Alumna Credits Contacts at Smith, UMD for Help With App Development

Lauren Der ’19 graduated from the Smith School with a degree in Information Systems and Marketing. Currently working as a Change Management Specialist for Montgomery County Government, Der also developed Opsy, a health tracking app.

Tell us about your path from graduation to your current job.

After graduating, I started my career as a management consultant with Deloitte's federal consulting practice. My internship with Deloitte the summer before my senior year played a key role in securing that opportunity. After three years at Deloitte, I transitioned to Accenture Federal Services before ultimately shifting to the public sector in 2023, where I now work as a Change Management Specialist for Montgomery County Government.

My experiences at the University of Maryland (UMD) led me to develop Opsy, a mental and physical health tracking app. During my junior year at UMD, I dealt with a worsening spinal injury that impacted my daily life and made me acutely aware of the challenges of recovering from a severe health event. Inspired by my desire to help others who are dealing with their own health challenges, I created Opsy to provide a more holistic way for people to log their well-being and gain insights into their health journey. UMD students and faculty played a major role in refining the app, making it a true community-driven project.

Why did you decide to get a business degree and why did you choose the Smith School?

I've always known I wanted to attend the University of Maryland. I was born and raised in Maryland, and I grew up rooting for the Terps. I chose business because I was drawn to innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, my dad and my brother are both Smith School alumni! My dad, Stanley, graduated in 1979, and my brother, Brian, in 2016, both with degrees in accounting.

What Smith resources or relationships played a role in your career journey?

Smith's career resources and alumni network were invaluable in securing my first role at Deloitte. Hire Smith helped me land my internship, and the support from Smith alumni played a crucial role in my interview preparation.

Beyond career opportunities, Smith faculty and students had a profound impact on the development of Opsy. During my junior year, I was part of the Social Innovation Fellows program, which exposed me to the intersection of business and social impact. That's how I met Dr. David Kirsch, whose guidance helped inspire me to create Opsy.

In September 2023, Dr. Kirsch invited me to present Opsy to students in his BMGT 468V class, where their feedback helped shape key features of the app. The UMD Sports Psychology staff also provided critical insights on integrating mental health support into the app. Their perspectives ensured that Opsy wasn't just a physical health tracker but a holistic tool for overall well-being.

How has your Smith education helped you with your professional career? Were there specific classes, experiential projects, team projects, or internships that have been especially helpful to you?

Smith provided me with a strong foundation in business strategy, leadership, and problem-solving, which have been essential in both my career and my development of Opsy. 

My internship with Deloitte was a key stepping stone in my professional career, giving my real-world experience in consulting and change management. However, the most impactful experience was my time in the Social Innovation Fellows program, where I was encouraged to think about business as a tool for social good. Dr. Kirsch's mentorship was invaluable. His insights and support ultimately led me to develop Opsy to help others.

What are some of the achievements that you are most proud of?

One of my proudest achievements is creating Opsy, which stemmed from my personal health struggles but has since evolved into a tool that helps others track their physical and mental well-being. Developing the app required me to take on roles outside my comfort zone, from product development to user research. Seeing it resonate with users, particularly those recovering from severe health events or managing chronic conditions, has been incredibly fulfilling.

What advice would you give to current students?

Leverage the Smith network - whether you need career advice or feedback on a business idea, there are countless alumni and faculty willing to help!

Don't be afraid to pursue unconventional paths. I never expected that a personal health setback would lead me to develop an app, but challenges often open doors to new opportunities.

Is there anything else you would like to add that was not covered in the questions?

I'm incredibly grateful for the support from the UMD community in shaping both my professional journey and the development of Opsy. From Smith alumni helping me to prepare for my first consulting case interview to UMD students and faculty refining my app, the connections I have built at UMD have been invaluable.

I hope that my story can inspire current students to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, even if they don't see themselves as traditional entrepreneurs. Whether it's a business venture, a tech startup, or a passion project, UMD provides an amazing ecosystem to bring ideas to life!