SWG Has SWAG

Imagine being able to bounce an idea off of a group of dedicated individuals who develop it for you. They consider the target audience, design communications, and share where a project or program could be upgraded.

Now, consider that you would not have to pay these consultants for their advice. In fact, their payment is experience on the project and relationships built with you and others.

❓What idea would you share?
❓What would be possible?
❓How would you employ their energy and knowledge?

Last Fall, my more than 160 Naveen Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas students participated in a negotiation project that benefited 23 non-profit organizations.

However, BEFORE the students received the project, it was developed and refined through a group of volunteers in a Short-term Working Group (SWG). The SWG program is designed to provide The University of Texas at Dallas students an opportunity to work closely with a faculty member on a targeted project.

Faculty members propose projects and welcome ~10 students to join them for four in-person sessions to complete a project. Students who complete a SWG program will gain skills, develop a professional relationship with a faculty member, meet other UTD students, and receive a digital badge showcasing skills learned over the course of the SWG.

Short-term Working Groups teach students skills that build their confidence and often could be applied to their post-graduate careers. What made it special was that two of my former students Aiswarya Atluri and Sree Nimmalagadda participated. Also, students from other studies were involved. Many had never stepped foot in the business school.

This week we celebrated the projects and people involved in the SWGs. And, wow, was there SWAG! Here is a video featuring the program and other projects https://lnkd.in/gD2pSBjx

Thank you Maria Hasenhuttl for introducing me to this concept. Congratulations to Salena Brody, Ph.D. and the SWG team for all you do to give UTD students and faculty this valuable experience!