Undergrads Invited to Battle Uncertain Economy with an Edge in Business

College Park, Md. – February 23, 2009 — The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business today announced it is accepting applications for Smith Business Edge, an intensive six-week summer program that provides non-business undergraduate students and recent graduates with opportunities to build stronger leadership skills and business acumen. 

“The program’s challenging instruction in an innovative and hands-on learning environment is geared to enhance the ability to act decisively in a global business environment,” said G. “Anand” Anandalingam, dean of the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. “Young job seekers hoping to stand out in an uncertain economy will gain key assets and advantages.”

“The world of business is all-encompassing – whether your future career path is as an artist or engineer, financier or educator – you will make yourself more valuable and relevant to potential employers with an understanding of business fundamentals and marketplace drivers,” said Mark Wellman, Tyser Teaching Fellow at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and the Smith Business Edge program’s academic director. “A six-week investment in Smith Business Edge will impart skills, qualities and credentials that will open doors for years to come.”

Smith Business Edge leverages the strengths of the Smith School’s world-leading undergraduate and graduate programs to offer a solid understanding of accounting, finance, marketing and management as taught by the school’s dynamic faculty. Participants will also engage with guest speakers, in group projects, and visit businesses such as Southwest Airlines, IKEA and Harley-Davidson to further bring lessons to life.

Students are encouraged to take both three-week sessions but have the option to enroll in only one. Those who successfully complete both will earn 12 credits and receive a certificate of completion from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Enrollment and on-campus housing is limited and early applicants are more likely to be offered space and accommodations.

More information about Smith Business Edge 

About the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 13 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, MS in business, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations on three continents — North America, Europe and Asia.