Gregory Smith

❍ Year of graduation: 1979
❍ Field of current or former occupation: Finance


Question: What is your current occupation and where do you live? Please briefly describe your duties and responsibilities. How long have you been at this position?

Gregory Smith: I went to business school immediately after Williams and then came to Wall Street in investment banking- 17 years with big firms, 18 years with my current firm (Media investment banking).

Question: Did studying Russian language and culture at Williams help you in your professional and personal development? If yes, then how were Russian Studies were useful to you? What opportunities and challenges did the Russian major open up for you both specific to your current occupation and more generally?

Gregory Smith: Certainly enjoyed the major, particularly studying with Michael Katz and Edwina Cruise/Blumberg, although I haven’t used it at all in my professional career.

Question: Please share your advice or recommendation about the Russian department at Williams to a prospective student who is considering taking courses or majoring in our program.

Gregory Smith: I think Chinese might be more useful in today’s world- my daughter is in her 6th year of Mandarin as a sophomore at Tufts.

❑ Contact

If you would like to write to Gregory Smith, please contact Baktygul Aliev.