Guided by Guidehouse: QUEST Alum Joel Liebman Welcomes QUESTees to HQ

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For those QUEST experts out there, I have a question for you. What event does QUEST Corporate put on at least once a year? If you guessed site visits, you are correct! Every year, QUEST Corporate hosts a site visit where they take a field trip to learn firsthand about a company or corporation. For this year’s site visit, QUEST Corporate teamed up with the Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) to visit Guidehouse, a consulting firm based in McLean, VA. Attendees had a jam-packed schedule filled with gifts, presentations, networking, and even a delicious lunch spread. I had the chance to talk to QUEST Corporate co-lead, Adelina Seck (Cohort 39), and QUESTee and SUSA President, Amari Mehta (Cohort 43), about the visit and their favorite moments from the trip along.

QUEST and SUSA members with Guidehouse employees

We cannot begin this article without first mentioning the man who made this possible: QUEST alum and Director at Guidehouse, Joel Liebman (Cohort 14). Liebman has been a huge source of support within the QUEST community, actively participating in the QUEST Mentorship Program and attending the QUEST Networking Fair as an employer. With the guidance of Jessica Roffe of our very own Quality Guild and Eva Coll of the Office of Career Services for the Smith School, QUEST Corporate, Liebman, and his colleagues at Guidehouse were able to create and plan a personalized schedule for QUEST students. This was such a great opportunity that the invitation was extended to Smith school students through SUSA as well. Together, QUEST Corporate and SUSA organized transportation and coordinated with Liebman and the Guidehouse team to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for all attendees.

QUEST members with Joel Liebman (leftmost)

On Friday, February 21st, QUEST students and SUSA members hopped on a bus, excitedly awaiting the chance to see the Guidehouse HQ and network with consulting professionals. When the attendees first arrived, they were greeted with gifts from the Guidehouse team from metal straws to a mini duster. They even received Guidehouse Tide pens! However, the Guidehouse team went above and beyond physical gifts, providing attendees with meaningful insights about the world of consulting. To start, Liebman dived into an engaging presentation about public sector consulting, specifically regarding his experience advising the Department of Homeland Security. He then invited his fellow Guidehouse colleagues from all different backgrounds to the floor to discuss their own unique, personal experiences working in consulting. However, the highlight of the day was a simulated consulting project. Students were broken up into groups of five and partnered with a Guidehouse professional to tackle a TSA-related case study. Their job was to offer recommendations to the TSA to improve their efficiency and work environment. Through this activity, attendees had a first-hand look at how diversity within a team creates space for new perspectives to emerge, ensuring that clients receive the best solution.

Joel Liebman (third from left) and Marleigh Wood (right) from the Guidehouse team mentored attendees during a simulated consulting project

For both Adelina Seck and Amari Mehta, this was their favorite part of the whole event. Seck found the activity very engaging as she worked with a Guidehouse associate who had personal experience in consulting the TSA and who provided relevant and useful feedback on Seck’s team’s solutions. Similarly, Mehta’s team was partnered with Joel Liebman who “helped [her] develop a practical understanding of consulting work.” Through this activity, Mehta not only built a more personal connection with Liebman, but also bolstered her repertoire as a future consultant by practicing her problem-solving and collaboration skills with her team of diverse individuals. Mehta specifically mentioned that “it reinforced everything we learn in our QUEST courses and allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge to a real-world case.” At the end of the simulation, QUEST students and SUSA members, including Seck and Mehta, gave a brief presentation of their major case findings. Before they headed back to campus, attendees had the chance to network in a more personal setting with Guidehouse associates, relax, and appreciate the office view–a beautiful conclusion to a fun, yet eye-opening day with the Guidehouse team.

Amari Mehta (center) presenting with her team

“We hosted QUEST at our Guidehouse offices about two years ago, and when QUEST approached me about rekindling that event and broadening the invite list beyond QUEST in partnership with SUSA, I was thrilled and jumped at the chance,” shared Liebman. “We packed a lot into a half-day workshop, panel, and simulated consulting experience. I thought it would be a lot for the attendees to keep up with (and it was)—but it was me who had to keep up with them! They were energetic and engaged, they asked well-informed and thought-provoking questions, and they came up with creative ideas and solutions to realistic client challenges. The students from the Smith school and the QUEST program never disappoint. I look forward to partnering with QUEST, SUSA, and the Smith school on many things in the years ahead and welcoming many of the attendees as colleagues in the Consulting industry (and at Guidehouse!) soon.”

Our QUESTees had an amazing experience at Guidehouse thanks to the efforts of Joel and his colleagues Sophie Romanik (Senior Consultant), Zach Jacobs (Consultant), Marleigh Wood (Consultant), Jackie Olewack (Director), and Samantha Calvano (Talent Acquisition, UMD Campus Lead).

Thanks to the Guidehouse team, Jess Roffe, Eva Coll, SUSA Vice President of Events Hamid Shabbir, and QUEST Corporate for taking the time to make this incredible event a reality! If you missed out on this opportunity or were unable to attend, be on the lookout for future QUEST Corporate events!

How to Ace the Interview: Top Tips from Fellow QUESTees

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As students settle into the rhythm of the spring semester, their focus is not only on taking exams and completing school work, but also securing internships and full time jobs after graduation. One of the first steps to receiving these internship or job offers is carrying out interviews. Whether they are technical interviews, case interviews or group interviews, these often bring a deal of stress and anxiety for students. There can be so much pressure to nail down the “right answers,” ask appropriate questions and stay confident throughout the process.

This month, I had the pleasure of speaking with a few QUESTees to share their interview experiences and advice for students. First, I reached out to Meilin Yuan (Cohort 42), a Finance and Information Systems double major. Yuan has interned for a number of companies throughout college, including firms like Leidos and the Federal Trade Commission. In the beginning of her college career, Yuan admitted she used to feel intimidated by interviews. “You definitely want to treat the interview as more of a conversation and less of a transactional process. There is no right or wrong answer, and it’s okay if you don’t always know exactly how to respond.” During her interviews, she found it difficult to relax and attempted to put on a certain persona to feel more accepted. However, she realized that it was important to stay authentic to herself and not take the process too seriously. 

Yuan also stressed the importance of asking clarifying questions. This helped her learn more information, so she could make educated guesses and feel more confident with her responses. To conclude, Yuan once again encouraged students not to dread the interview and job application process. “All you need is one yes, so it’s totally okay if it doesn’t work out with that company. There are so many opportunities out there! The more you apply and network with others, the more you will learn and improve.”

Photo of Yuan (on the left) at Leidos office with Marvi Shroff (Cohort 42)

Next, I reached out to Brooke Lesser (Cohort 40), a Marketing major with a desire to study law after completing her bachelor’s degree. Lesser has completed marketing and legal internships at companies like J&C and Russo Petrullo Law Group. Through her experience, Lesser shares similar thoughts to Yuan regarding the importance of staying relaxed and true to yourself in interviews. “You have to remember that the recruiters are human too.” 

She further emphasized how the interview is not only answering questions, but also asking questions as well. These questions may vary from asking more about the company or even about the interviewer’s personal interests and hobbies. “It’s always nice to give others that space to express their own passions and interests. It also makes you more memorable and authentic as a candidate.” 

Lesser is especially proud of her ability to stay true to herself and learning how to think on her feet. “Although there is always room for improvement, I can definitely see the growth I’ve made in my interactions and networking skills. I’m not afraid to be honest in my abilities, and I’ve learned it’s okay to admit when you don’t know something.”

Photo of Lesser (left) posing with coworkers at her J&C internship in Sydney, Australia 

Finally, I spoke with Aditya Singhvi (Cohort 43), a Neuroscience major with plans to study medicine after graduation. Singhvi has worked in a variety of research assistant and leadership positions including institutions like UPenn, Simply Neuroscience, and Young Jains of America. When it comes to interviews, Singhvi admitted he used to script his responses in advance. However, he found this ineffective as it restricted what he could say and did not always align with the questions he was asked. Now, Singhvi recommends having a general idea or key points to discuss rather than writing out specific details. “I realized scripting responses wasn’t as genuine, and it honestly made me more nervous too. I think building confidence in your abilities and how you can help that company is far more important than anything else.” 

Although Singhvi is proud of his ability to improvise answers and reflect on his abilities, he also emphasizes the importance of interview etiquette. For instance, he spoke of learning the “sweet spot” in talking versus active listening. “You don’t want to be that person who doesn’t know when to stop talking. You want to make sure you’re being mindful and respectful of their time.” 

He also mentioned the importance of staying engaged even when you aren’t talking. 

“This may seem obvious, but a lot of the time we might zone out or get distracted by what’s happening around us. It’s important to actively show the recruiter you are interested and ready to talk about anything.”

Photo of Singhvi (left) leading an activity for Young Jains of America organization

Although interviewing can be stressful, it’s comforting to know that many of our own QUESTees have been in the same boat and successfully navigated common challenges. QUEST wishes everyone the best of luck in job hunting! Don’t hesitate to reach out to QUEST faculty and other students for help.

Three Weeks of Impact: Break Through Tech’s Sprinternship Program

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What can you really achieve in just three weeks? These QUEST students pushed the limits of a typical software engineering internship and delivered real results.

Over the course of three weeks in January 2025, two QUEST students, Joanne Lee (Q44) and I, Neola Dsouza (Q44), gained invaluable technical experience, built strong professional connections, and contributed to creating a meaningful impact.

Both Lee and I got our internships through Break Through Tech’s Sprinternship program. Break Through Tech is a unique opportunity at UMD, part of the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing. The organization provides many opportunities for students in tech at the University of Maryland, regardless of their major. Their programs, such as the Sprinternship, aim to help students build community in tech and gain professional experience that will lead to future internships and jobs. 

Lee, a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Immersive Media Design with a minor in Statistics, interned at Mastercard. During her internship, she worked with four other students to create a fully-functional web interface that allowed users to select the feature from a dropdown menu, input a start and end date, and receive a unique financial pattern analysis from the system based on those dates. This fixed dates feature would become part of an internal financial pattern analysis tool that Mastercard already uses to provide consulting to their client companies. 

Reflecting back on her experience, Lee says that “balancing professionalism with approachability” helped her form strong connections and leave a positive impression! She bonded with her fellow Sprinterns through exploring Mastercard’s Arlington office, solving challenging problems, eating lunch together, and playing Super Smash Bros matches in their game room. Professionally, she frequently had coffee chats with current employees and learned about how they navigated their own career paths. “I think there’s a lot of emphasis on knowing exactly what your career goals are as a student, especially in the software engineering community,” said Lee. “And it was nice to gain some perspective from people who have been in the field for a long time.”

Lee (top right) with her fellow Sprinterns

Through her Sprinternship, Lee strengthened her intuitive skills and picked up the best practices needed to succeed as an intern. She looks forward to applying this knowledge in her upcoming summer software development internship at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

At the same time, I had the opportunity to intern at the University of Maryland Libraries, where I also worked on a real-world software development project. I am a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Geographical Sciences with a concentration in Geospatial Data Science. During January, I worked with three other interns to design and build a replacement IP manager web application. Administrators could access the site through an improved user interface, and the Libraries’ external applications, such as their websites and online databases, could access the data through the site’s API. 

My highlight over those three weeks was meeting with and talking to not only software developers, but also to directors, librarians, and the former dean of UMD Libraries. Through those conversations, I learned about how libraries operate and their role in storing and sharing knowledge. I’ve realized how important it is to me to work on a project that’ll make a positive impact. When our application goes live, many faculty, students, and researchers across campus and the world will have a better experience accessing digital content through the Libraries’ sites and databases!

Me (third from right) with Libraries’ employees and my fellow Sprinterns

This summer, I am excited to apply all of the technical and collaborative skills I’ve developed to my software engineering internship at United Airlines.

Students can get involved with Break through Tech by attending events, joining student organizations such as the Association for Women in Computing, CODE: Black, and Technica or by participating in their professional mentoring program or the RESET Project, a program that offers scholarships and community building with a focus on BLNA women!

QUEST Alumni Go Global: Sharing Their International Journeys Post-College

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From floating on rivers to pub quizzes and waiting for sheep to cross the road, QUEST alumni are embracing unique experiences across the world. I had the privilege of speaking with three remarkable QUEST alumni who have ventured beyond U.S. borders, seeking careers and adventures abroad. Their stories offer valuable insights into cultural adjustments, career growth, and work-life balance in different parts of the world.

Eric Appelbaum
Kenny Lopez
Rachel George

Eric Appelbaum (Cohort 28) moved from California to Switzerland. Kenny Lopez (Cohort 20) relocated from California to England. Rachel George (Cohort 21) left the DMV area to spend nine months in New Zealand. Each of them sought change—whether in lifestyle, work culture, or personal growth.

Eric described his motivation for moving: “I was in a mostly work-centric area. My life was becoming too focused on work, so I wanted to step back.” Kenny, on the other hand, sought greater diversity. “San Francisco started to feel too small. After three years, I had the entire city mapped in my head. It lacked diversity—both in thought and people.” Rachel, after working for a production company, wanted to take a leap and found an opportunity abroad that aligned with her interests. She explained that New Zealand’s flexible visa policies allowed her to work while traveling. “I was coming up on the age limit for it, so it was a do-it-now-or-never kind of thing.”

Adjusting to a new culture came with challenges. Eric noted the friction of being a non-native. “Every interaction is a bit harder when you’re not from there,” he shared. He also encountered unexpected language barriers: “I thought my German was good enough to get by, but then I encountered Swiss German, which is completely different and has its own challenges.” Rachel recalled adjusting to the slower pace of life in New Zealand: “The town I was living in had a population of 600, and sometimes you’d have to wait ten minutes because someone was moving their herd of sheep down the road.”

Work culture differences stood out to all three alumni. Eric noticed a stark contrast in job stability. “In San Francisco, people tend to jump jobs every few years for promotions. In Zurich, many of my co-workers have been with the same company for a long time. They balance being experts at work with maintaining a healthy personal life.” Kenny observed a different attitude toward work-life balance: “In the U.S., you’re always grinding. You might only get two weeks of vacation—if you’re lucky. But here, I have holidays, sick days, wellness days, volunteer time, and unlimited PTO.” Rachel echoed these sentiments, noting how New Zealand’s workplace expectations differed from those in the U.S. “I came from a fast-paced, strict-deadlines, client-driven background. But in New Zealand, there was a more relaxed approach. I’d message my manager, saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, I spent longer on this than I thought,’ and they’d reply, ‘No worries!’”

All three alumni encouraged current QUEST students to consider going abroad. Kenny acknowledged that the biggest challenge is often the fear of the unknown: “The hardest part is not knowing anyone. But I say dive in. It might seem scary at first, but you’ll have an amazing experience.” Eric emphasized the importance of patience: “Give yourself more time than you think. Living in a new place comes with challenges, and I’m glad I gave myself time to learn and truly experience life here.” Rachel highlighted the personal growth that comes with an international move: “It’s one thing to say, ‘I’m going to spend a year figuring out what I want to do next,’ and another to have the patience to accept that sometimes you don’t know what’s next. But it’s so rewarding.”

A huge thank you to Eric, Kenny, and Rachel for sharing their experiences and offering thoughtful insights on navigating professional and personal growth abroad!

Looking Forward to Spring Break: QUEST’s Much Anticipated Return to Silicon Valley

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Spring break is right around the corner, and for Aliza Syyid, a QUEST Cohort 42 student majoring in information systems, it’s more than just a break—it’s an incredible opportunity. Through her QUEST elective, Design and Innovation in Silicon Valley (BMGT438G/ENES489Q), she’s heading across the country with 23 other students to explore the heart of tech innovation. This will be her first time to the West Coast, and she couldn’t be more excited to visit some of the most influential companies in the world, connect with industry leaders, and gain firsthand insight into the tech landscape.

This semester is particularly special for QUEST, as it marks the long-awaited return of the QUEST to Silicon Valley elective—offered for the first time since before COVID. The course immerses students in the principles of design, innovation, and quality by taking them directly to top companies in the Bay Area. Throughout the experience, students engage with alumni, research company operations, and apply their learning in real-world settings. As part of the course, students will also develop and pitch business innovations based on their experiences.  

2017 QUEST Group Exploring San Francisco

A Packed Itinerary: From San Francisco to Palo Alto

Syyid, along with her fellow QUESTees, will kick off their journey in San Francisco, spending the first half of the trip visiting major companies, networking with professionals, and soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Midway through the program, the team will travel down to Palo Alto, where they will continue their exploration of the tech industry and meet more QUEST alumni and company representatives.  

Under the guidance of QUEST’s amazing Assistant Director Jessica Roffe, QUEST students will have an action-packed schedule that includes visits to companies such as Pinterest, LinkedIn, ABC News, Salesforce, DoorDash, Meta, DataRobot, Nuro, PayPal, Apple, and Google. Each visit will provide invaluable insights into how these companies operate, their approach to product design and innovation, and the unique challenges they face in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.

2016 QUEST SV Team at Googleplex in Silicon Valley

For Syyid, this experience is about more than just coursework—it’s about stepping outside her comfort zone, applying her skills, and making meaningful connections. She is particularly eager to leverage her project management and analytical skills to better understand the role they play in shaping Silicon Valley’s most successful companies. Throughout the semester, she has been honing her networking abilities, preparing to introduce herself confidently and engage with professionals who have built their careers on the West Coast.  

For Syyid, this trip is even more exciting because she gets to work closely with Pinterest, her designated company to contact and collaborate with. She is especially eager to connect with Jeremy Krach, a QUEST alum from Cohort 25 and Security Lead at Pinterest. Throughout the visit, Syyid looks forward to engaging with employees, learning about their career paths, and exploring Pinterest’s innovative approach to design and technology. As a junior still shaping her career aspirations, she hopes this experience will provide a clearer perspective on different roles, company cultures, and potential career paths. With graduation on the horizon, she’s excited to see how this trip helps her envision where she wants to be after QUEST.

“I’m really excited to see how the work culture differs between companies,” Syyid shared. “I’ve never been to Silicon Valley before, so I’m really excited to check it out. I’m hoping this trip helps me figure out what kind of place—and where—I’d want to work after graduation.” Beyond professional growth, Syyid is also thrilled about the chance to explore the Bay Area with her QUEST friends—traveling independently without her family for the first time. From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to trying out new restaurants, she plans to make the most of her free time between company visits.

Ready for an adventure?

With an incredible itinerary, invaluable learning experiences, and a chance to build lifelong connections, QUEST to Silicon Valley is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Syyid’s excitement is contagious, and her journey is sure to inspire future QUEST students to apply for this course.  

So, would you take the leap and explore Silicon Valley? Stay tuned for updates on Syyid’s trip and insights from the QUEST team’s adventure!

Cohort 44 Kicks Off Their QUEST Journey at Camp Tockwogh

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Guest feature by Annie Ni (Cohort 39)

At the break of dawn on January 23rd, the newest QUEST Cohort—Cohort 44—embarked on an unforgettable journey, setting out for their orientation retreat at YMCA Camp Tockwogh in Worton, MD. The crisp winter air and snow-covered trails served as the backdrop for two days filled with team-building, problem-solving, and the formation of lifelong friendships. Returning as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for another group of bright, eager students, I found myself navigating the snowy terrain of a new camp, excited for the experiences ahead. 

Cohort 44 at QUEST Orientation

Upon arrival, students were greeted by the enthusiastic YMCA staff before being introduced to their teams and mentors for the semester. From there, they launched into a dynamic three-activity rotation designed to foster collaboration and innovation. 

One of the highlights was “Pilot Products,” an interactive session where students were challenged to conceptualize and present innovative solutions—a fitting preview of their first course in the QUEST program. As students brainstormed and pitched their ideas, their enthusiasm and creativity set the tone for what promises to be a transformative experience in the program.

Meanwhile, on the ropes course in the snow, students engaged in classic team-building exercises led by camp staff. These activities, ranging from balancing on a small block while singing “Happy Birthday” to hoisting teammates across a seven-foot-high plank, pushed teams to rely on communication, trust, and collective problem-solving. By the end of the session, bonds had been forged through laughter and teamwork. 

After warming up back at the main conference center with snacks in hand, students dove into their final challenge of the day: “Ready, Set, Launch.” Armed with cardboard, tape, scissors, and rubber bands, teams constructed catapult-style devices, competing to launch ping pong balls and marshmallows with the greatest accuracy, distance, and power. The friendly competition, filled with strategic adjustments and enthusiastic cheers, made for an unforgettable afternoon.

As night fell, the group gathered indoors for a well-earned evening of relaxation. A bonfire crackled as students roasted marshmallows for s’mores, while others bonded over board games and impromptu ping pong matches—an easygoing close to an action-packed day.

Day two began with an unforgettable wake-up call—an energetic mix of the Angry Birds theme song and clattering pots and pans, courtesy of the ever-spirited TAs and mentors. Once breakfast was served, students rehearsed their product pitches, leading up to their first QUEST presentations. The culmination of their efforts resulted in compelling and creative pitches, with the standout team—Chips and QUESTo (Javier Coleman, Noah Gonzalez, Joanne Lee, Sydney Luong, and Sereen Aridi)—earning the coveted QUEST Padfolio for their outstanding performance.

The winning team and their poster

The retreat concluded with an insightful session led by QUEST Program Coordinator Emily Marks on communication styles and team development stages. This discussion provided a crucial foundation for the challenges and collaborations Cohort 44 will navigate in the months ahead. With newfound confidence and strengthened connections, the cohort returned to campus, ready to embark on their QUEST journey. 

From innovative challenges to moments of camaraderie around the bonfire, the retreat at Camp Tockwogh set the stage for an incredible semester ahead in BMGT/ENES 190H. As Cohort 44 steps into their next chapter, they do so with a shared experience that will shape their time in QUEST—and beyond.

From Freelancer to Founder: Alum Hrithik Bansal on AI Entrepreneurship

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For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the transition from employee to CEO can be scary. But for QUEST Cohort 34 alum Hrithik Bansal, it was a natural evolution to move from freelancing to starting his own software development firm, Premier Pixel. I had the opportunity to speak with Bansal, the founder of a new startup, Premier Pixel. Reflecting on his journey, Bansal shared how he transitioned from working with his previous employer to launching his own company, bringing some of the existing customers along. “I knew I wanted to do something on my own. It evolved from me being a freelancer to growing my team. I wanted to learn more and gain managerial experience,” Bansal explained.

Hrithik Bansal’s UMD Graduation Photo

Premier Pixel provides tech services, helping companies optimize their workflows and overcome operational challenges. In his own words, “I go to companies and ask about their bottlenecks—what issues they feel need to be solved. It’s about recognizing what resources you have, understanding what the customer wants, and aligning incentives so that it works for everyone.” Bansal also highlighted a common misconception in the tech industry. “Everyone thinks AI is the solution to everything, but there are teams struggling with basic processes—some don’t even know how to use Excel or there’s no consistency in their work.” Premier Pixel works with clients across various industries from property management to tech firms.

Bansal’s long-term vision is to develop a new tech product that addresses these business challenges. “I want to create something unique, innovative, and product-based,” he said. His current experiences are helping him identify the right market needs. “The market responds to what it needs—you have to be in tune with that and stay flexible,” Bansal noted. “I need to find a problem by talking to people and understanding their pain points. Hopefully, that problem is widespread enough to build a viable business while solving it.”

Bansal credited QUEST for shaping his problem-solving approach. “From a QUEST perspective, it’s all about talking to customers, identifying their problems, conducting interviews, and doing primary research. You use all that information to figure out how to provide value,” he said. He also emphasized the benefits of hands-on experience: “When you’ve worked with companies as a consultant in college, you learn how to analyze problems and develop solutions using data-driven insights.”

For current QUEST students—especially those interested in startups—Bansal offered key advice: “You have to be fully committed to your idea. In a startup, the product depends on you showing up every day. Your work directly impacts the customer experience. You have to invest a lot of time, and to do that right, you need to be genuinely excited about its success. Ultimately, incentives align—the product’s growth is the company’s growth, which is your growth as well.”

Thanks to Hrithik Bansal for sharing his insights with us and best of luck with Premier Pixel!

Behind the Scenes with QUEST Recruiting

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Every February marks a momentous occasion as QUEST prepares to welcome two new cohorts. For QUEST students, faculty, and staff, the beginning of the spring semester is extremely busy, with the application closing right as the semester starts. There are hundreds of applications to review and a number of interviews to conduct over the next few months. None of this would be possible without the help of our very own QUEST student organization, QUEST Recruiting, a team at the forefront of this endeavor. I had the chance to talk to QUEST Recruiting Co-Lead Marvi Shroff (Cohort 42) about the behind-the-scenes work the team did to ensure a successful application season this year.

QUEST Recruiting members tabling with University of Maryland beloved mascot, Testudo
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New Year, New BMGT/ENES 390H

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New year, new professor, new perspective! Taught by Dr. Tony Barber, QUEST’s new version of BMGT/ENES 390H is moving beyond technology to focus on people, processes, and holistic solutions.

Dr. Tony Barber

BMGT/ENES 390H: Designing Innovative Systems, now the second course in the QUEST curriculum, teaches students about different kinds of systems and processes. Students employ the skills they have learned by working with different departments across the University of Maryland to enhance their productivity and quality.

Dr. Tony Barber, BMGT/ENES 390H’s new professor, works full-time as the Architecture Division Chief for the Office of the Chief Information Officer in the United States Army. He has a doctorate in systems engineering and has been teaching multiple graduate-level courses within the University of Maryland’s Applied Graduate Engineering Program since 2017. Those classes cover topics such as model-based systems engineering, software design implementation, statistical experimentation, and quality improvement. Regarding 390H, he is excited about the idea of student engagement and seeing students gain practical experience from working with clients. 

The largest change to 390H is the shift towards covering organizational and other kinds of systems, rather than only engineering-based systems. The older version of the course focused on a technological perspective of system thinking. 390H now expands that view of system thinking into what real systems are, not just the technical aspects but a combination of concepts and components that create a whole.

Dr. Barber emphasizes that “there’s always more to a solution than automating technology.” It’s important to consider the people who use the system first, then what processes could be improved, and then how technology can be used. For example, a system could be improved through providing new training exercises or through reorganizing a specific business unit. With the new version of 390H, students are learning about a more holistic approach towards analyzing systems.

In-class activities are centered around equipping students with popular tools used to improve systems across different kinds of organizations and industries. For example, students will be working with on-campus clients to improve departmental systems. At each stage of their quality process, students will participate in a quality toll gate, where they will present their current progress to the professor for feedback. This activity will help determine if the team is ready to move on to the next stage of quality. Many of the course’s concepts and learning outcomes are directly aligned with the American Society of Quality’s standards, so that students can reflect on their experiences and take what they have learned to pursue professional certifications in quality.

It’s only been three weeks into the semester, and the class is already off to a great start! Dr. Barber enjoys how engaging and smart the students are. He looks forward to seeing the AHA moments, where education meets enlightenment for the students as they learn the concepts by doing.

Reflections on the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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As we spring into a new semester, students are reminiscing about their month-long winter break. Whether they traveled, relaxed at home, or worked on projects, it’s clear that this free time was much needed and allowed for some amazing opportunities for students. Today, I invited some fellow QUESTees to share their about experiences during the break.

First, I spoke to Imaad Syed, an electrical engineering major from Cohort 39, to learn more about a project he’s been working on in the Photonics Research Lab at UMD. Syed is a part of the electrical engineering honors program and was able to continue his research on the fiber optic system during break. Because of varying fluctuations in the fiber length, the polarization levels can change. This can cause the receiver in an optic system to incorrectly interpret a signal.

Syed’s solution is to use a single polarization controller that can adjust the polarization state and maintain frame alignment, leading to a more accurate interpretation of the signals. Because he also lives quite close to UMD, Syed was able to come in frequently during the break to tackle this challenge and make new discoveries. 

“It can definitely be a lot sometimes, but I find it really interesting, and I’ve learned a lot from the past courses I’ve taken. I feel more confident now going into the lab myself and learning from my mistakes.” Syed is looking forward to continuing the project this semester and can’t wait to go to Silicon Valley for his QUEST elective over spring break!

Photo of equipment in Syed’s research lab at UMD

While some QUESTees worked on fascinating projects, others traveled across the country. Eileen Chen, a finance and information systems major from Cohort 41, went traveling to Thailand and China. “We visited China since I actually have family there! We were able to visit my grandparents and my aunt which was really nice as we haven’t been back since before COVID.” Chen also visited Bangkok for the first time and particularly enjoyed getting to see different islands. “It was really beautiful! My favorite island was Phuket Island, and we also got to rent a boat which was a lot of fun for us.” 

Coming up, Chen is excited to visit her friends over spring break in Madrid. They are currently studying abroad, so she is looking forward to reuniting with everyone again! She is also taking part in a consulting case competition in Seattle with a few classmates later this semester, including some fellow QUESTees.

Photo of Chen (left) and family on vacation

Similarly, Naasera Husain, an operations management and business analytics major in Cohort 43, also traveled over break to Puerto Rico as well as Chicago and Boston! Husain especially enjoyed the beaches in Puerto Rico and the food it had to offer. She also had a blast getting to see old friends in Chicago and Boston, despite the cold weather. 

“Winter break was a lot of fun, but I’m excited for this semester too! I’m starting the 390H course for QUEST (Designing Innovative Systems), and my classes are finally more geared towards my major which is really motivating for me.”

Lastly, I reached out to Raquel Ford, a marketing student in Cohort 42, who participated in the National Retail Federation (NRF) student program in New York City, for which she was a student ambassador. Ford found the opportunity especially insightful as she got to listen to speakers involved in retail and fashion, which is an interest she is passionate in pursuing. 

After that, Ford traveled across Europe to Milan, Florence, and Rome for a short-term study abroad program called “Sustaining Luxury.” Ford was able to network with several companies like Wrad, Kering, Panerai, and Gruppo Florence. “This was definitely my favorite part of winter break. It was awesome to immerse myself in the world of fashion and learn so much about the business of all of it; it felt like my professional dreams were coming true!” 

This semester, Ford hopes to continue pursuing opportunities in fashion to land an internship this summer.

Ford (left) posing with another fellow UMD student during the NRF program

Even though winter break is over, these experiences only motivate students to keep up their hard work and stay focused. Before we know it, we’ll all be off pursuing our passions and maybe even traveling the world. Until then, spring invites us to a warm and welcoming semester!