Meet Maryland Smith’s MBA Class of 2018

Zane Adoum

University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business 

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: An individual designing the good life through a framework of business, philosophy and great relationships.

Hometown: Laurel, Maryland

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a multimedia artist (Photography, Painting, Poetry)

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Maryland, College Park: BA in Communication

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

MBA Services LLC (Startup Accounting Firm in Washington, DC), Junior Accounting Associate, Communication Consultant

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Over the last three years, I helped increase two businesses’ net profits at an annual growth rate of 633% and 311%. In this capacity, I analyzed a consulting firm’s financials and operations and made cost-cutting recommendations, taking them from a net loss in 2013 to two straight years of net profit in 2014 and 2015. I also gained extensive accounting skills and became proficient in transaction entry and financial reporting, and was promoted to manage eight different business and nonprofit accounts.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Know your “why” so you can tap dance to work like Warren Buffett. Your dream company wants to know why you worked where you did, what you want to learn at business school, and what you plan to do after. Having this deep understanding of your “why” will drive you to study those extra six hours for the GMAT on a Saturday and participate in visitors programs to get to know faculty, current students, and the admissions team to show that you are a great fit for their school. When asking for recommendations, humility is key.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? The Smith School of Business has a top-tier combination of faculty, experiential programs and centers of excellence on campus that will enrich your academic experience. Smith also provides a competitive package for students aiming to earn a dual MBA and specialty masters degree.

Our Dean, Alex Triantis, leads Smith stating that “we are competitive but not cut-throat.” The full-time MBA program was ranked #1 in student satisfaction by Bloomberg Businessweek, has 37% women (aiming for 50% by 2020) and 34% international students enrolled in the class of 2018. We leverage our diverse set of experiences in the classroom to create a global business mindset.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job at this point in life is to become an investment banker helping global companies achieve their strategic growth objectives and driving economic growth. Or, I would like to join an investment firm that is focused on projects that aim to improve the standard of living in developing countries. Either path is aligned with my experience of moving businesses forward, except after my MBA, I would be effecting growth on a much larger scale.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program?   I would like my peers to say that I am destined for great works, plus reliable, sincere and able to get the job done.