Finding Success and Supporting Others

Luming Yang, MFin ’19, has had several “mini-careers” since graduation.

“I majored in finance and economics, but since I graduated, I have been a strategy analyst, investment analyst and newsletter writer, product manager and also a media star on TV.” Through interviews on prominent Chinese TV stations and media networks like CCTV, Yang has gained recognition in the world of financial media. She was chosen to be a vanguard analyst and “face” of the brand for a publicly traded American investment research company’s multi-million dollar expansion into China. 

Today, she is a business intelligence analyst at The Washington Post. “My role plays a crucial part in supporting the growth and success of The Washington Post's advertising business through data-driven decision-making,” she says.

At The Post, she leads and works on projects that are “essential to increase user engagement and expand our user base” which, she adds, is important to “remain competitive in the digital age.”  She also took the lead on inventory strategy and in identifying international opportunities for The Post.

Yang says she sees herself as a fearless Terp – “someone who’s not afraid to take on challenges, push boundaries and go the extra mile.” She says one of the reasons she chose to attend the Smith School was to be part of “a community that shares that same go-getter attitude. The fearless Terp spirit, and the recognition that Smith gets in the business world – it just felt like the perfect fit.”

Yang credits many things from her time at Smith for helping her get to where she is today but highlights associate professor Liu Yang’s finance valuation courses. “That equipped me with essential skills for my first job. I also took advantage of career counseling sessions and workshops offered by the school’s Office of Career Services [OCS] to build skills and explore career options,” she says but also notes that it was more than just the skills learned in the classroom that prepared her for her future career. “My time at UMD wasn't just about learning; it was about building connections.” 

Aside from the success she has found in business, Yang believes in paying it forward to others. She has been devoted to STEM industry innovations and serves as a mentor and judge at Lablab.ai and Major League Hacking, organizations that offer hackathons and other events. 

“I'm a firm believer in the power of supporting and inspiring others. I've received a lot of help from people around me, and this has reinforced my desire to give back,” Yang says.

Her professional accomplishments and volunteer efforts have been recognized by organizations such as the United Nations and The Washington Post. Most recently, Yang was awarded a 2023 gold Stevie Award, recognizing her as female executive of the year in business products for her contributions in the STEM product field. 

“My career goals reflect my passion for growth and impact. I want to lead in STEM, advocating for innovation and possibly diving into entrepreneurial ventures,” Yang says. She is also committed to volunteer her time and expertise to communities in need while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

In addition to her volunteer efforts, she remains actively engaged with the Smith School, mentoring students through the Terp Network Team (TNT) and helping with MBA admissions interviews. “Smith is a place that fosters success and empowers individuals to thrive, and I'm proud to be a Terp.”