By Meredith Cobb
Jennifer Lopes ’19 is passionate about learning. She just graduated with an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, and already she is neck-deep in studying for her Certified Public Accounting license.
“There are four parts, and I’m starting with the hardest to get it out of the way,” she says with a laugh. “The studying never ends.”
Unafraid of a challenge and excited about new learning opportunities, Lopes transferred to Maryland’s Shady Grove campus in Rockville from Montgomery College.
“At Montgomery I would go to class and then go home to do all of my work,” she says. “At Maryland people work together, and it was honestly the best way to grow.”
Lopes says the collaborative approach helped her see problems from different perspectives and grow into leadership roles.
“Before transferring, I was pretty shy and I would never have pictured myself as the co-president of the Accounting and Business Association,” she says.
As co-president of the Shady Grove chapter of the ABA, Lopes is most proud of initiatives and changes made to benefit new students and rising juniors. She says networking and learning how to boost each other with other students was one of the most important lessons learned.
She also participated in the student ambassador program, strengthening other students through her experience.
During summer 2018 she did an internship with SC&H group which opened doors for a full-time position at an international public accounting firm.
Going forward, Lopes is excited about opportunities to learn about as many industries as she can and eventually start her own small business. “I like to figure out new things and to learn from the process,” she says.
Lopes, the fourth of six children, says her passion for learning has been bolstered by a work ethic instilled in her by watching her family’s hard work and dedication.
“My work ethic has always been inspired by them, she says. “I always give 100 percent, because at the end of the day people only see the finished product. But knowing your worth and being able to back it up is priceless.”
Meredith Cobb is a freelance writer based in Ellicott City, Md.
Media Contact
Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu
About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.