Electives

QUEST ELECTIVES

In addition to the required courses, QUEST students take at least one elective course with topics ranging from scoping experiential learning projects to mentoring multidisciplinary teams to web development. These courses complement the curriculum and allow students to meet and work on teams with students from other cohorts.

. Mentors

In Mentors, BMGT/ENES 397, QUEST students practice essential skills for mentoring and coaching multidisciplinary teams, including effective communications, facilitation, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate. Mentors are older QUEST students who work with student teams in the introductory course, BMGT/ENES 190H, and in the process, strengthen their knowledge of design and quality techniques. Srijay Kasturi, computer science ‘22 (Cohort 33), took the mentoring course in the fall. He shared, “Mentors provided a really awesome experience for me to work with the newest cohort and help them avoid my 190H mistakes. Being with such a fun set of mentors made it even better!”

Scoping

In Scoping, BMGT/ENES 491, QUEST students cultivate relationships with new and current corporate partners and prepare project scopes for QUEST courses. Students practice networking and professional etiquette skills and learn how to write and present clear and effective project scopes. This year, students conducted virtual “site visits,” meeting with corporate partners through Zoom to talk through their challenges and provide input on project ideas. Spring scoping student Alex Kristal, management and marketing ‘21 (Cohort 32), shared, “Scoping class allowed me to reflect on my QUEST experience and give back by working with external partners to create meaningful and engaging projects. Seeing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into finding QUEST projects made me appreciate the program even more!”

Web Development

In Web Development, BMGT 408C, QUEST students are introduced to all elements of web development – from technical skills like HTML and databases to business concerns like how to work on a software engineering team. This course is geared to all levels of web experience, challenging beginners and seasoned developers alike, and includes a heavy focus on completing assignments as a team. For the final this year, student teams created a data-driven webpage to showcase QUEST projects. This course is taught by QUEST alumnus Danny Laurence, computer science ‘14 (Cohort 19). According to student Simran Chertara,

information systems & operations management and

business analytics ‘22 (Cohort 33), “This class allowed me to gain knowledge on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Professor Laurence made it easy for even someone with zero coding experience to learn every concept.”

Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Quality

In ARHU 390H, students examine cross-cultural similarities and differences as they relate to communication, leadership, organizational structure, patriation and repatriation, and a global mindset. The students choose a product or service and examine similarities and differences in quality between American views and the opinions of the country they select to study. The course also examines the different measures of equivalency based on cultural understanding, norms, experiences, and language. In the context of collecting and analyzing cross-cultural data, presentations on cross-cultural and international norms, values, and customs from guests from the Peace Corps, Gallup International, and the French Embassy completed the picture. Student Anindita Mullick, environmental health policy and decision-making ‘22 (Cohort 34), said, "I really enjoyed the discussions with my peers about cultural interactions and leadership. I’m coming away with a new understanding and appreciation for the unique characteristics each individual brings that shape how they interact within a global, professional environment."