#United States #AI Platform #College Park #UMD Smith School #STRATPATH

Introduction

In an age where artificial intelligence is becoming a crucial part of the job interview process, students are also leveraging this technology to better prepare themselves for employment opportunities. A team from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business has developed a groundbreaking platform called STRATPATH AI to assist students in their job interview preparations.

STRATPATH AI: A Unique Solution

STRATPATH is more than just a tool; it is a comprehensive platform that integrates case-based learning with behavioral interview preparation. The system offers instant grading and personalized feedback aimed at easing the transition for students from academic settings into their professional careers. Under the guidance of Nicole Coomber, an assistant dean and clinical professor at Smith, a group of recent graduates has collaborated to bring this innovative concept to life. The team includes Krishang Parakh, Aromal Nair, Aditya Kamath, Deep Dalsaniya, Venkatesh Shirbhate, and Anna Huertazuela.

The Vision Behind STRATPATH

Coomber envisioned a dual-purpose platform that not only assists students in preparing for interviews but also streamlines the grading process for professors teaching case studies. According to Aromal Nair, one of the team members, traditional case studies require manual grading, which can be time-consuming. STRATPATH combines this process with interview practice, allowing students to gain valuable experience in a simulated environment.

Features of STRATPATH

STRATPATH provides users with a library of real-world business cases, allowing them to practice various analytical frameworks including Porter’s Five Forces and profitability analyses. Moreover, the platform prepares students for behavioral interviews using the STAR format, which emphasizes structured responses.

The AI capabilities of STRATPATH mimic current interviewing experiences at top firms like Bain and McKinsey, with follow-up questions curated based on insights from previous candidates and career coaches associated with the Smith School. Students receive scores based on their performance in creativity, communication, and critical thinking, along with detailed feedback that helps them improve for future interviews.

Benefits for Professors and Students

For professors, STRATPATH offers a way to tailor assessments and optimize grading, enhancing the experiential learning dimension in their courses. Coomber reports a significant reduction in grading time, noting that the AI platform can grade assignments in about two minutes compared to the eight to ten minutes it would normally take. This efficiency not only increases productivity but also provides students with actionable insights to enhance their skills.

Currently, the platform has been integrated into classroom learning, with over 200 students already using it across four different courses. The team's ambitious goal is to reach 1,000 active users by the end of December 2025, showcasing the expanding impact of STRATPATH on the university community.

A Journey of Collaboration

The development of STRATPATH has not only been a learning experience for the student team but also a collaborative effort with faculty members including Tejwansh Singh Anand, Mary Beth Furst, Balaji Padmanabhan, Brent Goldfarb, and Nima Farschi. The Office of Career Services contributed by populating the platform with interview questions, while the Center for Social Value Creation and the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship provided additional support.

Nair emphasizes the supportive atmosphere at UMD, where faculty generously share their time and guidance. This encouragement, along with constructive criticism, has enabled the team to progress steadily.

Conclusion

From a vision to a fully functional platform, STRATPATH has evolved to become a leading experiential learning marketplace for students, educators, and hiring managers. It represents a significant step forward in using technology to enhance education and prepare students for the challenges of the job market. Recent graduates like Parakh express their excitement about the journey, noting the sleepless nights and teamwork required to bring STRATPATH to fruition. As they continue to implement the platform, STRATPATH aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world employment situations, revolutionizing how students prepare for their careers.