From lighting hairdryers on fire to meeting the university president and working for the QUEST program itself, the alumni of Cohort 1 of the QUEST Honors Program have had some memorable experiences. I had the opportunity to speak with three alumni from the first cohort: Missy Grace, a Finance major who went on to co-found the consulting firm Alpine Rewards; Brian Marquardt, an Electrical Engineering major and now Senior Director of Product Management at Google; and Debbie Feinberg, an Accounting major and the founder of consulting firm Maximize.
For a group of University of Maryland students, what began as an opportunity to learn and explore a new city transformed into a milestone achievement on the international stage. Representing the Robert H. Smith School of Business and the QUEST Honors Program, information systems and finance double majors Marvi Shroff (Cohort 42), Eileen Chen (Cohort 41), Meilin Yuan (Cohort 42), and Jiayi Wang (Cohort 41) recently clinched first place at the 2025 Milgard Invitational Case Competition on Social Responsibility (MICCSR), hosted in Seattle, WA. The event brought together 19 teams from five countries, all challenged to tackle a real-world challenge: determining which aerospace giant—Airbus, Boeing, or Embraer—deserved a major investment based on both financial performance and environmental responsibility.
Incoming! Cohorts 45 and 46 have officially arrived! After receiving over 415 applications, reviewing them all, and conducting over 150 interviews, 90 new impressive QUEST students have been selected. Earlier this month, the Quality Guild (QUEST Faculty and staff) released the names of the 90 students who will be joining our QUEST community. I had a chance to connect with three of these talented students to ask them about the application process and what they are looking forward to in the coming years.
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.
This month, I had the pleasure of speaking with Wilhelm Smith, a junior bioengineering major (Cohort 42). Currently a researcher at the University of Maryland’s Global Medical Devices Lab, Smith is working on creating a portable low-cost laparoscopy device for use in low and middle-income countries.
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!
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.
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!
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 AppelbaumKenny LopezRachel 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!
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!
