovative. I especially love the dynamic learning experience that is present - there is much to be learned inside and outside the classroom. There are numerous programs, like the Fellows program, that students can utilize to enhance their classroom involvement or participate outside the classroom for a unique learning experience. The resources here are abundant and the school does a great job in its efforts to build relationships between students and employers from employer events, recruiting activities, case competitions, and information sessions (just to name a few) to help students land their dream job and prepare for life post-graduation. The competitive yet collaborative nature here also motivate me to be better - both professionally and personally.

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 sports 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.