Experiential Learning News

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.

Maryland students Marvi Shroff, Eileen Chen, Meilin Yuan, and Jiayi Wang won first place at the Milgard Invitational Case Competition, earning global recognition for UMD’s Smith School with their strategic analysis of the aviation industry and investment recommendation for Airbus.

Smith’s Embassy Day, organized by the Center for Global Business, gave 100 students—from first-years to graduate students—a firsthand look at global business and diplomacy. Visiting two of eight embassies, students engaged with diplomats, explored international trade, and gained insights into global relations.

Master’s in Management students at Smith will collaborate with Toyota Mobility Foundation under the guidance of Nicole Coomber and Ab Krall. Applying problem-solving frameworks, they’ll explore business expansion and thematic innovation for TMF’s Mobility Unlimited Hub and present recommendations in March 2025.

Smith’s undergraduate information systems program launched its first study abroad experience, taking students to London for hands-on tech consulting. Students collaborated with companies on analytics and AI projects, networked with industry leaders, and gained real-world experience in global technology and business challenges.

When University of Maryland students in the Justice for Fraud Victims project received suspicious job offers via text, their fraud investigation skills—sharpened under faculty advisor Samuel Handwerger at the Smith School—helped uncover "task scams," a scheme costing victims $220M since 2020.

Professors Balaji Padmanabhan and Tejwansh (Tej) Singh Anand led the Smith School’s AI in Business Case Competition, where 120+ students tackled real-world problems using AI. Multidisciplinary teams developed innovative, ethical solutions for industry clients, showcasing critical skills and creativity.

Seventy members from professional business fraternities at UMD competed in the Center for Social Value Creation’s ESG-focused pledging case competition. Phi Chi Theta’s team won, showcasing innovative solutions. The event featured alumni judges and engaged an audience of 150 students.

In fall 2023, the University of Maryland’s Smith School launched the Justice for Fraud Victims (JFV) initiative, led by Accounting Lecturer Samuel Handwerger. Smith and UMD students investigate fraud cases, producing reports that have already proven effective in court.

The Smith School's MS in Information Systems capstone provides hands-on consulting experience, enabling students to design innovative IT solutions for real clients. With projects spanning industries and roles, students gain technical and leadership skills essential for business technology careers.