June 13, 2025

Building Global Readiness: Inside the Maryland Global Consulting Program

Global Consulting Associates from the Center for Global Business visit AEON Labs in Frostburg, Md., to develop a proof of concept for an innovative technology project with AEON Labs and Amethyst Technologies LLC, under the guidance of Adam Lee.

As global markets continue to evolve rapidly, the need for Maryland businesses to adopt an international mindset has become increasingly important. The Center for Global Business partnered with three clients this spring through the Maryland Global Consulting Program. The program offers Maryland companies access to global business recommendations, data-driven analysis and entry strategies to export and compete globally. In turn, students gain hands-on experience and real-world learning opportunities.

One of those clients was the Smith School itself, which aimed to expand its educational offerings into Asia this spring. Students analyzed factors such as the global competitive landscape, national trends and economics, and current partnerships to identify which countries were best suited for launching new graduate programs. They also worked to identify potential institutional and industry partners, providing a strong foundation for the school’s future international collaborations.

MS in Business Analytics student Kaushik Muthamilselvan described the impact the project had on him: “The Maryland Global Consulting Program truly expanded my worldview—quite literally! I was part of a diverse, cross-functional team that brought together perspectives from different departments and backgrounds […] Our client was incredibly responsive and appreciative. We helped shape data-backed strategies for expanding international recruitment, identifying which countries to prioritize. The exposure was incredible. We spoke to people we otherwise would never have had access to, and got a real taste of global consulting in action.”

Another project focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and public health, in collaboration with Amethyst Technologies and AEON Labs. The team explored the feasibility of an AI tool to predict disease and pandemic potential. The project examined potential use cases by the governments of Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

The third project involved Westex Group, the umbrella company for Washington Consular Services (WCS). Westex and WCS aimed to explore international growth through business development and strategic acquisitions. In two consecutive five-week projects, students tackled challenges such as building a sustainable sales engine, identifying procurement opportunities from U.S. suppliers, and outlining pathways to expand services through partnerships with law firms and certification agencies.

Pranav Manikantan, another MS in Business Analytics student, reflected on the experience as one of the most rewarding he’s had at the Smith School. “Being able to work with two real clients—Washington Consular Services and Westex—really put me in the shoes of a consultant and helped solve actual business issues,” he said. “Working with WCS, we tackled pricing, bundling and technology innovation to help them stay competitive in a changing market. For Westex, we developed end-to-end global expansion playbooks and drilled deep into what it really takes to crack new foreign markets.”

Student teams of four or five—composed of MBA and Specialty Master’s students and named Global Consulting Associates—apply their academic knowledge to complex international business challenges with the help of experienced faculty and industry experts. Over the course of the semester, the team dedicates approximately 200 hours to developing strategic, actionable recommendations aligned with the client’s needs.

The Maryland Global Consulting Program continues to serve as a valuable bridge between Maryland businesses and the global marketplace. By connecting companies with talented students, the program delivers research-backed solutions that drive international growth. As both students and businesses benefit, the program reinforces Maryland’s position as a hub for globally engaged, innovative enterprises.

To learn more about future opportunities, visit the Center for Global Business website or email  smithglobal@umd.edu.

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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.