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This was my first case competition and as the title suggests, our ability to be agile was surely tested! This experience gave me a great opportunity to work with students globally and challenge my critical thinking skills. Having less than a week to create, audit and present a business plan is challenging by itself, doing it with an 7+ hour time difference and virtually is a true test of our abilities. I am proud of my team for making it to finals and coming together in such a short notice. I look forward to more experiences like these! Thank you for the team at the Center for Global Business and all the partners who made this possible!

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Along with our lovely board members, we are leading the Smith Masters Marketing Analytics Association aiming at build up the marketing and analytics vide at Smith. Due to the pandemic, we couldn't get to know the incoming students and had a warm welcome in person. However, we worked with UMD adventure program to create an interactive virtual event where we had a lot of fun playing games, solving puzzles, sharing thoughts and learning from others' life stories from all over the world. That's definitely one of the highlights in 2020!

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IB Agility Lab: Analytics and Information Systems

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IB Agility Lab: Analytics and Information Systems

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As an undergraduate student, I got the opportunity to be a part of this case competition doing research on a completely new topic and working with students I had never met before. It was great getting to know and work with other highly motivated students from across the globe and will carry this experience forward into future consulting projects and case competitions.

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IB Agility Lab: Analytics and Information Systems

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IB Agility Lab: Analytics and Information Systems

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Well done to all four teams that gave their final presentations today! Now it is time for the judges to select the winning team.

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Last week, the International MBA Students Association hosted a virtual Diwali Lunch for the MBA community. The purpose of this lunch was for the community to hear about some of the traditions told by those who grew up celebrating the festivities both in India as well as in the USA. The people who attended were able to get gift cards which allowed them to order Indian food to get delivered to them and enjoy as they listened to the stories as well as watched exciting videos of the DANCE-OFFS from the 2nd year students from last year's Diwali festivities on campus!

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In the International Business Agility Lab: Accounting case competition hosted by the University of Maryland, I was teamed with students from universities in the United States and Hong Kong. I met them virtually on the day of the case opening ceremony. As I was in India due to the pandemic, we worked across 3 time zones (United States, Hong Kong and India) for about 5 days on Sleek’s business strategy. By working with people from different parts of the world, I have witnessed the advantages of diversity of thought firsthand. I have also learnt to effectively communicate and collaborate with people from very different backgrounds. It was also truly rewarding to see our efforts bear fruit when our team was declared the Winner of the competition. I am extremely grateful to all the participating schools for coming together to give us a truly global experience!

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As an MBA student at Smith, I have the opportunity to network and work with a cohort consisting of a strong base of international students. Specifically, one of my project groups consists of an international student in a time zone 11 hours ahead of Maryland. Whether scheduling meetings to accommodate different time zones or learning more about how the pandemic is being handled in her country, this has taught me that global learning doesn't stop when we can't travel. It has encouraged me to continue learning about our global economy from the comfort of my own home.

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Thinking back to this summer and the Virtual Global Marketing interns. Twenty two students helped Maryland businesses "go global" by strengthening their web and social media presence, and researching new opportunities abroad. What a great experience made possible by the CGB!

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Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland

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This summer the Center for Global Business at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business organized the first Global Marketing Virtual Internship program, a program the center plans to make a yearly affair.

Twenty-two Maryland Smith undergraduate students were selected from a pool of over 100 applicants to participate in the cohort-based 10-week program focused on website globalization and digital marketing. The students were placed with Maryland and D.C.-based companies that export their products and services abroad.

A partnership with the Maryland Department of Commerce DOC allowed eligible companies to apply ExportMD awards to cover the expense of the program. The virtual program is one example of the pivots and innovations the CGB is currently undertaking to meet the needs of both students and Maryland companies during the pandemic.

"The Global Marketing Virtual Internship program is a perfect example of how the center works at the intersection of student learning and Maryland international business needs. Because of the pandemic, we saw that student internship opportunities were being limited at the same time that global trade shows were being canceled. Connecting students with companies that were searching for alternative ways to reach customers abroad proved to be a win-win," said Rebecca Bellinger, executive director of the Center for Global Business.

There are over 6,000 companies in the state of Maryland who export goods and services on an annual basis. Over 90% of international trade is conducted by small to midsize enterprises. Students used their experiences in marketing, social media, and website development, as well as abilities to adapt and problem, solve to assist nine of these Maryland enterprises seeking to internationalize their business. Students were placed on teams and matched with companies to work on projects related to website optimization, analytics, search engine optimization, global social media strategy, and more.

The program offered students pre-internship training as well as mentorship and bi-weekly professional development. As part of the program, students received website globalization training with the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC), a business-to-business vs. business-to-consumer marketing tutorial, and training on global mindset and cultural dimensions. Students were advised by Mary Beth Furst, associate clinical professor of marketing, and offered additional guidance from the Center for Global Business. Bi-weekly check-in meetings offered professional development seminars on the topics of SEO/SEM and analytics, social media marketing, and effective professional presentation and communication skills.

Participant Leila Gilbert Rivera '21 was interested in the unique nature of the program. A marketing major, she says, "Not only was it a great opportunity to become a stronger marketer and learn to excel in an online environment; I was also able to support local small businesses."

Sam Strongin '21 also participated. The marketing major says, "The Global Marketing Virtual Internship program through the Center for Global business provided me a great opportunity to hone existing marketing skills while learning a variety of new ones. I learned new skills in web optimization, SEO strategy, email sequences/automation, building landing pages, and lead generation. I also improved the current skills I already had, such as effective team communication and organizational skills."

For more information about the Global Marketing Virtual Internship program, visit the website, or email smithglobal@umd.edu for more information. Learn more about how two global marketing interns helped Miltec UV globalize their business and about the experience of two global marketing interns at Early Charm Ventures.
This program was sponsored in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education.-By Julia Barr, Center for Global Business

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22 Undergrads Wrap Up Their Global Virtual Internships

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This summer the Center for Global Business at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business organized the first Global Marketing Virtual Internship program, a program the center plans to make a yearly affair. Twenty-two Maryland Smith undergraduate students were selected from a pool of over 100 applicants to participate in the cohort-based 10-week program focused on website globalization and digital marketing.

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Reminiscing about traveling abroad and exploring a new culture - and looking forward to getting back out there soon!

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I've taken time during this pandemic to seek out different news sources that I can read/watch in English. It's really interesting to see not just how other countries are handling the pandemic and viewing US elections, but also what else is in the news depending on the source. Brexit is still major news in the UK! Keep global by keeping up with the news.

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I am keeping global by staying connected with my international peers. My MBA cohort is extremely diverse, and due to the pandemic, they are now physically located all over the world. Staying connected with them through class work or virtual social events strengthens my self awareness and humility, which are key components of a global mindset.

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IB Agility Lab: Analytics and Information Systems

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IB Agility Lab: Analytics and Information Systems

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Today is the first day of this virtual case competition. Today, students have the opportunity to hear directly from the case protagonist, based in Bangalore, India. Only in our current virtual environment would we have so easily gotten students, faculty, and professionals from Maryland, India, the UK, Spain, Austria, Canada, and China all in the same zoom room!

#KeepGlobalSmith

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I continue to be amazed at the power that comes from being immersed in new environments, experiencing new cultures and enjoying what the world has to offer outside of our own niche.  Global perspective is powerful.

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One of my favorite parts about living in abroad in Paris, France was going to a weekly music trivia. There, I build strong friendships and community with French people as well as other immigrants like myself. Since the pandemic begin, I have reconnected with this friend group and we now get together virtually for a weekly version of our music trivia. While once we gathered in the same city, we all are spread-out over two different continents and four different time zones. Beyond connecting over our love of music and competition, we compare how our countries have responded to the global pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and to the U.S. elections. What started as a nice way to reconnect quickly became an essential part of how I've kept some semblance of routine during this roller-coaster of a year. I am very thankful for my friends across the world, and for the technology that brings us together.

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The Covid-19 pandemic happens on a global scale. I've used the news to gather a global perspective on how people and companies cope with the situation around the world. 

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I had a great conversation and learned a lot last summer about WTO's response to the pandemic with Emmanuelle Ganne of the WTO who joined from Geneva. Now I hope world leaders will work together to get the coming vaccine out to the world's population in a way that is just and equitable.
-- Kislaya Prasad

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Losing the ability to physically be with one another has changed how we view interactions. At CSVC we have an amazing Smith Alumni base abroad that we are now able to engage with for events and interactions at a greater level than before. While our borders may be closed at times our relationships are stronger than ever before! #KeepGlobalSmith
Nima Farshchi, Center for Social Value Creation

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Earlier this year, I learned to make tamales. With this extra time at home, I have been able to explore different cuisines and cultures from around the world.  Next up, Tuscan Ribollita Soup for the cooler weather.
-Kycia Spriggins, EMBA Programs

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For several years, we hosted a student business plan competition in Beijing, China in partnership with the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University. Working with faculty to create immersive, unique experiences for our students is why I love my job. Our students learned critical skills from pitching a venture idea in the Chinese market and the travel experience was unforgettable.  Holly DeArmond, Dingman Center

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I love the holiday season and my family traditions. My family is Filipino American so whenever Thanksgiving and Christmas come around do we two of my favorite things: wrap/eat lumpia (Filipino eggrolls) and play mahjong. Warning: if you had not tried lumpia before, be careful. They are addictive! #KeepGlobalSmith

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Something I look forward to every summer is visiting my family who lives in Greece. I have been going there every other summer since I was seven. For those who know me know I take pride in my cultural heritage. There are the obvious reasons of enjoying great food, being able to speak Greek, learning about my culture, and enjoying time with my family. But I also take great pride in my culture because I feel it was what made me want to connect with people who were different than me. It's made me more culturally curious, a wanderlust, and given me a passion for diversity. #Globalmindset #KeepGlobalSmith 

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Something I look forward to every summer is visiting my family who lives in Greece. I have been going there every other summer since I was seven. For those who know me know I take pride in my cultural heritage. There are the obvious reasons of enjoying great food, being able to speak Greek, learning about my culture, and enjoying time with my family. But I also take great pride in my culture because I feel it was what made me want to connect with people who were different than me. It's made me more culturally curious, a wanderlust, and given me a passion for diversity. #Globalmindset #KeepGlobalSmith 

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- Marina Augoustidis

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I have always enjoyed exploring different cultures through food. Whether it was through travel, cultural festivals, different restaurants, or even a friend's house. I have always felt that people could begin to understand one's culture by trying their food. I really think it's a gateway to the rest of the world. During this time, I have been enjoying trying out different recipes myself, new take-out from a Uyghur restaurant, and watching Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix!

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My first experience abroad was also my first semester study abroad. I spent fall 1998 in Milan, Italy (that's Castello Sforzseco in the background) and made  lasting friendships. Milan was an early hotspot of the COVID pandemic, so I've been connecting frequently with my friends there to make sure they're ok and try to understand what they're going through. The Italian response to the pandemic has been different than that in the US, and it's been so humbling to hear their stories of both sacrifice and resilience. Luckily, everyone has been okay so far.
Rebecca

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In 1997-8, I spent a year in (mostly) rural Chile, working with micro-entrepreneurs on their "survival" businesses (furniture making, bread baking, etc).  This was my "house" in Illapel during my first assignment.  Early in the pandemic, I tracked down 7 other participants in my program (mostly Colombian and Chilean) for a Zoom-reunion.  No surprise: this experience in international business has greatly impacted us all.

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We at the Center for Global Business believe that global mindset starts at home.  We recognize that the pandemic has curbed our ability to travel – but it shouldn’t curtail our curiosity about other cultures, our passion
for understanding people and markets other than our own, and our desire to build relationships across borders.  Being stuck at home on the couch
shouldn’t stop our pursuit of developing a global mindset - so we've created a whole slate of opportunities to keep our students, faculty, alumni, and community partners connected with the world.
#KeepGlobalSmith
Rebecca Bellinger, executive director CGB

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Ever since the first season came out, I couldn't get enough of Rap of China. While watching it I thought about how music, just like sports, is one of those universal languages that can manifest in really different ways in different cultures and still bring enthusiasts from across the world together.

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The Rap of China 2019 E12 Part 2 | iQIYI

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The Rap of China, formerly known as, is a Chinese rap competition show produced by iQiyi. The show has been credited for making hip hop widespread and mainstream in mainland China

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Accounting IB Agility Labs Final Presentations

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Accounting IB Agility Labs Final Presentations

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Good luck to our four final teams competing in the final presentations of the Accounting International Business Agility Labs!  These impressive students have excelled in a fast-paced case competition, all while collaborating across multiple time zones and borders.

#KeepGlobalSmith

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Learning from business leaders all over the globe

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Learning from business leaders all over the globe

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Participating in the GBSN conference this week with peers from 100 institutions abroad representing 40 countries reminds me that we should be open to good ideas no matter where they come from. That's a global mindset!

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Over the past two days I have the privilege to judge the IB Agility Labs Accounting case competition focused on Sleek a Singapore company. The teams of finalists today comprised of students mostly from Universities in MD-USA and Hong Kong. The comprehensive recommendations and teams' ability to present live across multiple time zones were impressive. Keeping Global indeed.

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Over 150 Students Across the World Compete in Fall Agility Labs

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Over 150 Students Across the World Compete in Fall Agility Labs

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We are keeping global by bringing nearly 150 students together from the US, France, Spain, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Ghana, and Canada to compete in the IB Agility Labs! #KeepGlobalSmith

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Happy Diwali!
This is a Hindu holiday that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.