Meet Maryland Smith’s MBA Class of 2018

Catherine Lee 

University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: A compassionate world traveler with a love for sports, animals, good food and good people.

Hometown: El Dorado Hills, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I compete in local, regional, and national sailing competitions and I was designated a sharp-shooter by the Air Force in M16 rifles.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of San Francisco (BA in Psychology); University of Maryland Carey School of Law (JD candidate 2017)

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: United States Air Force, Cryptologic Linguist in Counterintelligence; UM Ventures, Entrepreneurial Fellow

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I received the Air Force Achievement Medal for my contributions to the National Security Agency’s counterterrorism unit and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for 200-plus hours of community service.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Do the research to make sure that the programs you apply to will meet your needs, such as a desirable location, appropriate financial assistance, and aligning values. Being in a challenging program for two years in a place you do not want to be, or with people you do not share similar values with, will not just be difficult, but may not maximize your learning potential.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? Smith has been ranked very high in student satisfaction for a reason: the students are collaborative, the culture is very positive, and the staff and facilities are top-notch. All of this was apparent when I went to Smith for my interview, for the admitted student’s day, and for the Smith Showcase. In addition, Smith’s values align with many of mine, such as promoting women in business. Smith has a 50-50 by 2020 initiative (for gender equity in MBA enrollment) and encourages collaborative problem-solving and decision-making.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? I want to be a sports agent or work for an athletic franchise, such as the Golden State Warriors, doing brand management or contract negotiation and writing. Eventually, I want to work to promote women and underrepresented populations in sports.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? That they want to stay in touch with me. I want to be someone that my peers respect, trust, enjoy talking to, and reach out to if they ever need anything.