Taylor Smith is a third year marketing major with a Spanish minor at the University of Georgia. Her love for business has led her to create her own nonprofit organization while also becoming a real estate agent. As an INROADS student, Smith has learned that nothing is impossible, and she’ll continue to strive for greatness as her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer.
How were you introduced to INROADS?
I was introduced and encouraged to join INROADS by my mom. She participated in INROADS when she was in school, and said that it had great benefits for her. I joined College Links as a senior in high school and have been involved with INROADS ever since.
What skill set have you been exposed to since your INROADS participation?
The main skills that I’ve gained through my INROADS participation have been interviewing skills as well as resume skills. When I entered INROADS, I was a senior in high school with virtually no interview experience other than those of part-time jobs. Joining INROADS taught me important interview skills that I used when applying to colleges, scholarships, organizations and internships. I learned how to communicate my experiences concisely on my resume and in interviews using the STAR technique. These will be skills that I carry throughout my life.
Best advice given to you regarding your career?
“Don’t be so focused on the work that you produce as a vehicle to advance you in your career. Focus on the exposure that you get during each job.” The person who told me this explained that when you’re hired for a job, your employers expect you to produce great work. So, while you should focus on your work, don’t think that just producing good work will advance you in your career because it’s expected that you’ll produce great work. Rather, it’s more important to show the work you’ve done to others, speak to people in other departments and expose yourself to all that your business has to offer to make those steppingstones for you to advance.
When you were growing up, what did you aspire to be?
When I was growing up, I wouldn’t say that I had any one thing that I wanted to be. I was always changing ideas of what I wanted to do, but one common theme in the jobs that I wanted to have was helping people. Although the major that I’ve chosen may not outwardly communicate that sentiment, the way that I’ve used it has. Working for my own nonprofit and The UPS Foundation has certainly allowed me to use my talents and business acumen to help communities, and I’m very excited about what more I can do in my career to help in that space.
Tell us about a teacher or mentor who made an impact on you or set you on your present path.
One of my biggest mentors was my math tutor in high school. I was friends with her daughter, and she was someone who not only encouraged me, but also corrected me when I was wrong, served as a listening ear and was a calming presence. I still know that she’s someone who I can reach out to if I have trouble with a math problem or just want some advice.
What is next for you?
I’ve been interning with The UPS Foundation from June 2023 to April 2024. I plan to continue my internship with them this summer, which I’m very excited about. Additionally, this upcoming fall semester I plan to start the application process for law school. I’m hopeful for success as I enter into that arena and am excited about what the future holds.
The INROADS Benefit Gala is a black-tie affair that recognizes the visionaries and leaders who mirror the legacy of founder Frank C. Carr’s dream to achieve opportunity for all. To RSVP, click the link.
