Farhan Bader ’18 Talks about Junior Wall Street Fellows Program

Victor Mullins, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently interviewed Farhan Bader ’18 to discuss his involvement with the Junior Wall Street Fellows Program and how it is part of his 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 Junior Wall Street Fellows. Why did you apply for it and what are you learning?

Farhan: I applied to the Junior Wall Street Fellows program (JWSF) because I was interested in a career in investment banking and knew that this program provided its students with the best-equipped material in achieving that goal. Reflecting back on my experience, I have gained a lot from JWSF through the resources of faculty, close alumni connections, and help from my peers in the program. Julie Pavlovsky, the faculty champion, cares about preparing her students to have the mindset and determination to land a summer internship in investment banking/S&T. The program allowed me to make strong alumni connections that were extremely helpful throughout the interview process. I believe that one aspect of the program that is overlooked is the collaborative aspect of peers when preparing for recruitment.

Dean Mullins: Tell us how your participation in Junior Wall Street Fellows is helping and/or has helped you navigate the Smith Journey.

Farhan: My Smith Journey has been complimented by being a part of a supportive network such as JWSF. There has been training material and valuable insight that we gained from one another and from Professor Pavlovsky. I believe that surrounding yourself with students who are determined keeps you motivated. The JWSF is a collaborative group of individuals who definitely helped me stay focused on my goals.

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

Farhan: My favorite aspect of the Smith community has always been everyone’s willingness to help. My involvements included FBIS, AKPsi, SUSA, Smith’s Office of Career Services, Sophomore and Junior Wall Street Fellows -- all benefited my overall Smith Journey. Through these organizations, I’ve been able to gain a supportive network and enhance my skills.

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

Farhan: Make sure to get involved in whatever you feel passionate about and then set goals to achieve the success. Don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way and then give back to others.

Dean Mullins: What is your dream?

Farhan: My dream is to find a career in finance that fulfills my interests in understanding how companies operate. One day, I hope to hold a management position at a reputable firm and maybe even start my own company.

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

Farhan: The Smith School has provided many resources for me and many other students that I know in the fields that we are passionate about. Entering the business school as a freshman, I was interested in finance. By getting involved in Wall Street Fellows and clubs like FBIS I have been able to connect with others who share my interests, develop skills and make an impact. I’m passionate about the Smith School because Smith School is passionate about their students.

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.