For Graduate Students

2026 Maximizing Maryland Graduate Internship Program

Looking for a summer internship where you can apply your skills to real business challenges? The Maximizing Maryland Graduate Internship Program connects Smith School business master’s students with small- to midsize companies across Maryland and the United States seeking support on strategic, operational, analytical, financial and global growth initiatives.

Through this program, students work on meaningful, project-based assignments that directly impact business performance, expansion and innovation.

Applications for summer 2026 are now open. The first application deadline is Monday, April 13. 

Apply through HireSmith

Eligibility

To participate, students must:

• Be a business master’s student at the Robert H. Smith School of Business
• Be authorized to work in the United States (open to both permanent and non-permanent work authorization holders)

Students with nonpermanent U.S. work authorization must:

• Have completed at least two consecutive semesters
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Enroll in the Business Master’s Program Internship Seminar through OCS

Additional requirement:

• Be available to work at least 30 hours per week during summer 2026 (specific hours and dates are set by the employer)

Areas Where You May Contribute

Internships are project-based and may span a wide range of business functions:

Business Strategy and Operations

• Business planning and growth strategy
• Market viability studies
• Competitive landscape analysis
• Process improvement initiatives
• Risk assessments
• Regulatory and compliance review
• Budgeting and financial forecasting
• KPI and performance metric development

Marketing and Market Intelligence (Domestic and Global)

• Market research and segmentation
• Brand positioning
• Customer experience strategy
• Digital marketing strategy
• Competitive benchmarking
• Go-to-market planning
• Global marketing adaptation strategies

Supply Chain and Logistics Management

• Inventory optimization
• Demand planning
• Procurement analysis
• Time-to-market improvements
• Operational risk management

Finance and Trade Strategy

• Financial modeling
• Investment and cost-benefit analysis
• Trade finance evaluation
• Political and economic risk assessment
• Payment method strategy
• Credit risk analysis
• Cash flow forecasting
• Funding source identification

Business Analytics and Data-Driven Decision-Making

• Business intelligence dashboards
• Predictive analytics
• Data visualization
• Process data analysis
• Customer analytics
• Financial analytics
• Operational performance modeling

Innovation, Technology and Digital Transformation

• Digital transformation initiatives
• Automation process evaluation
• Information systems optimization
• AI applications in business processes
• Technology implementation planning

Compensation

Students are compensated directly by their employer.

Employers are encouraged to provide a minimum of $17 per hour. Final compensation is determined between the employer and intern. This recommendation is not a requirement for participation in the program.

Work Format

Internships may be:

• In person
• Remote
• Hybrid

Work format will be discussed during the interview process and confirmed in the offer letter.

Additional Training and Faculty Support

Students hired through the program receive supplemental training and support from Philip Grove, MBA ’15, CGBP, adjunct faculty (LBPP).

Before beginning their internships, students participate in structured sessions covering:

• Global business management
• Marketing strategy
• Supply chain management
• Trade finance

Follow-up sessions are customized based on internship projects, with faculty guidance available as needed.

How the Process Works

• Students apply through HireSmith.
• Applications are reviewed and shared with participating employers after April 13.
• Employers select candidates to interview.
• Employers contact selected students directly to schedule interviews.
• Students who receive and accept an offer must report their placement to the Center for Global Business and enroll in program training.

Learn More

Students with questions may contact the center at maugoust@umd.edu.

The Maximizing Maryland Graduate Internship Program is funded in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

Careers Crossing Borders is a series of events designed to support graduate students in exploring diverse career pathways within international business. The series provides access to experienced professionals, insight into global career trajectories, and helps students realize and leverage their global mindset as they seek out the next steps in their career.

The Careers Crossing Borders series may include:

Keynote and Speaker Series – Thought-provoking talks and panels featuring global business leaders sharing insights and real-world experience.

Case Interview Competition – A practical opportunity to leverage a global mindset and analytical skills in a globally focused case setting.

Dinner Networking Conversation – Intimate dinners offering direct engagement with global business professionals who are UMD alumni across industries.

The Trek – Immersive site visits to global companies, offering first-hand exposure to international business operations and culture.

Learn more about upcoming Careers Crossing Borders Events.

The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Student Pathways in International Business course is a one-credit winter term program designed to help students earn the prestigious CGBP certification, highly valued by employers nationwide. As part of the CGBP Student Pathways Program, this course offers an in-depth exploration of global business topics and prepares students to excel in the CGBP exam. More information about the certification is provided below.

Info session presentation

The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), managed by NASBITE International, is a nationally recognized certification sought by employers around the country. It confirms applied knowledge in international trade and export management and shows potential employers that the holder brings the level of global expertise and professionalism that is required in today’s competitive environment.

The center offers the CGBP Student Pathways Cohort Program, a structured program intended to prepare a cohort of students for the CGBP exam and introduce them to and engage them with NASBITE International.

The program is comprised of a mix of four synchronous sessions and asynchronous study to prepare students to take the CGBP exam. The program offers facilitation by a CGBP professional, access to take the CGBP exam, networking and relationship-building opportunities, and NASBITE International Membership (a $75 value) which includes:

• CGBP study guide
• Preparation support
• Expert Helpline
• LinkedIn Student Group
• CGBP Practice Exam
• Other networking opportunities

Enrollment, requirements

• All interested students are eligible to register.
• Students enrolled in the program will have the option to take the CGBP exam at any point during their program at Smith or up to six months after graduation.
• Students will have to enroll themselves to take the exam and pay upfront.
• Students will be obligated to submit their results to CGB to verify their passing of the CGBP exam.
• If a student passes, CGB will reimburse them the exam fee of $195.00.
• If a student does not pass the exam on the first take, the student will not be reimbursed the fee for the exam.
• If a student does not follow through with exam commitment, the student will not be reimbursed the fee of the exam.

Structure

• The course will be held synchronously and asynchronously over the winter term and a student must take the course before they can sit for the exam.
• Synchronously: Students will meet with a CGBP professional four times over two weeks for two hours. The confirmed course schedule is below.
• Asynchronously: Students will be assigned readings and other assignments correlated to each of the four domains of the CGBP exam.
• The final content provided and how each session is devised is ultimately up to the CGBP professional.

Suggested calendar/content:

CGB Presents: NASBITE International 2026 Student Case Competition

NASBITE is the leading authority and industry standard for global business education, trade credentialing, training, and practice.

This competition offers graduate business students the opportunity to solve a real-world challenge posed by a U.S.-based international business. The goals of the NASBITE International Student Case Competition are:

• To provide college and university students the opportunity to work collaboratively on a creative solution to a real-world international business challenge and apply their research, presentation, and networking skills.
• To provide the sponsoring company with access to top international business students presenting potential solutions to their international business challenges.
• To establish a solid foundation for student involvement and participation within NASBITE International.

Learn more

Application Details

Apply by January 25 to represent the Robert H. Smith School of Business virtually at the NASBITE International Case Competition on March 31, 2026.

Applying does not guarantee a spot in the competition; however, it confirms your availability and commitment to competing if you are selected.

Team Applications: One student will register for the entire team, including contact details and résumés for each member.

Individual Applications: If you do not have a team but want to participate, apply with your information only.

A review committee will select the best team to represent the Smith School, either from pre-formed teams or individual applicants combined by the committee.

Upon completing your application, the Center for Global Business will provide the next steps.

Funding

The Center for Global Business (CGB) will cover the competition registration fee. This is supported in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Embassy Day

Date: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Departing from Van Munching Hall; transportation to and from embassies provided
Lunch: Provided

About the Event:
Embassy Day is a signature Smith School event that immerses business students in global cultures and practices. Through visits to various embassies, participants gain firsthand insights into international markets and develop the global mindset essential for future business leaders.

Embassy visits include Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, Philippines, Slovak Republic, and Spain.

• Lunch will be provided during the debrief upon return to Van Munching Hall.
• Each student will be assigned a group and will visit two different embassies.
• Embassy assignments are determined by the Center for Global Business.
• Each student will be required to provide valid photo identification per embassy requirements.
• Dress code is Business Professional.

Registration:

Register: Embassy Day

Applications Now Open: Embassy Day Attaché

Embassy Day Attachés are students who oversee, lead, and prepare a group of participants for Embassy Day—a half-day event in which business students visit two embassies in Washington, D.C., to learn about the country and how it conducts business domestically and internationally.

Attachés are responsible for preparing student participants for embassy visits and communicating with the Center for Global Business (CGB) regarding preparation and logistics. Attachés work closely with a CGB staff advisor. All business majors and programs are eligible to apply.

Benefits of Serving as an Embassy Day Attaché

• Build leadership and communication skills
• Network with the global community in Washington, D.C.
• Strengthen your résumé and LinkedIn profile with a formal leadership role

Expectations and Responsibilities

• Review preparation materials provided by CGB
• Communicate with student participants, including sending event reminders, distributing pre-event materials, and sharing day-of logistics
• Take group photos and share posts through CGB’s Instagram and LinkedIn accounts
• Administer the Embassy Day evaluation (created by CGB)
• Collect two student testimonials about their experience

How to Apply

Complete the brief application form by Jan. 25 at 11:59 p.m.

The form will ask you to upload your résumé, provide 2–5 sentences explaining your interest in the role, and confirm your availability on Feb. 20.

If selected, you will receive an email notification by Jan. 30 with confirmation and next steps.

Global Consulting Associate Program

Looking to develop consulting and professional experience? Become a Global Consulting Associate through the Center for Global Business.

Students participating will receive a small stipend upon completion of the program.

More information on the company will be provided after the enrollment process. Company projects are sourced through the Center for Global Business. Students will be matched to the company by the center based on industry experience, foreign language capacity, and other factors that may be considered for the project.

Apply today for Spring 2026. The application deadline is Sunday, February 1.

Program Overview

As a Global Consulting Associate, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to either the Maryland Global Consulting Program or the U.S. Market Entry Consulting Program. Collaborate with a team of MBA and MS students to provide consulting services to clients over a 10-week period during each term. Upon completion, participants will receive a stipend.

Both programs offer hands-on experience with real companies seeking solutions to international business challenges. The Maryland Global Consulting Program assists domestic companies in expanding globally or addressing challenges in international business, while the U.S. Market Entry Consulting Program supports international companies entering the U.S. market.

Projects may involve market assessments, entry strategies, distributor identification, and export distribution plans. After enrollment, students will be matched with companies based on industry experience, language proficiency, and other relevant factors.

Don't miss your chance to apply! For inquiries, contact Marina Augoustidis at maugoust@umd.edu.

The Center for Global Business reserves the right to determine the program and client that best match the student applicant. 

This program is funded in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Grand Global Challenges Competition

Friday, March 6, 2026
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Register to attend

Earn a chance to compete virtually in the Loyola Marymount (LMU) International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition (IBESCC).

In collaboration with the Center for Social Value Creation and the School of Public Health, the Center for Global Business presents the Grand Global Challenges Competition, a new internal competition open to all students, undergraduates, and/or graduates at the University of Maryland interested in how ethical and sustainable solutions can be applied to the Sustainable Development Goals and global business challenges.

The winning team will earn a spot and will be provided the opportunity to compete virtually on behalf of the University of Maryland in the IBESCC. Stay tuned to learn more.

The Grand Global Challenges Competition will provide a similar structure to that of the IBESCC as a means to help prepare the team that will compete in the IBESCC. The GGCC will test a team’s ability to apply ethical reasoning to practical global issues and recommend solutions to sustainable development in an international setting.

Competition details: 

• Each team that registers to compete must confirm its intent to compete (if selected) in the IBESCC at LMU in LA, CA, from April 13 & 14, 2026.
• Each team chooses its own business-related topic on which to present. The topic should have an ethical component and be related to one of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Please refer to this list of examples as context when choosing your topic.
• The presentation consists of a 15-minute live, virtual presentation, and will be followed by a 5-minute Q&A and feedback session.
• Teams should explain the legal, financial, and ethical dimensions of the business problem and then recommend a solution that would be viable on all counts. These might include:
  • Identify the financial impact of the problem and the financial implications of the solution. A detailed financial analysis is not necessary if there is an explanation of how (and to what extent) the problem raises or lowers the company's costs or profits; the costs of your solution; whether the company can afford your solution, etc.
  • Identify laws, regulations, or court cases that effectively restrict or regulate what the company may do. Significant fines or settlements may affect the financial analysis.
  • Teams will be expected to utilize a secular, philosophical framework that discusses ethics in terms of the tangible good and/or harm experienced by those affected (human or otherwise). Because this is a business competition, DO NOT use technical, philosophical terminology or cite philosophers. The ethical analysis is geared towards business and should refer to the organization's mission statement, code of values/conduct, etc. as well as the SDGs impacted by these issues.

Team makeup:
Teams can be made up of 3 to 5 students each. Teams can be made up of any mixture of graduate and/or undergraduate students from any program at the University of Maryland. Teams are encouraged to be multidisciplinary. 

Registration:
One student will register for the entire team. Each team registration should include details (contact, resume, etc.) for each student on the team.

IB Trek in Maryland

The IB Trek in Baltimore is intended to expose undergraduate and graduate students to concepts in international business while highlighting industry right here in Maryland. Students who participated in the IB Trek in Baltimore heard from companies that range in size, industry, and sector and were introduced to the various ways a company does business across borders, business culture, and life as a business professional.

Read about last year's IB Trek as part of International Education Week.

Student Global Leadership Board

Join the info session on Tuesday, November 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. to learn about how you can apply to serve on the first CGB Student Global Leadership Board. 

The Student Global Leadership Board (SGLB) is a student organization consisting of 4 undergraduate, 1 master’s, and 1 MBA student who would work closely with the Center for Global Business to represent the student voice in global programming. SGLB members will work closely with CGB, Smith faculty, and students to help shape and promote programs that align more closely with students’ needs and interests. 

The purpose of the Student Global Leadership Board is to:

• Represent the student voice: Act as a bridge between the student body and the Center for Global Business to ensure programs align with students’ needs and interests.
• Enhance Global Opportunities: Bring forward new ideas to expand and improve global experiential learning, including international business treks, case competitions and global networking events.
• Foster Leadership Development: Offer students a hands-on leadership role, where they develop project management, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Create Lasting Impact: Work together to shape programs and initiatives that will leave a legacy of enhanced global learning experiences for future students.

By being a member of the SGLB, you will gain:

• Skills in international education and student services
• Experience in program development and coordination
• A deeper understanding of international business teaching and learning
• A broader international education network 
• Interpersonal and communication skills 
• Access to leadership training workshops
• Recommendations for other opportunities

Required skills and expectations:

• Previous leadership or involvement in coordinating with students is required
• Self-starter and ability to work independently toward project goals
• Ability to pitch in fresh ideas in order to increase awareness amongst the students
• Effective communication (verbal and written)
• Project management skills
• Organizational skills
• Ability to meet every month

How to apply:

• Applications will be open on 19th Nov till before the winter break.
• Group Interview during 2nd week of Jan
• Board formation and welcome of SGLB in February.

Apply today

Register as a guest for the World Bank/IMF 2025 Spring Meetings through the Center for Global Business (CGB). Guest registration closes at the end of the day on April 11.

To apply, submit the required documentation with your registration. If you have any questions, contact GuestRegistration@worldbank.org.

Students who need confirmation of their university status and academic interest can request documentation from the Center for Global Business at smithglobal@umd.edu.

The International Business Agility Labs are immersive, short-term global case competitions hosted by the Center for Global Business at the Smith School. These virtual programs bring together students from the University of Maryland and partner universities around the world to tackle real business challenges faced by international companies. Participants collaborate across cultures, strengthen their problem-solving and presentation skills, and gain hands-on experience in global business decision-making. 

The next lab is tentatively scheduled for April 16–23, 2026, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with a real-world company case and connect with peers and professionals from across the globe. 

Learn more

The MBA Global Business Treks are experiential learning programs that help students develop two key areas:

1. Global Business Savvy Skills: Develop a deeper understanding of international markets, global economic trends and the interconnectedness of businesses worldwide. Students will enhance their ability to analyze and navigate the complexities of the global business environment.
2. Deep Country Knowledge: Gain in-depth knowledge of the economic, political and sociocultural environments of the country of study. Students will assess how these factors influence business practices, particularly in relation to the course’s topical focus area.

By leveraging these competencies, students will integrate insights from their MBA coursework and professional experiences to position themselves as global leaders in an increasingly interconnected world. With destinations that change annually, the treks include a dynamic and impactful global learning experience.

MBA Global Business Treks Include

• Globally Topically Focused Academics: Each course focuses on a country or countries with a concentration on a specific subject area (e.g., finance, technology, sustainability, supply chain, entrepreneurship) to develop deep expertise in that domain.
• Immersive International Experience in January: Engage in hands-on learning through company visits, cultural experiences and faculty-led discussions abroad.
• Comprehensive Experiential Project: Apply business acumen to tackle complex, cross-border challenges in diverse markets.
• Strategic Networking: Build connections with global executives, faculty and peers while developing expertise in your field.

Open to second-year MBA, BUSI, BUSO and EMBA students.

MBA Global Business Trek Costs

• Four credits of tuition (two credits in the fall and two credits in the spring)
• Program fee: $3,175 (estimated; program fee will be determined by mid-May 2025)
  • Includes shared lodging at program hotel(s), daily breakfast, at least two dinners, business and cultural visits, an experiential learning project and in-country transportation.
  • Does not include flight costs, most dinners and lunches, or additional spending money. Students are encouraged to purchase CFAR insurance at an additional cost.
• Education Abroad fee: $700 (estimated; TBD by fall 2025)
• Mandatory UMD-provided CISI insurance fee: approximately $39

Academic Year 2026–27 Portfolio

Doing Business in Asia: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Across Asia

Faculty: Zhi-Long Chen
Locations: Chiang Mai, Thailand and Singapore
Focus: Innovation and entrepreneurship in Asia
Tentative travel dates: Jan. 9–17, 2027 (subject to change)
Tentative course dates: Oct. 25, 2026; Dec. 13, 2026; and Feb. 27, 2027 (subject to change)

This course offers an immersive experience in Asia, exploring the economic landscapes of Singapore, a highly developed economy, and Thailand, an emerging economy. Both countries play a significant role in global trade and maintain strong business relationships with the U.S., as well as major economies like China, Japan and South Korea. Understanding business practices in this dynamic region is essential for students preparing to navigate the complexities of international markets.

Throughout the course, students will examine innovation and entrepreneurship strategies amid geopolitical tensions and assess the varying risks faced by multinational and domestic companies. Special attention will be given to the challenges encountered by businesses operating in a developing economy like Thailand compared with those in a developed economy like Singapore. Additionally, students will explore emerging trends and best practices in supply chain and logistics adopted by companies in the region.

A key component of the course includes company visits in both the manufacturing and service sectors in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Students will also gain hands-on experience by participating in a consulting project with a local company in one of these cities. To enhance their understanding of the region, students will engage in cultural activities that provide insight into local traditions and business customs.

Doing Business in Brazil: The Role of the Private Sector in Addressing Grand Challenges

Faculty: Paulo Prochno
Locations: São Paulo, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Focus: Private sector and grand global challenges
Tentative travel dates: Jan. 9–17, 2027

This course examines how entrepreneurs and private companies are addressing grand challenges — including climate change, health, education, clean water access and deforestation — while uncovering business opportunities in one of the world's most dynamic emerging markets. Students will explore Brazil’s strategic importance for U.S. firms, considering factors such as geographic proximity, shared historical ties and a generally favorable view of U.S. investment. Through pre-trip lectures and company visits, students will gain insights into the global economic environment, corporate strategy in emerging markets and the role of the private sector in tackling societal challenges.

The course fosters a global mindset by combining classroom learning with real-world application. Students will engage with startup founders, participate in cultural activities and apply cross-cultural and business skills in a consulting project and presentation for a company in Brazil. This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of how business can be a force for addressing complex global issues.

Doing Business in the UAE: Lessons in Customer Experience Design from the UAE

Faculty: Judy Frels
Locations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, UAE
Focus: Marketing, customer experience
Tentative travel dates: Jan. 15–23, 2027 (subject to change)

Tentative course dates: Nov. 8 and Dec. 6, 2026 (subject to change)

This course examines how organizations design and deliver exceptional customer experiences, using the United Arab Emirates as a dynamic global learning laboratory. Over the past several decades, the UAE has transformed its economy from one dependent on fossil fuels into a diversified, service-driven economy recognized worldwide for its leadership in hospitality, retail, health care, aviation, tourism and entertainment.

Through immersive, experiential learning, students will engage directly with a variety of customer experiences and gain behind-the-scenes insights into how those experiences are strategically designed, operationalized and continuously improved. Site visits and discussions with industry professionals will allow students to explore the strategic intent, design processes and operational challenges involved in delivering high-quality customer experiences across industries.

The UAE’s position as a global crossroads connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas provides a unique opportunity for students to develop global business savvy and cultural intelligence. Students will examine how customer expectations vary across cultures, customer segments and service contexts and how organizations adapt their approaches to serve a diverse international customer base.

By analyzing and reflecting on these experiences, students will develop the skills to evaluate and design effective customer experiences and apply these insights to organizations in their home markets, including health care, consulting, hospitality, retail and other service industries. The course will equip students with practical frameworks and global perspectives essential for competing in today’s experience-driven economy.

Scholarships and Funding

Students can apply for a $1,000 scholarship toward the program fee. Additionally, each program will designate one logistical liaison who will receive a stipend of $1,800. Applications for both scholarships and liaison roles will be distributed early in the fall.

Information Session for 2026–27 Global Business Treks
Friday, March 13, Noon–1 p.m.

Register to attend

The Smith School encourages flex MBA students who are able to fit a study abroad experience into their coursework to take advantage of this opportunity. Flex MBAs are able to go after finishing the core courses. Please note that the exchange programs are open to Flex MBAs only.

In order to apply, please email the Center for Global Business at smithglobal@umd.edu well in advance of the application deadline to obtain the forms and schedule an interview.

Objectives for Graduate Exchanges

• To develop an understanding of business and cultural environment in other countries
• To demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an international setting
• Where applicable, to acquire the ability to communicate in the world's major business languages
• To adapt to conditions in the world's most important business centers

Exchange Partners

Guanghua School of Management

The Guanghua School of Management, Peking University is one of the best business schools in China. The School is staffed with about 100 full-time teaching faculty members. About half of the faculty earned their PhD degrees from prestigious universities overseas including Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, and UC-Berkeley. Guanghua has a total enrollment of more than 3,000 students and was named the most Influential MBA of China in a ranking conducted by World Executive.

Copenhagen Business School

Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is a private educational institution established in 1917 by the Danish Society for the Advancement of Business Education. CBS has around 15,000 students and an annual intake of around 1,000 exchange students. With this number of students as well as around 400 full-time researchers and around 500 administrative employees, CBS is one of the three largest business schools in Northern Europe.

SKEMA Business School

SKEMA prides itself as being a hub of technological innovation, reflected in its student body and industry linkages. With over six thousand students across multiple campuses in France and the world, SKEMA is committed to internationalizing business education. Exchange students benefit from high-quality instruction in a global setting.

WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management

WHU is considered the preeminent business school in Germany. WHU has a strong interest in international business, as well as corporate responsibility. It is a small school, with about 600 students and the classroom dynamic is lively and interactive. Koblenz is a small town located on the Rhine and Mosel rivers, about 1 hour west of Frankfurt.