Business program is feather in school’s cap

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - College students traditionally have a choice between an in-class curriculum or real-world internship to gain experience in their field. But the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland has a third option.

Last fall, the school introduced the Smith Fellows Program for undergraduates, a series of “tracks” — which build off classroom experience — that focus on specialized fields of business.

The program allows undergraduates the chance to get hands-on experience in a field of their choice. There are field trips — including some international travel — as well as internships and leadership training.

The school’s dean, Howard Frank, said the program was created through additional funding by the school’s name sponsor, builder-developer Robert H. Smith. The program’s focus is to bring to a state university the kind of education normally found in the best private schools.

“A student comes in, parents pay state tuition, but we give them essentially a private education,” Frank said. “They’re getting the same kind of experience as our grad students.”

Newly admitted freshmen can participate in the Freshman Fellows Program, four semesters of activities and special events and opportunities. Juniors and seniors can take more advanced tracks in specialized fields, several of which provide a stipend to participants.

One junior/senior track, the Lemma Senbet Investment Fund, gives students the chance to manage a real portfolio with real money. Frank said the program began last year with $50,000 in investments and was given an additional $50,000 this year.

Programs include:

» A sports-management track, featuring speakers from the field;

» The QUEST program, with training in engineering, business and computer science;

» A track for emerging corporate financial officers, training them in financial management.

acahall@baltimoreexaminer.com

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