Smith Peeps

Situation

When earning my MBA/MS at University of Maryland's Smith School of Business, the part-time students in the satellite campuses did not have the same social connections or support from the school that the full- and part-time students at College Park did.

Goals

  • create a forum for students to discuss school-, class-, and networking-related topics
  • connect recent and past alumni with current students

Solution

The first solution was a simple Yahoo! Group. Students signed up in droves. However, there was no effective way to alert alumni. Other students started groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networking sites. These students graciously coalesced their efforts under the "Smith Peeps" brand.

Outcome

Over half a decade after its inception, the benefits of Smith Peeps are still being recognized by full- and part-time students and alumni of from all campuses. In-person networking events take place throughout the DC metropolitan area. Dozens of job leads are shared some months, even during the recession. Students sell their books and graduation robes. Students and alumni request and share advice.

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