Experiential Learning News

Smith students manage nearly $12 million across three funds—among the largest student-run programs nationwide. Their strong performance enabled a record $494,000 grant to the school this year, showcasing real-world investing experience and exceptional career preparation.

Now in its third year, Smith’s Office of Experiential Learning expanded real-world opportunities through alumni and industry partnerships—engaging 255 companies and facilitating hundreds of capstone projects, live cases, classroom coaching sessions and more across 214 classes in 2024–25.

Smith students manage nearly $12 million across three investment funds, gaining real-world experience in equity analysis and portfolio management. Their returns, decisions and teamwork prepare them for top roles in finance after graduation.

Exposure to experiential learning opportunities, leveraging cutting-edge technology and engaging with industry leaders are major components of the student experience at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. This spring, Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) students got that and more through a unique partnership with Microsoft.

Smith Master of Quantitative Finance students partnered with Google to build AI-driven credit risk ratings for banks and fintechs, analyzing 25,000+ financial documents. Their work showcases how AI and financial expertise can transform credit assessment and industry forecasting.

Master’s in Management students tackle real-world business challenges in Roy Thomason’s experiential learning class, partnering with companies like MLB and ServiceNow to develop solutions. The project-based course builds skills in leadership, strategy and teamwork while preparing students for professional success.

A new report from the Smith School, led by adjunct professor Geoff Milsom, offers first-of-its-kind transparency into logistics service provider tech spending on AI and robotics. Developed with students and alumni, it invites broader industry participation for future editions.

Students from the Smith School and University of Utrecht collaborated in a course led by Professor Amna Kirmani, developing export plans for RavenBeer and La Trappe while gaining real-world experience in cross-cultural teamwork and international marketing challenges.

Students in the QUEST Honors program explored Silicon Valley over Spring Break, pitching at Meta, visiting top tech firms, and networking with alumni. Highlights included winning Meta’s competition, touring Google and Nuro, and bonding over Bay Area adventures.

Smith School students explored design thinking in Spain through hands-on experiences, from paella-making to site visits at iconic landmarks. Led by Professor J. Gerald Suarez, the short-term abroad course fostered creativity, innovation, and a global perspective on problem-solving.