Danielle Smith

Thanks for taking a few minutes to chat with us, Danielle. So, you came here from Lenape High School, what made you choose Rutgers School of Business – Camden?
I have always been interested in Rutgers University since I was in middle school. I actually never thought about going to anywhere else. The question was really, “Which Rutgers campus do I want to go to?” After looking into all three campuses, I chose Camden, No other campus had such a welcoming community. I see my friends and teachers in passing very often, which would not happen nearly as often at a larger campus.

You not only chose to major in Finance, but you also have two minors, Accounting & Economics. How did you come to decide on Finance with those concentrations?
I was originally an Accounting Major with a minor in Finance. However, after my internship in an accounting firm for two years, I decided that it wasn’t for me. I am very excited by the stock market and how consumers affect the global economy. Hopefully in the future I can continue working in finance and economics.

Very interesting. I’m sure you find yourself busy in the classroom. Are you involved on-campus at all outside of class?
I am very involved on-campus and I enjoy every minute of it. I am President of Toastmasters International Rutgers – Camden, which is a public speaking and business communication organization on-campus. I am a sister and newly elected Sunshine chair of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon. I am a member of the leadership institute and a member of the Honors College. I feel as though being involved on campus is a great way for me to make new friends and learn new things and I’m so thankful for all of the opportunities that are available here..

That’s great! Our Greek life does so much for the community around our campus. Have you had an opportunity to give back yet?
Delta Phi Epsilon has given so much back to the community and we have so much fun in doing so! This year, the sorority raised over eight-thousand dollars for Cystic Fibrosis with the annual event ‘Deepher Dude’. I enjoyed helping the day of the event and assisting the organizer, Kacey Dougherty. I also liked working with Cathedral Kitchen in Camden by organizing a supply drive. This supply drive delivered Cathedral Kitchen everything on their wish list and more.

Very cool. Cathedral Kitchen is tied in with many organizations on-campus. What do you like to do in your free time off-campus?
When I’m not studying, I enjoy spending time with my close friends off-campus. By being a part of Honors College, I have met some amazing people. Normally we like to go out to Trivia Night, bowling, or attend one of the many fun events on-campus. Outside of school, I work for an Accounting firm in Cherry Hill where I learned how to prepare federal, state, and local individual, partnership, and corporate tax returns. This Internship has taught me a lot about accounting over the past two years.

That’s terrific that you had an internship become that fruitful for you. What has surprised you most about Rutgers – Camden from the time you arrived?
The most surprising thing about Rutgers – Camden is how accepting and supporting the community is. This campus is like a family and everyone a part of the family is willing to help each other. I feel so supported by my friends, teachers, and peers on-campus.

You have so much time to continue to get involved, gain internship opportunities, and grow. Is there a favorite class on the horizon that you’re looking forward to – to prepare you for your career in the future?
I was really looking forward to my Investment & Portfolio Management class with Professor Giraud this year. This is my first advanced finance class and I was very excited to learn more about my major. I personally find the class challenging in the best way possible. I am so grateful that the professor makes sure I am learning the material and understanding it as well. Initially, I was not confident about my switch in majors, but after taking this class I am confident that I can succeed in a career in Finance.

Professor Giraud is outstanding and that should be an extremely beneficial class for you! In closing, what’s one piece of advice that you would give the current Lenape Senior class?
I would highly recommend that Juniors and Seniors take advantage of the College Accelerated Program (CAP) at school. This allows your classes to count for college credit while you are in high school. I wish I knew about the credits sooner, but they still helped me dramatically my senior year. Not only was I taking advanced classes, but I was earning college credit before I even got here. I entered Rutgers – Camden with over a semester completed and now I am able to graduate a year early.