Boosting business, building skills

By Kevin Manne

The event was a collaboration between the School of Management’s Career Resource Center, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and UB’s Career Design Center that brought employers and the university together for a day of forward-thinking discussions and networking.

It was at the summit where LaBelle learned about the School of Management’s Projects Clinic, which employs graduate students in experiential learning projects with local and global businesses.

LaBelle is director of human resources at Benderson Development, a real estate development firm with more than 1,000 properties across the U.S. She engaged a team of Projects Clinic students to develop a tool Benderson could use to search for tax incentives, grants and energy discounts available to the commercial real estate industry through federal, state and local governments.

Over the course of a semester, the students delivered exactly what Benderson needed, which LaBelle says will save the company time, increase accuracy and ensure they aren’t missing any possible incentives.

“The team did an amazing job providing us with a very effective tool,” she says. “They were engaged from the beginning, and I would encourage any business to research this program. They would be surprised to learn how much talent these students have, and it was a great experience.”

Under the guidance of Michael Krupski, clinical assistant professor of strategy, and Cassie Nguyen, clinical assistant professor of accounting and law, Projects Clinic interns partner with companies to solve real problems. 

Working in small teams, clinic interns leverage the skills learned in the classroom, while also bringing their own perspective to the projects. Since fall 2023, the Projects Clinic has employed more than 50 students and developed solutions for more than 30 businesses and community organizations.

One of those students is Kavita Pant, who will graduate with an MS in Management Information Systems this summer. During the fall semester, one of two projects Pant worked on was in digital marketing for KMS Intercultural Education, a small business that offers educational programs for individuals or teams to build intercultural competence. 

For KMS, Pant developed a tailored marketing roadmap backed by a digital audit, providing actionable strategies for growth by boosting visibility and engagement with a diverse audience. 

Throughout the project, Pant says she learned the value of a targeted digital audit and the impact small, strategic changes can have on audience engagement, which is key in product management. She also appreciates that the project will create meaningful change by amplifying the mission and reach of KMS.

“I learned the importance of creating user-centered solutions and leveraging efficiency in product design,” she says. “Working on these projects under Professor Krupski’s guidance gave me experience in tackling real-world problems, a skill I’m eager to carry forward as I grow in the product industry.”

Abhishek Harihar, who will graduate with an MS in Business Analytics this summer, worked with M&T Bank to develop dashboards the company can use to integrate data storytelling into presentations at its quarterly and monthly reviews. His Projects Clinic team also analyzed the impact of M&T’s training programs on productivity to identify areas for improvement.

Harihar says his work with the Projects Clinic has been an invaluable learning experience, especially as an international student.

“In India, internships typically occur during breaks, so managing my academic and internship commitments here in parallel has prepared me for real-world challenges,” he says. “Working within a small team where we openly communicate and make collaborative decisions has also helped me develop confidence in sharing ideas freely, which is essential in a professional setting.”

In addition to his work with M&T, Harihar also worked on two other projects during the fall semester: one that assessed billing practices for Kruger Immigration Law and another that helped Chiavetta’s BBQ develop growth strategies.

“These projects will enhance operational effectiveness, drive strategic decision-making, and support the growth of our clients through targeted insights and data-driven solutions,” says Harihar. “I’ve learned the importance of flexibility and cultural awareness, skills that will help me make a meaningful impact as I transition into the workforce, ensuring that I can contribute effectively and thoughtfully in any setting.”