Meet Maryland Smith’s MBA Class of 2018

Isaac Ashong

University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: A daring, adventurous man determined to influence the world around me – one step at a time.

Hometown: Accra, Ghana, West Africa

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have lived on three continents, and I speak four languages. There is still room for improvement.

Undergraduate School and Major: Siena Heights University, Business Administration

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Highlights for Children – Analyst, Strategy

Alliance Data Systems – Consumer Insights Analyst

Honda – Analyst, Strategic Research Operations

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Working for a children’s publishing company has been the highlight of my career. I worked directly with the marketing team implementing strategies to ensure that kids received their first copies of the Highlights magazine in a timely manner. I occasionally received hand-written notes from children thanking me for their copies. I love kids and I care deeply about education, so this made my role at Highlights for Children very memorable.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? For the GMAT/GRE, give yourself ample time to study, at least three months. It also is important to take practice tests to ensure you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses. If registering for a class will guarantee admission into the school of your choice, it is worth the investment

During the admissions process, be yourself. Most schools are trying to build a diverse class and you might be the unique person they are looking for. Be genuine in all your encounters with the admissions team. If possible, visit some schools before making your final decision.

For most, the goal of getting an MBA is to get a new job or transition from an old one. Ensure that your desired companies recruit from your school. This will take you a step closer to achieving this goal. Lastly, relax and enjoy the process. Hopefully you only have to do this once in your life time.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? When I think about Smith, three things come to mind that make it unique: The people, learning style and location. Smith does a very good job of bringing together people from different backgrounds with an understanding that the common goal is for all of us to succeed. Also, through textbooks, case studies and experiential learning, you are sure to find a learning style that works best for you. Lastly, the school’s proximity to Washington, D.C., provides enormous opportunity. There is always something to do and you are sure to find a hobby that you enjoy. The location also provides access to some of the best companies in the United States.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job will be one that touches lives on a regular basis. Social value creation, youth empowerment, net impact all are great values to me. My goal is to find a company that aligns with these.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program?   I would like to help as many people as I can get closer to their post-MBA goals. I want my classmates to remember me for encouraging them to try classes that did not necessarily align with their strengths and engage in activity taking them outside of their comfort zones.