For the First Time, Smith Takes Tech Consulting Across the Pond

While most students were taking it easy over winter break, the Smith School took some University of Maryland undergraduates overseas for a new hands-on tech consulting program.

It was the first time Smith’s undergraduate Information Systems program offered a study abroad component, with students spending 12 days in London in January 2025. The interdisciplinary program included students from Smith’s Information Systems program, as well as UMD’s College of Information, and College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CMNS).

Students met with representatives from 13 different companies (some of whom are Smith alumni) and completed two experiential learning projects with real companies — one in analytics and one in tech consulting.

The program was led by John Bono, clinical professor of information systems, associate department chair of the decision, operations & information technologies department and Smith Analytics Consortium director.

For the analytics project, students used data analysis to develop actionable insights and recommendations for Togather, an events marketplace, connecting customers to suppliers who provide services for events. The students had to factor in business and cultural differences between the U.S. and the U.K.

Harry Wise, senior data analyst at Togather, said as the only analyst at the organization, it is “tough to find time for in-depth analysis because of all the changes we’ve been making to our services.” He also said it was beneficial to students, giving them a chance to work on a real-world problem in a “unique” marketplace.

“The project was a great success!” Wise said. “The students were enthusiastic and professional, and they really focused on understanding our business in depth. Their fresh take has made us think about better ways to talk to and keep our suppliers.”

The tech consulting project focused on helping an AI startup with data privacy and security. Students had the opportunity to work with an AI-powered content optimization platform, SUBJCT, which plans to expand its operations to the United States while ensuring full compliance with data regulations in both the U.K. and the U.S.

“What I particularly liked about this project opportunity was that it was a much wider group of students and undergraduates,” said Dan Reeves, co-founder of SUBJCT. “Equally I thought a U.S. perspective would also add value as we have ambitions to launch in the U.S.”

“Not only were the students highly competent, they demonstrated a level of enthusiasm and skill that far outweighed my expectation,” he said.

The positive sentiment about the program was echoed by students as well. Information science student Jordan Pinkava ’25 was looking for a consulting-focused program that would give her an experience that simulated real problems to give her a real consulting experience.

“We had many great opportunities to learn and network with consultants at large and smaller scale companies, which I really enjoyed,” Pinkava said.

In addition to the experiential learning projects, students also had the opportunity to meet with alumni and visit other U.K. companies.

One such company was Accenture UKIA Financial Services. Technology Lead with the firm Reg Williams said having the opportunity to meet with Smith students was a “very rewarding experience.”

“It is a pleasure to get to spend some time sharing experience with undergraduates looking to pursue a career in related areas of technology and business,” Williams said.

Alumna Cindy Weng ’12, a senior technical specialist in data and AI with Microsoft, also had the opportunity to meet with students, which she said was a “nostalgic trip down memory lane.”

“My time at Smith was one of the most formative periods of my life,” she said. “Through the business school’s exchange program, I found my love for new experiences in new countries.”

Hannah Zou ’26, an information systems and marketing student, said it wasn’t just the projects but also visiting a diverse set of companies that has now inspired her to diversify her future career goals. “I think it broadened my view on the different industries that need tech specialists and people who work with data,” she said.

Information systems and business management double major Montserrat Gomez Arias ’25 enjoyed hearing from leaders at the firms they visited. It deepened students’ learning, particularly “in what the firm has been doing regarding technology, digital transformations, artificial intelligence and company growth.”

The business leaders also got a lot out of interacting with the students.

“I would highly recommend this to any business in our position or at a scale-up phase,” Reeves added. “Given the right project, this cohort of students can deliver high-quality, insightful and business-ready strategies. It was a pleasure to be involved.”