In this edition of our Real Humans: MBA Students series, we meet some new members of the MBA Class of 2026 at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, a dynamic cohort with a shared commitment to impactful leadership. From military veterans transitioning into federal service to experienced analysts with a passion for data-driven decision-making, these students bring unique perspectives shaped by years of experience in fields ranging from technology and consulting to finance and the military.
The newest class is comprised of 69 students. Thirty-five percent are women and 68 percent are international. Nearly 19 percent of U.S. students identify as minorities and nearly 12 percent as underrepresented minorities. The class matriculated with an average of 6.4 years of work experience at an average age of 30. When the UMD Smith MBAs took the GMAT or GRE, they landed average scores of 633 and 324, respectively.
Beyond the class profile, there are individuals like Alexandra Pogany, a former U.S. Army logistics officer who is eager to leverage her leadership skills in the business world, and Manya Malik, a data analyst with aspirations to transition into product management. Students like Spencer Nousain and Tarun Khandelwal bring technical and financial expertise to the class, each with a drive to pivot into strategic and consulting roles. Meanwhile, Yajaira Huerta from Peru brings a rich background in data science, hoping to bridge technical insights with business strategy in her post-MBA career.
Their motivations for choosing Smith are as varied as their backgrounds. Many were drawn to the school’s proximity to Washington, D.C., which offers unmatched networking opportunities and access to top-tier companies and government institutions. Others were inspired by Smith’s strong focus on experiential learning, data-driven innovation, and an inclusive, collaborative community. This class is not only preparing to learn from one another, but also to contribute their unique skills and perspectives, enriching the MBA experience for all. Read through the following pages for more about their backgrounds, admissions journeys and more.
