Jack Treanor, UMD Robert H. Smith School of Business MBA Class of 2025
Age: 28
Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business – B.S. in Public Accounting; M.S. in Taxation
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Certified Public Accountant, licensed in New York State; PricewaterhouseCoopers (Manhattan) – Mergers & Acquisitions Senior Associate (2018-2020); RSM US LLP (Baltimore/DC) – Mergers & Acquisitions Supervisor (2021-2022)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I made the decision to attend business school to get my MBA during the end of the Covid pandemic. As I continued to read the news and study the stock market during the pandemic, I realized the world, and the skills it demands, has substantially changed since I earned my CPA license. Success today demands a wide range of analytical skills and knowledge, and I know an MBA will provide me with the necessary skills to ultimately start my own business.
Why did you choose UMD Smith? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose UMD Smith due to its focus on providing MBA students a diverse business education with an emphasis on math and data science. The MBA program is STEM-designated, ensuring that students are prepared to excel in the modern business environment by applying mathematical/statistical models to every aspect of a company or industry.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I am a Certified Public Accountant and pursuing my J.D. at the University of Maryland in addition to my MBA. My understanding of accounting and ultimate legal knowledge, combined with the diverse skills I am developing during my MBA, will enable me to work with any company on almost any issue. Success in today’s business environment requires a set of diverse and well-rounded skills, and I hope to help my Class achieve success both during and after business school.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have a cat! She is the best, cutest little girl. 
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to work in Private Equity, Investment Banking, or Transactional Law before ultimately starting my own business, for which I have a handful of ideas.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Apply for the JD/MBA dual degree program. The JD/MBA dual degree is one of the most sought-after skill sets in the marketplace. You will develop practical, real-world skills that will facilitate your success in the career of your choice.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started studying for the LSAT earlier than I did, but more on that below.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped taking the LSAT for my admission to UMD’s J.D. program. That was not a fun process. I survived studying for and taking that test by spending time with my family/friends and watching sports.
What is your initial impression of the UMD Smith students/culture/community?
The UMD Smith community is great. Everyone here is welcoming, friendly, pleasant, and smart. I learn new things here every single day, and I am excited to continue growing and learning with my classmates.
What is one thing you have learned about UMD Smith that has surprised you?
UMD Smith has an extensive set of clubs and centers to supplement the curriculum and student skills. I am eager to engage with the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship to develop skills and knowledge necessary to turn my business ideas into reality.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Taking data science/analytics classes. I do not have any prior experience in this area, so I am both anxious and excited to develop strong data analytics skills.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Developing managerial economics and financial valuation skills. I am greatly interested in working in finance after my MBA, and these skills will set me up for success in a wide range of roles.
