The Office of Experiential Learning enlists our alumni and corporate partners as collaborators in creating opportunities for our students to solve real world problems for real companies, support faculty in increasing and sourcing the amount of experiential learning occurring in the classroom, and ensuring every student has an experiential learning opportunity by the time they graduate from Smith.
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
The Office of Experiential Learning will work collaboratively to identify experiential learning opportunities within the classroom, source “best mutual fit” sponsors and partners to engage within the classroom, and provide ongoing support for volunteer management for classroom engagements.
2 Addressing Grand Challenges
Within the portfolio of projects (both Live Cases and Capstone Projects), we expect that at least 20% of the projects will address Grand Challenges We will work with campus, governmental, and impact-driven partners to source meaningful experiential engagements that benefit students and partners
The Office of Experiential Learning will manage the departmental and program Advisory Councils, connecting them to other offices within the school to achieve their missions. The Live Cases and Capstone Projects will generate marketing buzz, increasing and diversifying the students interested in attending Maryland Smith for undergraduate, MBA, and MS programs.
Building a Solid Foundation for Financial and Operational Health
The Office of Experiential Learning will use resources effectively to serve the school's mission We aim to bring in resources to the school by charging partners for Live Case engagements where appropriate and will soon launch a paid Smith Business Solutions experiential project engagement with partners
As we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of higher education, I am excited to share with you the remarkable progress we have made in advancing our strategic plan Two of the guiding principles were creating integrated and interdisciplinary opportunities for research as well as learning and nurturing intellectual curiosity and supporting intellectual freedom
At the heart of this strategic endeavor lies our Office of Experiential Learning – a pulsating center of innovation, collaboration, and realworld integration that sets us apart on the global stage
In this era of constant change and challenges, research-driven knowledge must meet practice and equip our students for success Corporations demand our graduates seamlessly blend their academic prowess with practice to solve real-world experience It is with this vision in mind that we have strived to bring in industry experts, seasoned professionals, and trailblazers to collaborate and engage with our students in transformative ways
Imagine a hub where our students transcend textbooks and classrooms to tackle grand challenges of our time head-on Imagine a space where the fusion of diverse disciplines sparks solutions that rewrite norms Imagine partnerships with industry titans that go beyond the transactional, paving the way for an ecosystem of shared knowledge and growth. This is the future we envision – and the Office of Experiential Learning is our conduit to bring it to life
Yet, our vision extends beyond our campus boundaries By shaping leaders who will redefine industries, challenge norms, and catalyze change, we are in perfect harmony with the university's goals and in service to taking on humanity's grand challenges The Office of Experiential Learning stands as our catalyst for a dynamic exchange between academia and industry, ensuring that our impact resonates beyond classroom walls.
The real world is our lab for the business school Let's forge a legacy that echoes through generations Let's inspire and be inspired Let's propel the Robert H Smith School of Business into an era of distinction, innovation, and enduring impact
Sincerely,
Prabhudev Konana, PhD
Dean and Professor of Information Systems
Robert H Smith School of Business
Dear Readers,
As I think back upon the whirlwind of the past year, I am thrilled to reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked upon together in experiential learning It is with immense excitement that I write to you today, looking back at our achievements and looking forward to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead Stepping into the role of leading the Office of Experiential Learning at the Robert H Smith School of Business has been nothing short of exhilarating.
From day one, our mission has been crystal clear – to enhance student experiences, amplify industry connections, and contribute to the b goals of the university I am deeply humbled to witness the passion and dedication that each member of our community brings to this mission In this first year, we have set out on a path to build greater capacity in the realm of experiential learning Our small yet dynamic team has proven that size is no barrier to impact. Through collaboration with key partners such as our Office of Development & Alumni Relations and Office of Career Services, we have formed a support system to help us reach our goals and allow us to create a seamless service, enhancing the experience not only for our students but also for our invaluable corporate partners
Our journey has been marked by milestones such as students coming up with marketing innovations for Picard Surgelés and ESG analyses for BDO that have exceeded even our most ambitious expectations. We've witnessed students stepping beyond the classroom to tackle real-world challenges, forming connections that transcend boundaries, and growing into the kind of leaders who will shape industries and drive change. Our corporate partners have been our steadfast allies, and their involvement has been instrumental in shaping the transformative experiences that define our program
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and enthusiasm that you all have shown throughout this journey. Your dedication to our shared vision has been the driving force behind our accomplishments To our faculty, staff, students, and partners, thank you for believing in our mission and for your commitment to propelling the Office of Experiential Learning to new heights
We have reached new limits, shattered old boundaries, and paved the way for a future that promises even greater accomplishments Together, we will create an enduring legacy of innovation, collaboration, and transformative education that will shape the leaders of tomorrow.
With Warm Regards,
Nicole Coomber, PhD
Assistant Dean, Experiential Learning Academic Director, General Business Minor Clinical Professor, Management & Organization Robert H Smith School of Business
45 Faculty Engaged
12.5% of Classrooms are Experiential Learning
70 Experiential Learning Classrooms
80 Alumni Engaged
Over 10,000 Student Touchpoints
In our first year, we are over halfway to our goal of reaching 20% of classes at Smith
Classroom coaching is a dynamic approach that integrates industry professionals 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.
Professor Dastidar’s students were well prepared for an engaging discussion. It was clear that the class possessed a thorough understanding of not only the grocery retail industry, but also of Aldi as a company We look forward to our next opportunity to work with Smith and the Office of Experiential Learning.
Having an industry professional lead a career search strategies course gave students a unique understanding of the recruiting process from the other end of the table.
Industry leader, Dina Broydo, gave students useful tips on how applicants can make the best first impression during the interview process and excel later at their internships
As a Smith alumna, she was able to relate lecture content to Smith opportunities students can take advantage of
Justin Breitenbach '19, MFin '20 District Manager, ALDI USA Miranda Chung '23, MSIS '24
I always enjoy coming to UMD and sharing our work with the students. We spend time going through our consulting framework and use real life examples of client work, providing them with a snapshot of what a consulting assignment looks like. The students have always shown determination and creativity to solve any curveball I throw at them, showing the amazing potential all these students have as they enter the workforce soon!
Martin Schwarz CEO, Stern Value Management
I had the pleasure of teaching two classes for Professor Bardossy’s course BMGT 434 Analytics Consulting: Cases and Projects. The classes were a ‘Highlevel Overview of Software Tools in Data Science’ and ‘Lessons Learned from Challenging Problems ' I was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the students to be life-long learners, as being a consultant at Deloitte requires.
Vivek Khatri Applied AI Specialist Senior, Deloitte
Capstone 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. Receiving access to premier faculty researchers and our student talent in a variety of disciplines provides "fresh eyes" on organizational challenges, to solve the business problems that will benefit our partners and their growth.
Working with McCormick this past semester was such an amazing experience I never imagined that during my undergraduate career I would talk to corporate stakeholders, conduct site visits, and get to actually solve an issue that such a large company is having. This is so different from what we do in my Computer Science classes because with QUEST, we can apply our knowledge
Aadria Bagchi '24
The QUEST Honors Program and Strategic Design Fellows Program are two-year specialty programs hosted within the Smith School to provide students the opportunity to engage in real world business challenges.
Strategic Design Fellows Program
The Stra continue a fasttrack to ho gave real world marketing expertise to guest judges for a case competition, we made sure to work extremely hard. My team even advanced from our class to the American Marketing Association's National Conference with only 12 other schools out of 130+. We knew we had something special and represented Smith on a national level!
Raphael Ukpelegbu '23
The Mayer Fund has provided an incredible opportunity for hands-on learning Doing fundamental research, building financial models, and pitching stocks with real stakes have been some of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at Smith.
arning format of the class was well-received by the students and the CEOs of their project companies. At the end of the semester, my students described an enriching and informative project that compliments and transcends the in-class learning experience. It was a pleasure to see a blossoming of entrepreneurial skills from applying classroom lessons to real-world businesses.
Steve Freishtat '81 Lecturer
Leibman '23, MFin '24
Live cases are short sprints over the course of 1-3 days where students develop strategic business recommendations, by using datasets or prompt(s) given by a company. By prioritizing high-impact learning opportunities, allowing 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.
[For the Smith Analytics Annual Datathon], we very much wanted to make this year a crosscampus, collaborative event. Using data to analyze and solve problems for businesses is an important skill for any student to go out into the working world with and this is a great way for them to get those skills
Wedad Elmaghraby Dean’s Professor Senior Associate Dean of Faculty
Working with the faculty and students at the Smith School during the live case study was a fantastic experience! The students showed us their in depth knowledge, ability to research and give an actionable recommendation, which would usually be a recommendation from myself or colleagues The students and their ability to create a digestible presentation and recommendation with complex data was superb.
Michael Erickson Account Executive II, Amazon
I have presented a Live Case at the Smith School of Business accounting class for 5 years, which has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Working with, and teaching students at my alma mater who are trying to determine what path in school and career they want to pursue, is truly fulfilling. I can see from their dedication in class that these students are ready for to make an impact after college.
Nicki Mann '02 Controller, Annie E. Kasey Foundation
We have thoroughly enjoyed presenting KPMG’s Data Analytics case study at UMD for the past 4 years to Professor Hilton’s class. The students at the Smith School of Business never cease to impress us with their aptitude for taking on complex decisions, reviewing anomalies in datasets and identifying fraudulent transactions. We look forward to any further opportunities to come back and teach at Smith.
Go Terps!
Alec Lyubomirsky '15 Forensic Investigations Senior Associate, KPMG US
Academic Advisory Councils at the Robert H. Smith School of Business bring together accomplished professionals and industry leaders to provide invaluable guidance and expertise in shaping our academic programs. By offering insights into emerging trends and practices, the councils bridge the gap between theory and application, enhancing the educational experience for students
Additionally, they foster connections between the school and the business community by facilitating networking opportunities, experiential learning opportunities, and internships. The involvement of the Advisory Councils strengthens the academic reputation of the Smith School, attracts top talent, and promotes industry collaboration. Through their contributions, the academic Advisory Councils play a vital role in preparing students for successful careers and maintaining the school's standing as a leading institution in business education
Michael Kimbrough, Ph D
Emanuel Zur, Ph D
Russell Wermers, Ph D
Liu Yang, Ph D
Rellie Derfler-Rozin, Ph D
Roy Thomason
Tej Anand, Ed D
John Bono, Ph D
Martin Dresner, Ph D
Christopher Mays
Robert Sheehan, Ph D
MBA
Rosellina Ferraro, Ph D
Nicole Coomber, Ph D
Michael Trusov, Ph D
Judy Frels, Ph D
Victor Mullins, Ph D
Joseph Bailey, Ph D
Suresh Acharya
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.
Introduced a new two semester curriculum focused on experiential learning
In the fall, several council members participated as guest speakers The majority of the spring semester capstone projects were sourced from council members Advisory Council members were extremely impressed with all of the presentations from the students
Jasmine Crooks '16
F-35 Proposal Manager, Lockheed Martin
Jasmine Crooks is part of Lockheed Martin and was pivotal in helping MiM with their capstone projects She helped facilitate the first jet propulsion consulting project with Smith which was a great experience for the students She also mentored students during the development of their capstone project
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.
Engaged students in the classroom, provided mentorship to students, raised funds for the undergraduate student body, established strategic partnerships, and hired students for internships and post-grad positions
Hosted Smith on the Road in Manhattan
Cross-collaboration with the Dean Student Advisory Council
Associate, Sixth Street
A notable accomplishment highlighted during the Fall '22 - Spring '23 academic year was alum Louis Dubick hosting Smith in Manhattan for "Smith on the Road," which was considered a big win This event provided a great opportunity to engage with admitted and prospective students and was organized by the Alumni Council with the Undergraduate Team Louis is helping Smith reach new regions in order to bring a more diverse student body into the Smith School
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.
Organized two EMBA BBQ and Networking Receptions, significant turnout of over 115 attendees
Hosted several Advisory Council member bonding sessions
Students met with the Head of HR at WR Grace, participated in business simulation events, and completed their end of year capstone
Tom Michael has been one of the most influential EMBA Advisory Council members in the past year He has assisted multiple students prepare for jobs after they finish their MBA, and has even helped pave the path for undergraduate students through events like Smith Finance Superday. Tom has provided so much time and energy in educating students on how to go after career-defining opportunities, as well as providing those opportunities for students
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.
Through the advocacy of the council, the MBA program secured 5 capstone projects for their students
Combined OMBA, Flex, and Full-Time MBA Councils into one cross-cutting group Solicited ideas for experiential learning curriculum improvements from council members
MBA Candidate 2023
Alison Gross worked on a MBA capstone project with Nobell Foods which allowed her to utilize all of the skills and frameworks she learned over the years at Smith to solve real-world business problems. She developed successful group dynamics internally, and performed stakholder management externally with the client Then, she produced a successful business plan that would help Nobell Foods further develop their company in the future
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.
Wins
Fostered a network where council members can engage and build community with each other
Completed two successful capstone program iterations
Created internship opportunities through the mentorship and advocacy of council members
Joe Gagnon
SVP of Operations and Analytics, QL2 Software
Over the past year, Joe was pivotal in creating and facilitating capstone projects and even wrote to the Dean how great his experience was with the capstone project! Council members like Joe are how we can continue to provide our students the best experience to face the grand challenges of our time.
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.
Created 8 individual mentorship opportunities for students by leveraging advisory Council members
Extremely productive meetings where the Council looked toward leveraging their connections in order to benefit the students
Looking to increase collaborations with other Councils
Catherine
BellHead of M&A Integrations, ICF
Catherine Bell did a class visit with the BUMK764 Business Communication II. She did a short presentation on her firm and career path, we then broke the class into teams, gave them a working challenge from Catherine's company including several sets of data, teams created a solution, and presented it to Cathering and the faculty
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.
Wins
Conducted focus group on digital business transformations
Created two workshops on product management and cybersecurity
Facilitated networking and referrals for students
Hosted a Tableau workshop with Blend360
Partner, KPMG
Corbin saw that students embraced a multidisciplinary approach to solve a highly relevant business problem in the world of commercial real estate. The showcase of skill sets used in each of the presentations represented a collection of diverse experiences and backgrounds The students used critical skills and capabilities needed in today’s job market, including data analysis and visualization, finance, information system architecture and storytelling
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.
Wins
Explored ways to build the program
Focused on internships and job placements, connecting student experiences and industry professionals expectations
Council members proactively helped studnets with job placements and internships
Tom CorsiAcademic Director
MS Supply Chain Program
Professor Corsi has been one of Smith's biggest champions when it comes to live cases. Tom has brought in industry professionals that are in supply chain focused roles or companies, and had them put students through a sprint intended on simulating a realworld problem or situation
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.
Reviewed curriculum for undergrad, MBA, and MS programs with a focus on finance
Reviewed where students are historically placed after college, attempting to create a pathway to more companies Met and created lasting connections with industry leaders at UBS
Russell Wermers
Paul J Cinquegrana ’63
Endowed Chair in Finance
Professor Wermers used his connections at UBS to set up a Fall NYC meeting for the Advisory Council and students Students met at UBS headquarters, and student-run fund members presented to some of the SFAC one afternoon, followed by a gala dinner, followed by a half-day discussion on the curriculum at the Smith School in regards to finance
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.
Hosted "Accountants save the world"
Hosted Deloitte Scholarship Program for diverse students
Showcased curriculm innovation and integrated technology into courses
Improved alumni relations and alumni engagement
Audit & Assurance Partner, Deloitte
Isa Farhat was one of most exemplary members of the Advisory Council this past year. He helped establish the Deloitte Scholarship program for diverse students at the Smith School of Business He also helped with professorships and student centered initiatives
Industry leaders and experts may be invited or can elect to join advisory councils to help shape what students learn, match classroom lessons to real-world needs, and widen the pipeline for internship and job opportunities
2 Year Term
2-4 Hours per Semester
1 In-Person Meeting
Quarterly Check-Ins
Contact: INTERESTED IN JOINING?
Mary Wagner | mwagner5@umd.edu
Provide support to enhance the professional pathways for our students
Deliver professional and industry insights to improve curriculum
Assist in offering our programs and students deeper business understanding
Collaborate on strategies for infusing real-world learning into our education
Protiti Dastidar | Clinical Professor, Associate Area Chair
Rellie Derfler-Rozin | Associate Professor, Academic Director (Master in Management Studies)
Steve Freishtat | Adjunct
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 Initiatives
Rebecca Ratner | Dean's Professor of Marketing
Bobby Zhou | Associate Professor
Humberto Coronado | Senior Lecturer, Academic Director (Master of Science 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 Enterprise Risk Consortium
Pablo Slutzky | Associate Professor
Russell Wermers | Paul J. Cinquegrana Endowed Chair in Finance, Area Chair
Haluk Ünal | Professor
Sean Cao | Associate Professor
David Hilton | Adjunct
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, Associate Director (QUEST Honors Program)
M Gisela Bardossy | Associate Clinical Professor
Joseph Bailey | Associate Research Professor, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs
John Bono | Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Area Chair, Associate Academic Director (MS Information Systems)
Hassan Ibrahim | Clinical Professor, Interim Executive Director (QUEST)
David Ashley | Adjunct Professor, QUEST Honors Program
Frank Goertner | Director, Federal & Veteran Affairs
Mary Wagner Senior Director
Experiential Learning Corporate Partners offer support to our Smith students through classroom coaching, capstone 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:
Continuous opportunities to speak with, coach, or judge to students working on realworld business applications.
Semester-long projects where graduate and undergraduate students apply and display their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. These projects help provide solutions to challenges your organization may face, and a direct connection to talented Smith students.
A short-term opportunity for student teams to develop strategic business recommendations. The entire class is dedicated to the case, providing a wealth of recommendations and greater exposure.
Access to top student talent
Build your employer brand with University of Maryland students
Tap into fresh thinking and outside perspectives
Receive meaningful recommendations for your organization
Interact with world-class research faculty
Contribute meaningfully to students’ education
Smith always welcomes new experiential learning partners for our live case, classroom coaching, and capstone projects intiatives. To learn more email us at SmithOEL@umd.edu
Office of Experiential Learning
We thank you for your continued support in our efforts to contribute to Experiential Learning at Smith!
Address
Van Munching Hall 7699 Mowatt Ln, College Park MD 20742
Website rhsmith umd edu/offices/experiential-learning
Graphic Designer: Sarah Taylor