Your Student Experience

Getting Out in the Area

The area around the University of Maryland offers lots to do. The Masters Program Office organizes many group outings with members of the Smith community.

Meet Our Student Ambassadors

Master of Science in Accounting

Sarah Stuart-Sikowitz
MS in Accounting

I'm Sarah Stuart-Sikowitz, a Master of Accounting student at the University of Maryland with a non-traditional path into the field. My career began in outdoor education, leading backpacking and science expeditions in California and Oregon, where I taught leadership, communication, and outdoor skills. Prior to UMD, I served as Finance Director for a Portland-based outdoor education nonprofit, combining my passion for mission-driven work with financial management.

Now, as a Student Ambassador for the MSA program, I bring a unique perspective shaped by years of leading teams—both in the wilderness and in the office. Transitioning into accounting has required me to adapt core strengths like risk management, confidence, and adaptability to a field grounded in analysis and strategic planning. I'm excited to support and mentor fellow students, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds, as they navigate their own paths at UMD.

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Danielle Anane
MS in Business Analytics

With a background in Information Systems, I chose the Master of Science in Business Analytics at the Robert H. Smith School of Business to enhance my technical and analytical skills in decision-making. Working on AI-driven business solutions during a case competition and analyzing online health community data for diabetes prevention research deepened my passion for using data to solve real-world challenges.

As a student ambassador, I enjoy connecting with prospective students and sharing my journey. The hands-on learning approach at Smith, combined with its focus on analytics tools like Python, R, and Tableau, has strengthened my interest in business analytics. I am excited to continue developing my expertise and applying data-driven insights to business challenges.

Email Danielle   Schedule a chat with Danielle

Yifan Shen
MS in Business Analytics

Embarking on my journey as a co-founder and navigating the intricate world of finance as a Corporate Account Manager, I’ve had the privilege of gaining hands-on experience in strategic planning, market research, and financial management. However, in a world where data drives decisions, I knew there was more to learn.

That’s where the Master of Business Analytics at the Robert H. Smith School of Business comes in. Here, I found a program that doesn’t just teach theory but immerses students in the practical, real-world application of analytics. The Smith School’s commitment to experiential learning—where Python and MATLAB are not just tools but essential languages of the future—aligns perfectly with my desire to blend entrepreneurial spirit with analytical precision

Email Yifan    Schedule a chat with Yifan

Master of Science in Supply Chain Management

Gautami Sandu
MS in Supply Chain Management

While working as an Operations Associate for two years, I often wondered how demand was forecasted and how production was managed for a product to reach the end consumer. This curiosity led me to pursue a Master’s in Supply Chain Management at UMD, which offers the perfect blend of Management Studies and Process Improvement. The professors here are passionate and welcoming, encouraging you to excel and pay it forward to future Terps. I am highly organized and driven by efficiency in everything I do. The high-pressure, dynamic field of Supply Chain is one in which I believe I can thrive. In addition to my professional interests, I am a fitness enthusiast who enjoys trekking, cooking, and painting!

Email Gautami    Schedule a chat with Gautami

Master of Science in Marketing Analytics

Annah Sandu
MS in Marketing Analytics

My name is Annah Sandu, a Marketing Analytics graduate student at Robert H. Smith School of Business with a strong foundation in marketing principles and corporate governance. Alongside being a student l am the Ambassador for the Marketing Analytics department. My goal is to lead a team of innovative marketers and product managers to uncover insights that drive business growth through data-driven strategies.

As a student ambassador, l find great joy in helping others fulfill their goals, and building relationships with prospective students, staff and peers. When l am not working or studying l am a travel enthusiast with a great passion for exploring diverse cultures, different landscapes and meeting new people making unforgettable memories along the way.

Email Annah     Schedule a chat with Annah

Master of Science in Management Studies

James Consoli 
MS in Management Studies

Joining a Smith Master’s in Management program for me was about experiencing a real, working environment without feeling the pressure the industry imposes today. There is no feeling of being fired if you make a mistake or get an answer wrong. To me, this has cultivated a feeling of cooperative learning—not failure—and a sense of community — not negativity. It has all the benefits of a functional and communal workplace without the pressure of being laid off.

Some of my favorite experiences and assignments include experiential learning courses, where I get to meet with real CEOs and executives, interview them, work with them, and schedule consultations with them, and also more contemporary, niche classes like a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) course on the fresh and disruptive environment that is collegiate athletics and navigating the turmoil in its entirety.

Email James    Schedule a chat with James

Master of Science in Information Systems

Seeun Park
MS in Information Systems

I believe that how we utilize data determines the success or failure of a business. While working in finance and customer service, I gained firsthand experience in analyzing data and saw its growing impact on decision-making. Managing customer service and financial data highlighted the importance of data-driven problem-solving and strategic planning for business growth.

Through this program, I have developed strong analytical skills and practical experience in deriving insights. Hands-on projects with real companies have allowed me to apply my knowledge to real-world challenges. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds has broadened my perspective. The Smith School’s strong focus on experiential learning and data-driven decision-making has been instrumental in preparing me for real-world business challenges.

Email Seeun    Schedule a chat with Seeun

Elijah Thompson
MS in Information Systems

My name is Elijah Thompson, a first-generation student, and I am continuing my education as a Graduate student, pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. During my undergraduate career, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and was in 30+ on-campus involvements/campus jobs.

As a curious person, I always ask myself why. This drew me to technology, as it is fascinating how technology works and how it seems to have such a solid grasp on society. It influences our daily lives almost unnoticeably, and I imagine the what-ifs of technology. I seek to find a way to incorporate technology and people into a well-functioning and efficient dynamic, with technology enhancing, not replacing people's place in society.

I chose Smith to continue my degree because of the opportunities offered here, from hands-on projects working with real clients to the Smith Community events—there are always different ways to be engaged!

Master of Finance/ Master of Quantitative Finance

Afra Nawar
Master of Finance

The Master of Finance program at the Smith School has been a valuable experience in my career journey. As someone driven to create meaningful impact through finance, this program has provided me with specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of the U.S. financial markets. It has also complimented my pursuit of the CFA certification by covering many relevant topics.

Working in the financial industry in my home country made me realize the immense potential for innovation, and I am eager to apply the skills I’ve gained at Smith to help shape its financial future. What drew me to Smith was its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Beyond academics, the program fosters a collaborative and dynamic learning environment, where students are encouraged to challenge ideas, think critically, and push the boundaries of conventional finance. The connections I’ve built here—both with professors and peers—have been invaluable, reinforcing my passion for finance and my desire to contribute meaningfully to the industry.

Email Afra    Schedule a chat with Afra