Just like any other family, the QUEST program has several traditions that are passed down from generation to generation (or in our case, from cohort to cohort). Although our traditions may not include baking, fishing, or twelve grapes, they do include every single staff member and student who comes into QUEST. 

Mark Nathanson (Cohort 20)’s 190H Team- QUESTimus Prime

One of the most notable traditions of the program is believing in the importance of student leadership. QUESTPress itself is one example of this, as well as all other QUEST organizations such as QUEST Corporate and QUEST Serves, which are fully directed and managed by students. Having a participative leadership style is what allows for the organizations’ continuous growth and development. With every cohort welcomed, new minds and perspectives are brought in to reevaluate and sometimes challenge the systems in place to create more modern and effective approaches. This is a practice that is welcomed and encouraged! Jacob Wilkowsky, Director at Ankura from Cohort 19, notes a useful attitude where, “You go and you own it.”

Jacob Wilkowsky shared his experience with the QUEST community as follows, “There are a lot of organizations and institutions that are good at producing highly capable, well regarded, and prestigious students. What really made QUEST special is that it is a supportive community. It felt like when I was there my efforts were rewarded by one and a half back.”

Another QUEST tradition is cultivating a tight-knit community that allows you to surround yourself with a great team. From QUEST Camp to the end of the program capstone, QUEST Capstone Professional Practicum (BMGT/ENES 490H), all students no matter the discipline are motivated to connect and work with each other. Furthermore, students from different cohorts are able to interact during networking events, socials, and in organizations. What this ultimately results in is a space where everyone is comfortable not only celebrating their feats but also overcoming their obstacles together. 

These traditions are being carried on in life after college by many QUEST alum. Mark Nathanson from Cohort 20 shared how he carries on the tradition of having a team that exemplifies QUEST values,“The biggest thing I have done is make sure that my team at work hires QUEST alumni. There are 3 of us now as well as a few student workers since we are UMD-based.”

How will you keep these QUEST traditions alive?