Smith Start
Welcome to the Smith family! As a new member, you'll be part of our vibrant Smith Start community, designed to prepare you for your four years at Smith and beyond. Through small, linked courses and co-curricular programming, Smith Start encourages you to engage, explore, and experience everything the Smith community offers as a student and future business professional.
All freshmen admitted to the Smith School automatically join the Smith Start program.
Smith Start Calendar
Required Course:
- BMGT110F, Introduction to the Business Value Chain
Most students will enroll in BMGT110F. However, students in the Business, Society, and Economy Program within College Park Scholars will only need to participate in co-curricular events as they enroll in BMGT110S during the spring semester. Students in the Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program and Smith Business Leadership Fellows Program can opt for BMGT110L. Those with BMGT110 transfer credit should coordinate their participation with the undergraduate programs office.
Co-Curricular Opportunities: Dates and times are subject to change.
- Smith Freshman Convocation and Welcome Dinner
Sunday, August 25, 2024, 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Stamp Student Union, Colony Ballroom
Join Smith leadership and current students to welcome the Class of 2028 to Smith and the University of Maryland. This required event is an opportunity to meet your Smith Start mentor and celebrate the start of your college experience. - Top Golf Takeover
Monday, September 23, 2024, 6 to 8 p.m.
Register to attend this fun outing with your Smith Start mentors and classmates at Top Golf. Transportation, golf, and food are included. - Smith Start Study Break
Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Time TBA
Enjoy a study break with food, games, and Smith giveaways.
Required Course:
- BMGT367F, Career Search Strategies in Business
Co-Curricular Opportunities: Dates and times are subject to change.
- Back to Business
January 2025, Date & Time TBA
Kick off the semester at the Smith Start Back to Business Winter Carnival with free food, Smith swag, and opportunities to get involved on campus. - Smith Start Embassy Day
February 21, 2025, Time TBA
Join Smith Start and the Center for Global Business for a visit to various embassies in Washington, D.C. - Smith Start in the City (Baltimore)
Date & Time TBA TBA
Meet Smith alumni and explore various career paths during this one-day event in Baltimore. - Smith Start Networking Day
Friday, May 2, 2025, Time TBA
This final Smith Start event of the year offers networking strategies and a chance to meet Smith alumni and corporate partners ahead of your internship search.
Smith Start Mentors
Jillian Ames
Class of 2027
Major: Management
Hometown: Towson, MD
“I became a Smith Start Mentor because I enjoyed my experience so much my first year! My mentor helped me with all things UMD and Smith, and I wanted to do the same for others.”
Campus Involvement: Kappa Delta Sorority, Intramural Sports
Sereen "Sisi" Aridi
Class of 2027
Majors: Finance and Marketing
Hometown: Montgomery Village, MD
“I believe in being a resource to others! As a Smith Start Mentor, I get the opportunity to give back, inspire confidence, and help others overcome challenges.”
Campus Involvement: Women's Empowerment Institute, QUEST Honors program, Student Entertainment Events (SEE)
Marissa Behal
Class of 2027
Major: Business Undecided
Hometown: Holmdel, NJ
“I chose to become a Smith Start mentor because I wanted to give back to the Smith School and be a guide for first-year students! I also wanted to participate in an organization where I could build my leadership, communication, and event-planning skills.”
Campus Involvement: Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity, Smith Business Leadership Fellows (SBLF) - Ambassador, Women in Business Association
Kairy Castro-Barrios
Class of 2027
Majors: Information Systems and Marketing
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
“Transitioning to college from high school can be scary. I am happy to know I can give back to the Smith community by being a mentor.”
Campus Involvement: American Marketing Association, College Park Scholars - Justice and Legal Thought program
Eric Chan
Class of 2026
Majors: Finance and Operations Management & Business Analytics (OMBA)
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
“I understand how challenging it can be from one environment to another, especially with balancing goals, personal growth, and managing multiple responsibilities. As a mentor, I have been able to share my experience and provide guidance towards the incoming class whether it be their academic or professional journeys.”
Campus Involvement: Consult Your Community - VP of Finance, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity - Recruitment and Pledge Committee, Smith Start - Former Training & Engagement Student Director
Andy Chen
Class of 2026
Majors: International Business and Operations Management & Business Analytics (OMBA)
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
“I became a Smith Start Mentor to give back and support incoming freshmen as they navigate this new environment. My mentor played a huge role in my transition, and I knew I wanted to do the same for others. Helping students grow by sharing my experiences is incredibly rewarding.”
Campus Involvement: Consult Your Community, Chinese Student Association, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, Smith Start - Former Data Assessment & Analytics Student Director
Kevin Chen
Class of 2026
Majors: Finance and Operations Management & Business Analytics (OMBA)
Hometown: Prince George’s County, MD
“As a freshman, adjusting to college was challenging, but my Smith Start Mentor helped me gain confidence through resources, workshops, and community events. I became a mentor to give back to the community that helped me grow. Mentorship shaped my development, and now it’s my turn to support others.”
Campus Involvement: Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, Consult Your Community, Honors College - Interdisciplinary Business Honors (IBH) program, UMD Boxing Club, Chinese Student Association, Taiwanese Student Association
Joseph Chung
Class of 2027
Majors: Accounting and Finance
Hometown: Towson, MD
“I became a Smith Start Mentor because of how passionate I am about Smith's culture. I hope to guide the next class of Smith students to have a great time while they're here and get the internships that they want!”
Campus Involvement: Smith Community Council Board, Ascend Leadership UMD Chapter - VP of External Affairs, Smith School Ambassador, and SUSA Events Committee
Urszula Cieslak
Class of 2026
Majors: Accounting and Finance
Hometown: Kensington, MD
“My Smith Start mentor helped me a lot during my freshman year whether through helpful tips for studying or class registration and I knew that I wanted to give back. Serving as a mentor allows me to connect with first-year students and guide them through the beginning of their academic and professional journeys.”
Campus Involvement: Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program (IBH), Sports Management Program, Women in Business Association - VP of Signature Events, former Teaching Assistant - HBUS105 and BMGT440, Smith Start Student Director - Membership & Recruitment
Delaney Fay
Class of 2027
Major: Finance
Hometown: Westhampton, NY
“I am a Smith Start Mentor because I want to empower first-year students and be there for any struggles, questions, or concerns they may have. I want my mentees and others to feel like they have someone they feel comfortable asking questions to.”
Campus Involvement: Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Fashion Business Association. Junior Panhellenic - Chapter Representative
Sabrina Gong
Class of 2027
Major: Operations Management & Business Analytics (OMBA)
Hometown: Parsippany, NJ
“I am a Smith Start Mentor because I believe freshmen must have upper-class peer support. I feel that I can offer unique perspectives and firsthand knowledge of navigating the academic, social, and professional aspects of college.”
Campus Involvement: Women in Business Association, Maryland Club Softball, Chinese Student Association
Reese Habicht
Class of 2027
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Timonium, MD
“I have always stepped into roles where I can give guidance, as I found it was something I was good at. Being a Smith Start mentor has given me a great position to hone my skills and help freshmen feel more comfortable in their new lives.”
Campus Involvement: Strategic Design Fellows
Anna Handley
Class of 2027
Majors: Management and Marketing
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
“I became a Smith Start Mentor because I wanted to help guide freshmen in their transition from high school to college. I wanted to share my experiences as a Smith student and help them navigate their path within the business school.”
Campus Involvement: One Love Club - Director of Communications, Smith Business Leadership Fellows (SBLF) - Marketing Team Member, Women in Business Association, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
Mackenzie Kopp
Class of 2027
Major: Operations Management & Business Analytics (OMBA)
Minor: Management
Hometown: Damascus, MD
“As a Smith Start Mentor, you have a chance to be a guide and support new students as they navigate their college journey, while also helping develop your leadership skills. It’s a rewarding position that allows me to serve as a role model for the next generation of Smith students.”
Campus Involvement: Operations Management & Business Analytics (OMBA) Society, Club Lacrosse team, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
Pratik Kumar
Class of 2027
Major: Information Systems
Hometown: Bangalore, India
“I chose to be a Smith Start Mentor because I genuinely want to help people, especially freshmen who are just beginning their journey at Smith. Having been in their shoes not too long ago, I understand how challenging and overwhelming the first year can be. I want to use my experience to guide them, offer support, and help make their transition smoother.”
Campus Involvement: Smith Business Leadership Fellows - Programming Team, Chess Club, AI/ML Club
Sharon Lee
Class of 2027
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Rockville, MD
“I chose to become a Smith Start Mentor because I have a big passion for mentoring! I absolutely love being a resource to those who need it, and it’s fulfilling to see the people I look after prosper and grow. I hope that every new student at Smith has someone they can look up to just like I did.”
Campus Involvement: Accounting and Business Association, Women in Business Association, UMD Asian American InterVarsity - Student Leader
Tiffany Lee
Class of 2026
Majors: Information Systems and Operations Management & Business Analytics (OMBA)
Hometown: Marlboro, NJ
“I became a Smith Start Mentor to share my journey—the lessons from failures and achievements I am proud of—to inspire others. I want to spark motivation and be someone my mentees can look up to. Smith Start gives me the perfect platform to lead, support, and help others grow personally and professionally.”
Campus Involvement: Department of Operations - Former Smith Service & Support Associate, Maryland Business Opportunity Center - Data Analytics Intern, Women in Business Association, Ascend - VP of Information Technology, Japanese American Student Association - Co-Historian
Josefine Liau
Class of 2027
Majors: Finance and Information Systems
Hometown: Rockville, MD
“Mentoring felt like the perfect way to share what I’ve learned, build connections, and support new students. Offering guidance while strengthening my ties within Smith has been a rewarding experience.”
Campus Involvement: Taiwanese American Student Association
William Liu
Class of 2027
Major: Information Systems
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
“I became a Smith Start Mentor because I wanted to provide freshmen with opportunities to get involved with just like my Mentor did for me in my first year. Working and training with the Mentor team is very rewarding.”
Campus Involvement: College Park Scholars - Business, Economics, and Society Program Peer Mentor
Ryan Massey
Class of 2026
Major: Finance
Hometown: Morristown, NJ
“I became a Smith Start Mentor to share my past experiences and advice with a group of students adapting to a new environment I was once a part of.”
Campus Involvement: Sophomore Finance Fellows, College Park Scholars - Justice and Legal Thought Program, Intramural Sports
Alessandra Mastrogiacomo
Class of 2027
Major: Management
Hometown: West Harrison, NY
“After going through the Smith Start program my freshman year, I knew I wanted to be one of the many mentors welcoming freshmen into Smith. It can be very intimidating, and I want to be there to guide my mentees through the transition from high school to college.”
Campus Involvement: Sports Business Society, Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority
Kate McKee
Class of 2027
Major: Operations Management & Business Analytics (OMBA)
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
“I wanted to give back to the Smith community and help make the college transfer easier for incoming students! My favorite Smith memory was my time at Smith Start’s Topgolf Takeover!”
Campus Involvement: Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority - Director of Finance
Amari Mehta
Class of 2027
Majors: International Business and Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
“I became a Smith Start Mentor because I genuinely enjoy helping others. I remember how scary college was as a freshman, and I want to do anything I can to make this transition easier. Smith has so many opportunities, and I want everyone to be as informed as possible!”
Campus Involvement: QUEST Honors Program, International Studies Scholars Program, Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) - President's Committee, Delta Gamma Sorority, College Park Scholars - Student Advisory Board Member, International Studies Student Representative, & Peer Mentor.
Arielle Mogolesko
Class of 2027
Majors: Management and Marketing
Hometown: Marblehead, MA
“I became a Smith Start Mentor to support first-year students as they navigate the Smith School. As their first connection and go-to support, I strive to make them feel welcome and at home. Inspired by my mentor’s advice that 'it’s never too early' to get involved, I’ve stayed engaged with Smith and the UMD community ever since.”
Campus Involvement: TAMID - Consulting Team Member, Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, Jewish Student Union, Terps for Israel, Junior Panhellenic - Chapter Representative
Katie Monahan
Class of 2026
Majors: Marketing and Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Rockville, MD
“As a freshman, being at Smith was such a positive experience for me, making me feel prepared and excited for my next four years in the University of Maryland. I wanted to use my strengths as a mentor to make new freshmen feel the same welcoming community that I experienced!”
Campus Involvement: Smith Undergraduate Office - Undergraduate Program Assistant, Eppley Recreation Center - Lifeguard, Smith Business Leadership Fellows, Delta Gamma Sorority - Recruitment Team Member, Smith Start - Former Membership & Recruitment Student Director
Aislinn Mulligan
Class of 2027
Major: Management
Hometown: Ocean City, MD
“I became a Smith Start Mentor so that I could help guide and influence the incoming freshmen the way that I was. Having this program, a great mentor, and supportive peers made the transition so much more comfortable for me. I am so glad to be a mentor and can be this helping hand to others.”
Campus Involvement: Women in Business Association, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority
Clara Novak
Class of 2027
Major: Finance
Hometown: Hingham, MA
“I’m committed to helping others succeed and enjoy creating meaningful connections. I love sharing insights from my experiences to help others navigate their professional journeys. As an out-of-state student, I understand the challenges of starting fresh and feeling unsure. I wanted to offer support and perspective to those in a similar position, helping them build confidence.”
Campus Involvement: Women in Business Association, Kappa Delta Sorority - Junior Delegate, Smith Start - Data Assessment & Analytics Student Director
Sydney Reeves
Class of 2026
Majors: Finance and Information Systems
Hometown: Pasadena, MD
“I'm a Smith Start Mentor because I’m passionate about mentoring which I believe makes an impact on the next generation of Smith students and helps us build a strong community. This role has given me incredible opportunities to grow both academically and personally, and I want to give back by guiding freshmen through their first year.”
Campus Involvement: Smith Business Leadership Fellows - Mentor, Delta Gamma Sorority, Girl Gains Club
Emma Rudolph
Class of 2026
Major: Finance
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
“I am a Smith Start Mentor because I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me. The Smith Start program my freshman year taught me a lot and I would always ask my mentor for advice. My experience with the program freshman year is the main reason I chose to be a mentor.”
Campus Involvement: Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, One Love Club
Laili Saleh
Class of 2027
Majors: Finance and Information Systems
Hometown: Potomac, MD
“I am a Smith Start Mentor because I love helping people and giving back to the community, especially those Terps who may feel intimidated or overwhelmed as freshmen. I know how it feels to be in their shoes, so I want to be there to provide guidance, support, and advice to make their transition smoother and help them feel more confident in navigating their journey at Smith.”
Campus Involvement: Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, Afghan Student Union, Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA), Smith Diversity & Equity Council
Ella Santoni
Class of 2027
Major: Management
Hometown: Finksburg, MD
“As a Smith Start Mentor, I’m committed to helping freshmen navigate their transition into college by providing advice on topics such as resume building, getting involved at Maryland and Smith, and making the most of career fairs. I’m passionate about making my mentees’ Smith experience smoother and more enjoyable while fostering personal and professional growth.”
Campus Involvement: Women in Business Association, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, MEDLife Engagement - Director, Club Field Hockey, Smith Start - Programming & Planning Student Director
Hanya Shahzad
Class of 2027
Major: Business Undecided
Hometown: North Potomac, MD
“I am a Smith Start Mentor because I want to help students navigate their freshmen year successfully. I had great mentors during my freshman year and want to be able to share the advice that helped me and share the experiences and knowledge I've gained.”
Campus Involvement: Women’s Empowerment Institute - Mentor, QUEST Honors Program Cohort 44, College Park Scholars - Business, Society, and the Economy program
Aayush Thakkar
Class of 2027
Major: Finance
Hometown: Germantown, MD
“I wanted to give back to the Smith community. I loved my freshman year at the Smith school, and I continue to enjoy my experience building friendships, exploring different interests, and experiencing exciting learning opportunities.”
Campus Involvement: Smith Office of Career Services - Front Desk Team Manager, Sophomore Fellows, Wall Street Fellows, Smith Investment Fund, Club Tennis, and Chess Club.
Amaris Wilson
Class of 2027
Major: Management
Hometown: Germantown, MD
“I became a Smith Mentor to support incoming freshmen the way I was supported. Adjusting to college after high school was challenging, but having a mentor to talk to made my transition easier. My Mentor connected me with events, new people, and professional opportunities, like career fairs and networking events, which helped me grow.”
Campus Involvement: Women's Business Association - Event Committee Member, Collegiate Financial Management Association (CFMA)
Michelle Yuen
Class of 2027
Major: Management
Hometown: Rockville, MD
“I chose to be a Smith Start Mentor because I loved the mentors my freshman year and wanted to give back to the community.”
Campus Involvement: Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, Maryland Club Roller Hockey Team - President, College Park Scholars - Business Society and the Economy Program Teaching Assistant
Olivia Yuen
Class of 2027
Major: Business Undecided
Hometown: Germantown, MD
“As someone who personally benefited from the guidance of mentors during my transition to UMD, I am eager to pay it forward. My goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where first-year students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking advice, and building meaningful connections.”
Campus Involvement: Smith Community Council, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity - Recruitment Committee, Intramural Volleyball Team, Women in Business Association - Event Committee, Crochet Club, Vietnamese Student Association - Writing Committee. College Park Scholars - Business Society and the Economy Program - Peer Mentor