EXPERIENTIAL LEARNINGAT SMITH

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The Office of Experiential Learning collaborates with alumni and corporate partners to create meaningful opportunities for students to tackle real-world problems faced by actual companies. We assist faculty in expanding and sourcing a wide range of experiential learning activities within the classroom, fostering a hands-on approach to education. Our commitment ensures that every Smith student engages in at least one experiential learning opportunity per semester, equipping them with practical skills and valuable industry experience.
Experiential Learning exemplifies the connection between student engagement and opportunities to practice real-world engagement.
We do this through: Live Cases, Classroom Coaching, Classroom Projects.
Reimagining Learning, Curricula, and Programs
Addressing Grand Challenges
Investing in People and Communities
Building a Solid Foundation for Financial and Operational Health
As the exciting landscape of higher education remains ever-changing, I am thrilled to share the extraordinary progress we have made in furthering our strategic plan. Adhering to several guiding principles, we strive to create integrated and interdisciplinary opportunities for problem-solving. Furthermore, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment that fosters intellectual resilience, supporting students' ability to lead organizations in the future.
At the core of this strategic endeavor lies our Office of Experiential Learning- a growing center of innovation, collaboration, and real-world innovation that positions the Robert H. Smith School of Business on the global stage.
Imagine a business school where our students break free from traditional classrooms to directly address the significant challenges of our era. Visualize a space where the integration of diverse fields ignites solutions that reshape business norms. Picture collaborations with industry leaders that transcend simple transactions, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and mutual growth. We aspire towards this vision, and the Office of Experiential Learning will bring this vision to fruition.
By cultivating leaders who will transform industries, question the status quo, and drive progress, we align seamlessly with the University's objectives and commit to addressing humanity's grand challenges. The Office of Experiential Learning acts as our catalyst for a vibrant exchange between academia and industry, ensuring our influence extends beyond campus walls.
The real world is the foundation for the teachings of business school. Let’s inspire a legacy that surpasses generations of leaders. Let’s inspire and be inspired. Let’s propel the Robert H. Smith School of Business towards innovative greatness and lasting impact.
Sincerely,
Prabhudev Konana, PhD Dean and Professor of Information Systems
Robert H. Smith School of Business
I’m excited to share our journey and achievements in experiential learning over the past year. Leading the Office of Experiential Learning at the Robert H. Smith School of Business has been a rewarding experience, filled with impactful moments and significant progress.
Our mission has always been to enhance student experiences, strengthen industry connections, and support the university's broader goals. I am deeply thankful for the passionate and dedicated community we’ve built together.
This year, we’ve seen our students push the boundaries of their learning, tackle real-world challenges, forge meaningful connections, and grow into leaders ready to make their mark on various industries. Our corporate partners have been invaluable in this process, providing the support and opportunities that define our office’s transformative experiences.
Together, we’re creating a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and impactful education. This legacy is shaping the leaders of tomorrow, equipping them with the skills and vision needed to drive change and make a lasting impact. Our journey is just beginning, and with your continued support, we’re poised to achieve even greater things and inspire our future leaders.
Sincerely,
Nicole M. Coomber, PhD Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning Clinical Professor of Management & Organization
Classroom coaching is a dynamic approach that integrates industry professionals and alumni into the classroom setting. This strategy enhances the curriculum by providing students with real-world insights and practical knowledge alongside their academic learning. The collaborative partnership between industry experts and students allows for active engagement and the bridging of the gap between theory and practice.
Ultimately, classroom coaching aims to augment traditional instruction and offer students a valuable learning experience. Smith has brought in a variety of industry professionals in order to cater to the interests of as many student archetypes as possible.
Volunteering as a speaker for the global supply chain management course was an enriching experience. We explored the complex topic of the Red Sea conflict and its profound impact on global supply chains. The students' eagerness to learn and established knowledge created a dynamic environment and sparked stimulating discussions that were fascinating to witness. The highlight was the Q&A session, where their thoughtprovoking questions about my work at Under Armour showcased their curiosity. I'm grateful to contribute to their learning journey and foster their enthusiasm for supply chain management and its global impacts.
Maurice Nick '12, M.S./MBA '16
Senior Supply Planning Manager, Under Armour
Gaining meaningful insights directly from industry experts at Epsilon was invaluable for learning to navigate complex and incomplete data while formulating actionable solutions. It provided students with hands-on experience in addressing real-world digital marketing challenges effectively. The guidance provided by these professionals enabled students to refine methods and apply best practices, preparing us for future analytical roles.
Cristina Macker '21, M.S. '24
As the Smith Alumni Board Vice-Chair, I worked with students in Professor Protiti Dastidar's Strategic Management class through the Office of Experiential Learning. I was very impressed by their enthusiasm, curiosity, and professionalism. Our discussions on industry trends, case studies, B2B/B2C transformation, and AI were insightful. These interactions deepened my understanding of the importance of experiential learning in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I'm grateful to have contributed to their learning experience and look forward to future collaborations.
John Lewington, MBA '06 Partner, Customer Transformation, IBM
I facilitated a discussion on the importance of Emotional Intelligence in the workplace, where students quickly engaged and presented creative approaches to my real-life problem scenario. Through breakout groups, Q&A, and sharebacks, the students demonstrated a strong understanding of applying an EI mindset to create a positive impact in the workplace. The energy throughout the class session was contagious! I left feeling inspired that these future leaders will make a positive impact in the business world!
Zeta Smith ‘91 CEO, Sodexo Seniors US
Classroom projects are semester-long opportunities where graduate and undergraduate students apply and display their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. They serve as the highest touch level of hands-on experience we provide at Smith by allowing students to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions.
Through the guidance of faculty and industry leaders who serve as mentors, students are able to test their agility, resilience, and creativity. With access to premier faculty researchers and student talent in a variety of disciplines, students provide "fresh eyes" on organizational challenges. This helps solve the business problems that will benefit our partners and their growth.
Working with Pepsi this past semester was awesome; it was a learning experience you can’t find in a normal classroom setting! Unlike the more traditional QUEST projects, ours focused on a blue ocean strategy and approach. It was cool to know that our analyses and suggestions could be implemented at a real company. Working through this project taught me a lot about time management and gave me a good idea of what it is like to work in consulting.
The QUEST Honors Program and Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program are multi-year specialty programs hosted within the Smith School to provide students the opportunity to engage in real-world business challenges.
This past semester, I had the incredible opportunity to work with SECU Credit Union as part of the IBH Program, and it was a fascinating experience! The project allowed me to engage in various enriching activities, such as conducting interviews, designing mock-ups, participating in a site visit, and contributing meaningfully to a major company. This new learning experience provided a change of pace from my regular coursework and enhanced my learning journey.
Through Smith Equity Research, I gained hands-on experience using the Bloomberg Terminal to research equities across industries. I was able to create my own research report and present it to a panel of faculty, staff, and recruiters, and overall broaden my knowledge of the stock market. As Vice President, I've played a larger role in introducing other students to equity research as a career path and helped form a community of driven students interested in investments.
Last year, over 100 students participated in Smith Equity Research, learning to take ownership of research on a single company. The program ith short-form bits highlighting nd industries.
I had the pleasure of working with the Integrative Management Capstone students last semester, and it was an incredible experience. I was highly impressed by the students' valuable insights and their commitment to learning more about digital marketing. We conducted weekly meetings where the students consistently added value to our hospitality and venture verticals. We implemented the majority of their suggestions and have seen incredible results by utilizing their influencer marketing and social media strategies.
Jared Nozick ‘18 Chief Marketing Officer, VERSUS
Live cases are short sprints over the course of one to three class periods where students develop strategic business recommendations, by using datasets or prompt(s) given by a company. By prioritizing high-impact learning opportunities, we allow students to create innovative solutions that have tangible impacts.
These exercises enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, while preparing students to be agile and adaptable. Industry professionals are able to mentor students either during the live case and understand how students think, as well as creating a brand for the company.
This past year, Hungry Harvest had the pleasur working with an incredible group of Smith stude think of innovative new solutions in the intersec health care and food insecurity. It was fantastic creative ideas from the young talent at Smith. I exciting to see this next generation of leaders t such complicated and impactful scenarios we fa our industry.
Evan Lutz ‘14 CEO & Founder, Hungry Harvest
The SBLF case competition project allowed me to apply two years of strategic and innovative thinking to research a topic incredibly relevant to our campus community. With frequent visits from industry professionals, I had the chance to connect with executives and CEOs with decades of experience. Our coursework was exciting and thought-provoking, and I worked closely with other SBLF members to build a strong community within the Smith School. Overall, the SBLF experience has been crucial to my learning and success at Smith thus far.
Jannah Nassar ‘25
The Smith Business Leadership Fellows Program is a two-year specialty program focusing on personal and leadership development. Its co-curricular activities offer students opportunities to engage with industry experts, develop essential business skills, and expand their professional networks.
ad the honor of presenting in Professor Basu’s class, sharing career journey that began as a student in BMGT 220, the ry classroom where I stood as a presenter. While we delved o a technical case study, the most impactful moments came m discussing my profession, dispelling industry stereotypes, d highlighting the vast opportunities an accounting major n offer. The case study and additional examples of my work onated with the students, many of whom reached out after e presentation. My firm has since interviewed and hired several externs from the University of Maryland.
Susanna Chon ‘08 Audit Partner, GRF CPAs & Advisors
It was incredibly rewarding to witness the Deloitte Consulting Classroom Takeover impacting over 300 undergraduate and graduate students through live cases during my eight classes. Students gained critical insights into real-world applications, enhancing their problem-solving and analytical skills. Incorporating experiential learning continues to make a significant difference in preparing the next generation of analytics professionals.
John Bono, Ph.D.
Associate Clinical Professor of Information Systems
Associate Department Chair
Smith Business Consulting is a new initiative launched by the Office of Experiential Learning, where students work in teams to provide pro-bono consulting services to strategic partners. This opportunity allows students to grow into the field of consulting, support organizations in their scope of work, add more experiences to their resume, cultivate and refine their soft and hard skills, and much more.
"This experience has enhanced our teamwork skills, taught us how to collaborate across different time zones, improved our ability to present findings effectively to the client, and introduced us to new technologies like flask and Angular.“
Ketkar, M.S. ‘25
Researched potential opportunities to expand into new customer segments and demographics
Tasked with helping roster the unique needs of Xillenials, Millenials, and Gen Z in their health and wellness journey with specific focus on ways that OPTAVIA can better reach, win, and monetize these consumers
Focused on delivering a detailed marketing plan OpenBarre can use to more directly target their programming and advertising to UMD employees
Initiated conversations with the HR, Benefits, Onboarding, and other University departments to facilitate studio-University connections.
Thoroughly researched relevant metrics for the Department of Environmental Protection such as building sustainability, transportation, carbon sequestration, and infrastructure planning to examine the biggest drivers in reaching net zero emissions in 2035.
Set out a clear action plan to incorporate their findings into the ongoing progress
Proposed new opportunities for an expansion in their existing educational curriculum by providing courses and resources online and in person. Recommended diversified funding sources, such as funding from technology firms that can later hand pick students as prospective employees, as well as government grants.
Worked through coding the database and backend tables for the API buildout-still awaiting to transfer into Google Cloud Platform. Coded the front end - task manager view for Hughes management where they could view progress on projects, assign tasks and priorities to team members, and other features.
Our academic Advisory Councils at the Robert H. Smith School of Business bring together esteemed professionals and industry leaders to offer critical guidance and expertise in shaping our academic programs. By sharing insights on emerging trends and practices, the councils connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, significantly enhancing the educational experience for our students. Moreover, they strengthen the connection between the school and the business community by facilitating networking opportunities, experiential learning experiences, and internships. The involvement of the Advisory Councils improves the Smith School's academic reputation, attracts top talent, and promotes industry collaboration. Through their contributions, the Advisory Councils play a crucial role in preparing students for successful careers and maintaining the school’s status as a premier institution in business education.
2023-2024 Advisory Council Leadership
Undergraduate
Joseph Bailey, Ph.D.
Finance
Geoffrey Tate, Ph.D.
Master’s in Business Analytics
Suresh Acharya
Rellie Derfler-Rozin, Ph.D.
Roy Thomason
MBA Master’s in Management Studies
Rosellina Ferraro, Ph.D.
Nicole Coomber, Ph.D.
Accounting & Information Assurance
Michael Kimbrough, Ph.D.
Supply Chain Management
Martin Dresner, Ph.D.
Master’s in Marketing Analytics
Judy Frels, Ph.D.
Master’s in Information Systems
Tej Anand, Ed.D.
John Bono, Ph.D.
Executive MBA
Christopher Mays
Rosellina Ferraro, Ph.D.
The Master's in Business Analytics (MSBA) Council focused on several goals, including achieving self-sufficiency with capstone projects, securing internships for MSBA students, and establishing a research partnership with faculty.
The Master's in Management (MiM) Council focused on achieving several goals, specifically including strengthening their experiential learning program and expanding the online master's program.
Distinguished alumni returned to offer personalized career coaching, including resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Alumni helped students build valuable industry connections and shared real-world experiences, enhancing their professional development and career prospects.
New Sustainability Analytics course launched to tackle Grand Challenges.
Technical Engineering Manager, Bloomberg Industry Group
Subash played a pivotal role in launching the “AI Conversations and Connections” event, a collaboration between Bloomberg Industry Group Engineering and Smith. Held at Bloomberg’s Arlington office, the event featured opening remarks from CTO/EVP Eric Schvimmer on AI strategy, and Dean Konana’s insights into the Smith School’s AI research. The highlight was Prof. Padmanabhan’s keynote on "The Magic of AI in Driving Innovation and Growth." Thanks to Subash’s leadership, the event sparked valuable discussions on AI’s potential.
The Undergraduate Advisory Council prioritized seeking advice from the Dean Student Advisory Council, improving yield to attract more students to Smith, and engaging with alumni to support the mission of the Council.
The Master's of Science in Marketing Analytics (MSMA) Council prioritized increasing engagement within the council, clarifying member expectations, and adding new members to the council.
Through alum Michael Ravitch ‘13, students partnered with Epsilon to deliver actionable insights and innovative solutions, effectively addressing data challenges in marketing and advertising. Through this real-world analytical project, students gained valuable experience in project management, competent analysis, and a deep appreciation for the challenges inherent in real-world projects.
SVP Member Strategy Office, Navy Federal Credit Union
Ryan values the network he’s built in the DMV area over 17 years. As a leader, he has mentored emerging leaders and participated in graduate school recruiting. Serving on the Advisory Council excites him, hoping to strengthen the relationship between Navy Federal and the University of Maryland. He is honored to have his input valued by the Advisory Council and has been gratified by the Smith’s growth and rising rankings.
The Executive MBA (EMBA) Council focused on improving engagement with Advisory Council members, recruiting for jobs, increasing presence at events, and hosting a BBQ event for current students, prospective students, alumni, and their families.
Welcomed three new members to the council: Mustafa "Tom" Alibraheem, Financial Analyst, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Thaphia "Tay" Craig, Vice President Commercial Real Estate, The Chicago TREND Corporation; and Anna Yankova, PMO Governance, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.
Financial Analyst, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Tom has actively engaged in several Executive MBA classroom programs and has orchestrated EMBA Alumni Reunions this year. Additionally, he has collaborated with Frank Goertner, the Director of Federal & Veterans Affairs at the Smith School, and has attended numerous Smith VETS events over the past year.
The MBA Council goals for the year included establishing MBA admissions interviews, creating a speaker series called "Coachable Moments" within the BUSM600 Leadership Class, and exploring job-related initiatives in collaboration with the Office of Career Services.
Every year Professor Yogesh Joshi teaches an interactive course on Innovation & Product Development. Becky Eisen, MBA ’12, led a key semester-long project where students worked directly with McCormick & Company. The project centered on exploring and implementing new ways to tackle innovative design thinking.
Director, Independent Compliance Risk Management, Citi
Nadine joined the council to influence direction, impact classroom and structural designs, and expand her Smith network. Since joining, Nadine has guest lectured in the Leadership Course, enjoying the interaction with students. She appreciates the annual inperson Council meetings, which ensure she visits campus regularly and share experiences with students, faculty, and alumni. Learning from other alums has been an unexpected and valuable benefit.
The Master's in Management (MiM) Council focused on achieving several goals, specifically including strengthening their experiential learning program and expanding the online master's program.
At the end of the academic year, Masters In Management students showcased their impressive projects. The Fannie Mae Multifamily group presented their work, followed by engaging networking sessions. The Myma.ai team shared their insights on AI in hospitality, and the Marriott International teams offered recommendations for the Bonvoy loyalty program. We also heard from the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families team on increasing engagement and benefits for post-9/11 veterans.
The event featured presentations from Teladoc Health teams on boosting engagement for rural and senior populations, the Voyacy Ventures group on ocean and coral reef preservation, and the Major League Baseball team on the BaseballToolbox. The Wang Family Tea team presented their US marketing campaign for their healthy tea. The day highlighted our students' creativity, passion, and professionalism. Thanks to everyone who supported and attended, including advisory council members, prospective clients, and faculty.
The Undergraduate Advisory Council prioritized seeking advice from the Dean Student Advisory Council, improving yield to attract more students to Smith, and engaging with alumni to support the mission of the Council.
Several recent alumni from the advisory council convened with the undergraduate advising team to engage in a meaningful discussion about how to effectively leverage the various resources available to students. During this collaborative meeting, the alumni shared their diverse experiences and perspectives, providing valuable insights that illuminated the ways in which current students can better navigate their academic and professional journeys.
As a result of this productive dialogue, the advising team is now better equipped to address the specific needs of current students, ensuring that they are not only aware of the resources at their disposal but also able to utilize them effectively. This collaboration not only strengthened the connection between alumni and the advising team but also fostered a sense of community that ultimately benefits all students. The insights gained from the alumni will serve as a guiding force in the ongoing efforts to improve student support services.
The Executive MBA (EMBA) Council focused on improving engagement with Advisory Council members, recruiting for jobs, increasing presence at events, and hosting a BBQ event for current students, prospective students, alumni, and their families.
The Master's in Information Systems (MSIS) Council focused on several goals, including developing a new curriculum with a strong emphasis on experiential learning courses and involving the Advisory Council in teaching these courses.
In partnership with Smith’s Office of Executive Education and the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, MSIS students pioneered an AI training program for small business operators. Titled “Artificial Intelligence for Small Business with the University of Maryland,” this initiative is a regional first.
This partnership benefited 50 local businesses in Prince George’s County.
Interim Global CIO, Board Member & Eternal AI Optimist. AC Member
Stuart’s company, Fresenius Medical Care, sponsored a capstone project with MSIS students. They provided onboarding and mentorship, focusing on CoPilot, Sentiment Analysis, and Conversational AI to improve business processes and enhance patient and employee experiences.
The Supply Chain Management (SCM) Council utilized their members to gather information on program development and incorporating live cases, story-telling, and experiential learning into classes.
The MBA Council goals for the year included establishing MBA admissions interviews, creating a speaker series called "Coachable Moments" within the BUSM600 Leadership Class, and exploring job-related initiatives in collaboration with the Office of Career Services.
Introduced our Office of Executive Education to the SCM Advisory Council to explore executive programs.
Successfully integrated the SCM Council with our teaching mission by using Council Members as guest speakers.
Arranged a speaker series for the wider student audience in the fall featuring SCM Advisory Council members.
Americas Logistics Supply Chain and Business Analytics Manager, Apple
Jen played a crucial role in facilitating the participation of Supply Chain students in the National Women's Case Competition. Four Smith students, along with their faculty advisor, Grace Tungtisanont, attended the event, which provided an excellent platform for networking with peers and industry professionals. This competition challenged the students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and enhanced their development and career opportunities.
The Finance Council reviewed curriculum for undergraduate, MBA, MS programs to align better with the current state of the industry as well as get students in front of bulge bracket banks.
Smith Enterprise Resource Consortium Master of Quantitative Finance students, to develop a Mortgage Climate Risk Analyzer. Cliff Rossi, leading the student researchers, demonstrated the tool to the Secretary of Emergency Management, the Deputy Executive Director of Emergency Management, and the State Public Assistance Officer.
Assistant Professor, Columbia University
Prof. Babina will be joining the Finance faculty from Columbia University, where she is an assistant professor. Babina specializes in artificial intelligence and business analytics. Her research examines the factors driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological change, along with their economic effects on businesses, workers, and society.
The AIA Council focused on various goals, including seeking funding for professorships from Deloitte and potentially other big four firms, increasing engagement and experiential learning in the classroom, showcasing curriculum innovation, and integrating technology into courses.
Established AI Initiative for Capital Market Research with financial support of GRF CPAs & Advisors. Graduated the first class of the Deloitte Scholarship Program for diverse students.
Hosted the fourth annual AIA Graduation Dinner with $20,000 in first-time sponsorship support.
President and Managing Partner, GRF CPAs & Advisors
Jackie Cardello was one of the most exemplary members of the Advisory Council this past year. She helped establish the AI Initiative for Capital Market Research. This initiative enables the development of innovative courses and research that will put us at the technological forefront. She has also engaged actively with our students by being a frequent guest speaker in classes and subject for our interview series on prominent AIA alumni.
Protiti Dastidar | Clinical Professor, Associate Area Chair
Rellie Derfler-Rozin | Associate Professor, Academic Director (MS in Management) & (Online MS in Management)
Steve Freishtat | Adjunct Faculty
Jennifer Hsin | Lecturer
David Kirsch | Associate Professor
Hui Lao | Dean's Professor in Leadership & Management
Oliver Schlake | Clinical Professor
Myeong-Gu Seo | Professor
Sheetal Singh | Associate Clinical Professor
Ali Faraji-Rad | Assistant Professor
Yogesh Joshi | Associate Professor
P.K. Kannan | Dean's Chair in Marketing Science, Associate Dean for Strategic In
Rebecca Ratner | Dean's Professor of Marketing
Bobby Zhou | Associate Professor
Humberto Coronado | Senior Lecturer, Academic Director (MS in Supply Chain Management)
Jon Crocker | Clinical Professor
Jeff Miller | Senior Lecturer
Kenneth Fuller | Lecturer
Alex He | Assistant Professor
Sarah Kroncke | Senior Lecturer
Michael Padhi | Senior Lecturer
Clifford Rossi | Professor of the Practice, Director (Smith Enterp
Pablo Slutzky | Associate Professor
Russell Wermers | Paul J Cinquegrana Endowed Chair in Finance
Haluk Ünal | Professor
Sean Cao | Associate Professor
David Hilton | Adjunct Faculty
James McKinney | Clinical Professor, Associate Area Chair
Michael McMillan | Associate Clinical Professor
Patrick McNamee | Lecturer
Lei Zhou | Research Scholar
Suresh Acharya | Professor of Practice, Academic Director (MS in Business Analytics)
Tej Anand | Clinical Professor , Academic Director (MS in Information Systems)
Pamela Armstrong | Clinical Professor
M. Gisela Bardossy | Associate Clinical Professor, Faculty Director (QUEST Honors Program)
Joseph Bailey | Associate Research Professor, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs
John Bono | Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Area Chair, Associate Academic Director (MS Information Systems)
Hassan Ibrahim | Clinical Professor
David Ashley | Adjunct Professor
Frank Goertner | Director (Federal & Veteran Affairs)
Experiential Learning Corporate Partners offer support to our Smith students through classroom coaching, classroom projects, and live cases through incredible guest visitors.
We would like to express our gratitude to these following corporate partners and many more this year:
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