Strategic Management in the Life and Engineering Sciences - Curriculum

The SMILES curriculum is uniquely designed to leverage students' advanced knowledge in the life and engineering sciences.

1) The Introduction to SMILES course in the first semester explores the key concepts, tools, and questions about how to generate value from technology within the life-sciences and engineering sectors. Students develop capabilities at creating markets based on
novel technologies, refine strategic thinking about technology issues, and sharpen management abilities by participating in an active learning environment that includes case discussions, exercises, and guest speakers.

2) In the summer between the 1st and 2nd year, students are encouraged to complete an internship within their area of interest.  These internships are typically strategic in nature, involve the students in leadership roles within the organization, leverage the students deep technical background, and give them an opportunity to exercise their leading edge business fundamentals. 

3) Within the second year of the curriculum, SMILES students join fellow second year Entrepreneurial Management students in the Weinert Center Applied Ventures in Entrepreneurship (WAVE) Practicum courses. These WAVE classes offer a year-long weekly seminar that provide interaction with local and national experts and hands-on work with start-up businesses. By working directly with local high-promise companies, WAVE students develop in-depth understanding of the businesses and their environments, leading to the creation of a comprehensive strategic operating and financing plan.

4) SMILES students may demonstrate their advanced knowledge of science, business, and technology by competiting in various business plan competitions, including: the G.Steven Burrill Technology Business Plan Competition, the Venture Capital Investment Competition, and the Governor's Business Plan Contest.