Accounting Undergrad Takes Stock of Her Smith Experience

When Jordan Williamson ’24 enrolled at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, it marked the next chapter in her family’s history at the university. But she’s not just following their footsteps; she’s forging her own path.

Williamson takes pride in succeeding her parents–who began their college years at UMD–as an accounting major with aspirations of a career in international business.

“Legacy is really important to me, especially as the firstborn child of my parents,” says Williamson. “Finding a way to connect their passions and legacies through me is an awesome experience, and I'm excited to follow suit.”

Despite aligning with her parents’ academic and professional interests, Williamson’s efforts culminated in a Smith School experience she can call her own. After transferring from Prince George’s Community College in 2021, Williamson acknowledged that her experiences as a transfer student differed from those of other four-year students. During that time, she relied on advisors, sought mentorship from her professors and never shied away from interacting with her peers in the classroom.

She engaged in the Smith School community through its Women in Business Association chapter, in which she served as its vice president of community service. By participating in the organization, she learned to embrace the differences of her unique experience and impart her lessons to others as a mentor.

“Not only was the Women in Business Association a leadership opportunity and a way for me to explore how to find needs in the community to fill, but it was also a career opportunity for me to find my place,” says Williamson. “It's given me a lot of courage and a lot to pull from when I mentor other new or current students. I definitely wouldn't be the same person without it.”

Equally important to Williamson’s Smith School experience was her participation in a winter 2023 study abroad program that took her to major European cities, including London, Paris and Brussels.

The program gave Williamson a first-hand appreciation for international finance and accounting regulations and an understanding of issues plaguing organizations in those fields abroad. Meeting with industry experts and receiving insights into their decision-making process was invaluable for Williamson. The experience validated her career goals and gave her the confidence to continue moving forward.

“Being able to put your feet to the ground, look these leaders in the eyes, and ask them questions about things that we're seeing in the news, that we're reading about in our textbooks and talking about in our classrooms was incredibly moving,” says Williamson. “I don’t take that experience for granted.”

With her sights set on a career at the intersection of international business and accounting, Williamson has taken advantage of her time at the Smith School to put her accounting skills into practice through another one of her long-time passions—jewelry making. She turned that hobby into a business by joining Terp Marketplace and selling accessories tailored to her customers' interests.

For example, she has cloud earrings for customers interested in meteorology or other small pieces based on historical weapons, such as rapiers, for history buffs.

“I wanted to create a way for people to express themselves and share their interests without having to [just] wear a nerdy T-shirt,” says Williamson. “At the same time, I’m applying my accounting background with all of my spreadsheets on my inventory, materials and sales. It’s cool to see the trends, and I’m definitely glad I have my background in accounting.”

With graduation approaching, Williamson is still weighing her options—furthering her education with a master’s degree, working as an auditor in public accounting or even returning abroad to begin a career in international business. Regardless of her choice, it’s her path, and she’s ready to walk into the future proudly.

“Find a way to take your own experience into your own hands,” says Williamson. “After all, college is the time to do that.”