The QUEST (Quality Enhancement Systems and Teams) Honors Program is a three-year program for University of Maryland undergraduates studying business, engineering, and/or science. QUEST's five-course curriculum focuses on experiential learning through multidisciplinary, team-based, and hands-on projects. Students who complete the program gain skills in process improvement, systems thinking, product design and development, data analysis, oral and written communication, and teamwork in addition to a network of passionate and motivated peers, alumni, faculty, and administrators.
WHO ARE QUEST STUDENTS?*
QUEST students represent majors within three colleges of the University. There are currently approximately 250 QUEST students on campus, representing:
College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences: 38%
Robert H. Smith School of Business: 35%
A. James Clark School of Engineering: 27%
THROUGH QUEST, STUDENTS LEARN HOW TO:
- Work in multidisciplinary teams to evaluate, analyze and recommend solutions to real-world problems provided by corporate sponsors
- Use business etiquette skills to network and communicate in diverse professional settings and behave in a professional and ethical manner
- Communicate ideas effectively through oral presentations and writing
- Apply quality management tools, improve processes, and design systems
- Use quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques
- Manage projects and people using effective project management tools
- Work in multidisciplinary teams with an understanding of different roles and how to negotiate conflict in these situations
- Manage the new product development process for a new product or service that addresses an opportunity or problem