As the semester comes to a close, students are looking forward to their summer plans. While some are excited to travel or catch up with friends and family, many students are also using the break as an opportunity to take on jobs and internships. This week, I had the chance to learn about a variety of internships that QUESTees are getting involved with.
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Discovering Silicon Valley: A Spring Break QUEST for Innovation and Insight
What happens when a group of 24 curious, driven QUEST students are given the opportunity to trade classroom lectures for behind-the-scenes access to the world’s leading tech companies? You get a week of eye-opening conversations, elevator pitches, and unexpected career sparks– all set against the sunny backdrop of California.
Continue readingHow to Ace the Interview: Top Tips from Fellow QUESTees
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
Reflections on the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
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!
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.
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.
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!
A Successful Launch with the Department of Defense in 390H: Designing Innovative Systems
As the semester comes to a close, it’s time to congratulate everyone on their hard work they’ve accomplished. Whether it’s taking final exams, working on projects, or even participating in extracurricular activities, there is so much to be proud of! Some of the most hardworking students include our very own QUESTees, who have put in endless hours of work to complete projects for their clients. QUEST’s Designing Innovative Systems course (BMGT/ENES 390H) introduced projects with the Department of Defense (DoD) this semester, specifically the Navy and Air Force. With the DoD being such a large system, these projects challenged the students to understand complex problems, handle ambiguity, and push their creative boundaries.
I reached out to the course TA, Supriya Daddi (Cohort 40), to understand her perspective as an assistant for the updated course. I first asked her how the course is now structured and how they chose to allocate class time. “The class met once a week on Mondays, but each week, the students switched off with a client meeting the first hour and then had teamwork time or lecture time for the remaining period.” Daddi also mentioned that students were split into teams of 5-6 and about half of the class was working with the Navy, while the other half worked with the Air Force. As a TA for the course, Daddi found it very exciting to see the final presentations. “They showcased the tools they were able to use, and the clients were so impressed and engaged. It was truly a very rewarding experience overall!”
Cohort 41 students Shareen Ahmed and Jimmy Miller told me about their projects related to data management for the Navy. They conducted data analysis before designing a new process to make the Navy’s data system more efficient.
Overall, Ahmed enjoyed the process of using their analysis to develop a solution for their client and found it extremely rewarding. “It was definitely a lot of work and challenging at times. But, I think it really paid off, and I’m proud of our final presentation!”
Miller spoke about his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Navy. “Working with the Navy allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of one of the biggest, most important organizations in the country. Getting a behind the scenes view of their data management systems and AI applications was fascinating!”
Next, I heard from Parsa Sedghi (Cohort 41) who worked with the Air Force’s Program Office for Mission Support. Their team was tasked to optimize their service acquisition process and provide improvements for their client. Sedghi enjoyed his experience getting to learn about the federal government as well as implementing strategies he has learned in class. “We were able to apply methodologies such as Strategy Canvases and Monte Carlo simulations. I also gained a deeper understanding of the client’s needs as well as the many intricacies working with the federal government.”
I also got a chance to speak to some students that won awards for having especially outstanding presentations! Faith LeBrun (Cohort 41) spoke about an opportunity her team received from their client. “Our champion, Michele Wolfe, was incredibly supportive and committed to our team’s success. She provided invaluable insights and guidance throughout the project. As recognition for our efforts and being the winning Navy team, she has graciously offered us a tour of the Pentagon in January!” LeBrun is absolutely thrilled and honored by this opportunity to engage with the Navy and see the impact of their work.
Regardless of which QUEST course you completed this semester, each and every one of us has definitely learned something valuable and worked extremely hard! QUEST wishes everyone a wonderful winter break and some much needed relaxation time. Until next semester, happy holidays!
Trips & Traditions: QUESTees Look Ahead to Thanksgiving
With midterm season officially upon us, deadlines for final projects coming up, and other extracurricular activities in the mix, students and staff are definitely deserving of a break. Luckily, Thanksgiving break is just around the corner! With that in mind, I spoke with some fellow QUEST students and staff to hear about their upcoming plans.
First, I spoke with Pranav Katakam (Cohort 42) to hear the rundown for his plans this year. “So, our family doesn’t do too much but we try to all get together each year and watch a movie.” Katakam also mentioned his family cooks up some delicious meals, but they’re not the typical American Thanksgiving meals like stuffing or turkey. Instead, Katakam’s family chooses to make traditional food that they grew up with. “My family’s vegetarian and we usually just eat a bunch of Indian food.” These include dishes like Puri with Channa masala, palak paneer, and rice with cumin seeds. Katakam mentions he still likes to buy a couple of American dishes as well. “You can’t go wrong with some mac and cheese and Costco pumpkin pie!” Yum, those all sound delicious! I’m definitely hungry now.
After hearing from Katakam, I reached out to a couple of amazing QUEST faculty members. Emily Marks, the QUEST program coordinator, spoke about traveling to Philadelphia. “Usually, I just see my family for Thanksgiving, but this year we are switching things up! I’m meeting up with some friends and going to the parade in Philly.” On top of that, Marks mentioned they are planning to cook a meal together consisting of turkey, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce and apple pie for dessert! She is also joining a book club with her friends which will be a new tradition for her. “Overall I’m just really excited! I’m gonna have two Thanksgivings this year: one with my family in New Jersey and one with friends in Philly. I’ve never done that before, nor have I gone to Philly so this should be really fun!”
Lastly, I spoke with a fellow QUEST professor, Dr. Bardossy, who teaches QUEST course Applied Quantitative Analysis, (BMGT/ENES 438A.) Bardossy mentioned she originally is from Argentina, so Thanksgiving was not a holiday she grew up with. However, ever since she moved to the US, she’s tried to make the most of the break and have fun with family friends. These friends are originally from Chile and Uruguay. “I met them back in university and we all got along since we were all from South America and had that in common. It’s really great to be able to have this community.” In the past, she and her friends used to rent a house in the mountains down in West Virginia to celebrate together. Now that the friends are older and have kids of their own, the new tradition is to go to their friend’s house in Milwaukee. “It’s a really fun time. All of our kids are around the same age, so they have a chance to hangout and bond together while my friends and I can catch up too.” Although they didn’t grow up with American culture, Bardossy emphasizes the effort they still put into adopting some typical American traditions. These include preparing dinner with turkey and participating in a turkey trot fundraiser race each year!
Wow! I’m ready to meet up with family and friends now, and I’m even more excited to eat some delicious food. Until then, I have some fellow QUEST friends and faculty to hangout with; join QUEST Social next Thursday, 11/21 for a fun QUESTgiving! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, that’s something I’m definitely thankful for!
Chris & Eric’s Pickles: QUESTees Launch a New Venture
Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Do you love pickles? Well, come try some of Chris & Eric’s Pickles on campus! I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Moon (Cohort 42) and Hudson Grill (Cohort 42) about their new business, Chris & Eric’s Pickles.
Founders Chris Moon and Eric Bennett holding their pickle jars!
New School Year Brings Exciting Changes to QUEST
As the leaves begin to fall and students adjust to a new semester, there is no doubt that change is ongoing in our lives. QUEST certainly is no exception!
After speaking with Emily Marks, QUEST’s program coordinator, I learned about some very exciting changes students can expect to see throughout QUEST courses and social activities this year. “Our faculty and staff actually met for three full-day retreats over the summer to discuss feedback we’d received from students and faculty and brainstorm improvements. This feedback was about specific courses as well as the overall planning of QUEST events,” said Marks.
To start, Marks mentioned the biggest change will be in the order of QUEST courses, beginning for Cohort 43. BMGT438A/ENES489A (Applied Quantitative Analysis) and BMGT/ENES 390H (Designing Innovative Systems) will now switch in the sequence of QUEST courses. Rather than taking 438A/489A after 190H, students in Cohorts 43 and beyond will now take 390H and then 438A in the proceeding semester.
“We decided to swap this order as some aspects of 190H will be moving into 390H. 390H will now focus on both process improvement and systems thinking whereas in the past, 390H focused solely on systems thinking.” This change also will allow students in 190H, our introductory course, to focus on their product redesign project for the entire semester, meaning more time to flesh out their product idea and develop prototypes.
She also mentioned improvements to the QUEST data course, 438A/489A. “Although this course will still contain a lot of the same material, we have slightly adjusted the curriculum to be more focused on data visualization and analysis rather than learning many technical skills like Python.” In the past, some students breezed through the material, while others found it extremely new and challenging. This curriculum update strives to reduce this gap and create an environment where all students feel equally knowledgeable and motivated to learn, regardless of major and prior experience. The data course will also heavily emphasize understanding the problem and the client before jumping into analyzing the data and developing solutions.
Last but not least, Marks spoke about some upcoming changes with QUEST events.
“We definitely want to keep most of our signature events such as our formal, the ice cream social, and the end of the year picnic. However, we are thinking of having the QUEST student organizations collaborate with each other more to increase attendance at each event. Therefore, the student leaders have been working on a calendar for all our events so that students are informed as far in advance as possible and are able to make it to the events.”
QUEST students are certainly busy and have a variety of activities to balance along with school work, so it is no surprise that attending events may sometimes be a struggle! Marks concluded with some words of excitement for the new school year. “We’re really hoping these new changes can help improve both the student and faculty’s experience this year. We are so excited to see what this new year will bring and hope to see many students soon at upcoming events planned with QUEST social and other QUEST orgs!”
The Quality Guild met this summer to discuss improvements to QUEST
QSocial Wrapped
As the school year drew to a close, QUEST Social planned a variety of events to celebrate the hard work of all the QUEST students and welcome the new students in Cohort 43 and Cohort 44 who were recently accepted to the program in March.
A QUEST Social member, Anna Fulton, gave her own take on how these events panned out, ranging from everything from the spring formal to the senior send-off and end-of-the-year picnic. First off, Fulton discussed the formal, which was on Thursday, April 18th.