Recent Articles

Alumni

From Internship to Full-Time at FedEx: A Journey of Perseverance

Shashank Patil, MSIS ’23 and now Senior Analyst at FedEx, leveraged his Smith School analytics training in a pivotal internship. Despite initial setbacks, his perseverance and impressive final presentation to senior VPs turned his internship into a full-time role.

Former World Bank President Delivers Thoughts on Current World Economic Issues

David Malpass, former World Bank president, joined the Smith School’s Rajshree Agarwal to discuss global debt, economic policies, and the Federal Reserve’s role. Hosted by the Ed Snider Center, the event promoted fact-based discourse and encouraged critical, meaningful dialogue.

Smith Biz: November 2024

In November, Smith celebrated alumni achievements, student-faculty connections, and future growth. Highlights include Richard Dickson’s Homecoming talk, student capstones in experiential learning, Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3, and Ed-Lamar Petion's and Jeanelle Johnson's inspiring career journeys.

Summer Networking Opportunities Connect Smith Students and Alumni with Industry Professionals

This summer, Smith students pursued professional growth through national conferences. Attending events like ALPFA and NABA, they built networks, engaged in impactful discussions, and gained career insights with support from alumni and industry leaders.

Alumni

From Classroom to Quantum Impact: Navigating Data Engineering at McKinsey

Anuja Jadhav transitioned from a Smith School MSIS degree to a data engineering role at McKinsey, where she applies her knowledge of AI, ETL, and big data across industries. Her Smith education honed both technical and business acumen, enhancing her impact.

Experiential / Reality-based Learning

Smith’s Justice for Fraud Victims Making Early Impact

In fall 2023, the University of Maryland’s Smith School launched the Justice for Fraud Victims (JFV) initiative, led by Accounting Lecturer Samuel Handwerger. Smith and UMD students investigate fraud cases, producing reports that have already proven effective in court.

Alumni

From Data to Audit: Bridging Tech and Business at JPMorgan Chase

Maher Thakkar, MSIS ’23, leveraged data analytics and tech skills at Smith School to secure an Internal Audit analyst role at JPMorgan Chase. Combining internships and real-world projects, she developed strategic business insights, adaptability, and crucial communication skills.

Distinguished Speaker Shares Insights About Economic Development in India

The Center for Global Business hosted Raghuram Rajan in a discussion on India's economic growth, human capital needs, and innovation for long-term prosperity. Rajan emphasized job creation, skilled services, and democracy’s role in fostering creativity and economic progress.

Alumni

From Classroom to Career: A Tech Journey at Barclays

Shashank Kumar, MSIS ’23, is a Technology Analyst at Barclays, leveraging skills from his Smith School education in project management, business analysis, and technical storytelling. His journey emphasizes hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and balanced growth through achievable goals and collaboration.

Experiential / Reality-based Learning

MSIS Capstone Teams Deliver Tech-Driven Solutions for Real-World Clients

The Smith School's MS in Information Systems capstone provides hands-on consulting experience, enabling students to design innovative IT solutions for real clients. With projects spanning industries and roles, students gain technical and leadership skills essential for business technology careers.

Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium Announces New Mortgage Risk Indexes

The Smith School's Enterprise Risk Consortium introduces two mortgage risk indexes: the Mortgage Credit Risk Index (MCRI) and Mortgage Redtail Risk Index (MRRI). MCRI measures 3-5-year default risk on GSE-eligible loans, while MRRI identifies loans with high-risk factors, aiding lenders, investors, and regulators in assessing mortgage credit risk and adverse selection.

World Class Faculty & Research

Smith Faculty Awarded Grants for Innovative Teaching Practices

Smith’s Teaching/Learning Innovation Grant supports Cliff Rossi’s experiential learning project, where students analyze climate risk impacts on mortgages using machine learning. The project develops industry-relevant skills, preparing students for top finance roles and advancing climate-risk insights in housing.