This summer, four Maine Business School students are powering their professional growth at . From accounting to human resources, undergraduates Alanna Berube, Wyatt Byther, and Bailey Clarke, along with MBA student Ernest Asane, are gaining hands-on experience in the utility industry, translating their classroom learning into real-world impact. Their internships offer an inside look at one of Maine’s key energy providers and demonstrate how MBS’s commitment to career readiness and industry partnerships is helping students chart successful career paths in finance, accounting, and beyond.

How did you hear about the Versant Internship?

Wyatt Byther, Finance Intern: Through professional development and networking events at the Maine Business School and at the 91���� Career Fair.��

Ernest Asane, Financial Accounting Intern: I learned about this opportunity through the strong support system at the Maine Business School. With the guidance of our internship coordinator, Trina, and through resources shared by the school, I was introduced to Versant Power’s internship program. Trina played a key role in connecting me with this opportunity, and I’m grateful for how MBS actively fosters partnerships with organizations like Versant Power to help students gain hands-on experience in impactful industries like energy and utilities.

Why did you choose to join Versant as an intern?

Alanna Berube, Finance Intern: I chose to intern at Versant because a regulated utility has unique tax rules that you can’t learn about anywhere besides at a power company.

Ernest: I was excited about the opportunity to apply my accounting and finance background in a real-world setting where energy meets financial stewardship. Interning here is not just a learning experience; it’s a chance to contribute to something that powers everyday life while also helping me grow professionally.

What are your internship tasks?

Bailey Clarke, Human Resources Intern: My responsibilities include assisting with the onboarding of new employees, organizing personnel files, supporting recruitment processes, updating internal documents, and providing administrative support to the whole HR team.

Alanna: My daily tasks consist of working with regulatory asset accounts, creating Excel spreadsheets, and learning about regulated utility tax laws to work towards a goal of creating a prototype that will enhance Versant’s tax team’s ability to do their job.

What do you like most about your internship?

Bailey: What I enjoy most is learning about the different areas of human resources and how each one contributes to supporting both employees and the organization. It’s been rewarding to see how the company functions behind the scenes and to play a part in helping Versant Power grow stronger every day.��

Wyatt: I have enjoyed meeting new people and getting hands-on experience with interesting work.

Alanna: What I’ve liked the most is how much I learned in a very short period of time. I’ve been exposed to many inner workings of the company that I had no idea about. It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect what I’ve learned in my courses to the real world.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve experienced as an intern?

Bailey: The biggest challenge was learning all the HR systems and processes, especially because there are so many details involved with employee documentation and compliance.

Wyatt: Learning how to put theoretical skills into practice and adjusting to an industry learning curve.

Ernest: Adapting to the fast-paced environment and learning to navigate complex financial systems while managing multiple tasks simultaneously. At first, it was overwhelming to balance the technical details of the work with meeting deadlines and understanding company-specific procedures. However, my supervisors and colleagues were incredibly supportive throughout this process. They took the time to patiently explain concepts, provide guidance, and offer constructive feedback. Their mentorship helped me build confidence, develop effective time-management strategies, and quickly improve my technical skills.��

What things are you learning during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

Bailey: I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how HR policies are applied in real-life situations, how to communicate professionally with employees and managers, and how to handle confidential information responsibly. These are valuable lessons that go beyond what’s taught in the classroom and have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Alanna: Although being in the classroom helped with my knowledge of software like Excel, I would not have been able to learn the actual tax laws and processes I’ve learned throughout my internship, inside the classroom. Regulated utilities are very specific, and there’s no class that provides the level of knowledge I now have involving them.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

Bailey: This internship has helped me build professional confidence, understand the dynamics of an office environment, and explore human resources as a potential career path. The hands-on experience I’ve gained this summer will be incredibly valuable as I move forward in my future career.

Ernest: This experience has deepened my understanding of accounting systems, improved my data analysis skills, and reinforced the importance of accuracy and transparency in financial reporting. It’s also shown me the power of collaboration in solving problems and maintaining organizational integrity. As I move forward, I feel more equipped and confident to take on complex accounting roles, especially in industries where regulatory compliance and precision are paramount.

Bailey Clarke, Senior, Management major
Ellsworth, ME
Human Resources Intern

Alanna Berube, Senior, Management Major

Carmel, ME

Finance Intern

Wyatt Byther, Junior, Finance and Accounting Major

Old Town, ME

Finance Intern

Ernest Asane, MBA, Accounting Concentration

Kumasi, Ghana

Financial Accounting Intern

91����’s MaineMBA Academy–a flagship experiential program within the Maine Business School–recently celebrated its third successful cohort in Portland, Maine.

Launched in 2023 through the vision and generosity of Mark and Evan Skinner, the MaineMBA Academy offers a dynamic hybrid capstone experience that pairs MBA students with companies in Maine to address real-world business challenges. The program culminates in an intensive, three-day in-person experience at the Maine Center and Graduate School of Business in Portland’s Old Port, where students collaborate with executives and mentors on strategic projects.

For students like Jane Nicoll, the MaineMBA Academy represented the pinnacle of their graduate education. “After weeks of virtual classes, having that time together in person made a big difference,” she says. “It allowed students to build stronger relationships, connect more naturally, and practice essential skills like collaboration, group facilitation, and public speaking—things that are often harder to develop through a screen. That week really brought everything full circle and reminded me how valuable in-person collaboration can be for both personal and professional growth.”

Since its inception, the MaineMBA Academy has grown rapidly—underscoring the value of integrating academic insight with real-world business engagement. To guide its continued success, a dedicated advisory group has been established. Comprising Mark Skinner, Melanie Tinto, Jon Sorensen, Jason Harkins, Richard Bilodeau, and Andrew King, the group has developed a strategic plan focused on long-term sustainability, expanding corporate partnerships, and aligning with the evolving needs of Maine’s business community.

The program’s benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Nicholas Steenberg, Business Development Manager for , joined the 2025 Academy as a business partner, working with two student teams to explore the company’s strategic direction. TEMO, a France-based manufacturer of electric outboard motors, launched its Maine operations in Portland and Scarborough in fall 2024.

“Working alongside the students was eye-opening,” Steenberg says. “They applied frameworks—from the triple bottom line to SWOT analysis—and offered new perspectives on everything from leveraging carbon credits to improving dealer training and exploring influencer partnerships. Their recommendations were both practical and thought-provoking—many were things I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.”

Looking ahead, the MaineMBA Academy plans to amplify its visibility through targeted marketing to prospective students, corporate collaborators, and potential donors. A comprehensive fundraising strategy is also underway, designed to diversify revenue through corporate sponsorships, alumni engagement, and philanthropic support.

“The experience reminded me how energizing it is to engage local students,” adds Steenberg, “and how much there is to gain from their curiosity, analysis, and fresh thinking.”

The MaineMBA Academy reflects the Maine Business School’s deep commitment to innovation and experiential learning—preparing students to lead with insight, agility, and confidence in today’s evolving business landscape. “With the support of our advisory group and the broader university community, we are poised to elevate the Academy’s impact and reach,” says Jason Harkins, Executive Dean of the Maine Business School.

For more information about the MaineMBA Academy and opportunities to get involved, please visit umaine.edu/business/mainemba-academy.​

The third annual MaineMBA Alumni Awards & Business Forum honored six alumni and featured two guest speakers. Michael Bourque, president and CEO of , and Amanda Rector, , spoke about turbulence and resilience.
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“This year’s event was our best yet, with six award winners recognized and attending the event at the Maine Center in the heart of Portland,” says Dr. Norm O’Reilly, Dean of the Graduate School of Business. “Two exceptional industry��keynotes set the stage for the awards, and we were honored to have administration from both the University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine there to celebrate the achievements of our alumni.”
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Our honored alumni are as follows:
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Dean’s Award
April Collins, Class of 2023
Senior Manager of Organizational Effectiveness, American Family Insurance
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This award is given to a recent graduate of the MaineMBA based upon their academic and co-curricular record and their impact on and contributions to the classroom environment.
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April’s commitment to service and excellence is evident in her work, including her role as program manager for a transformation that resulted in over $100M in savings. She contributed her leadership skills to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response efforts, where she streamlined testing processes and ensured equitable access to testing and vaccines for vulnerable populations. She is clearly committed to leaving a positive impact on communities and their ecosystems.
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U40 Award
Brian Bousquet-Smith, Class of 2020
Head of Operations at MedRhythms
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This award is given to a MaineMBA graduate younger than 40 at the time of nomination and has made contributions to their field. The winner is selected by the staff and board of Maine Outdoor Brands.
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Brian is a passionate leader with more than ten years of experience in various engineering, operations, and leadership roles. In his current role as the Head of Operations at MedRhythms, he has been at the forefront of helping to build a venture-backed startup in Portland, Maine. His leadership has effectively bridged diverse functions such as manufacturing, customer success, IT, and data analytics. Beyond MedRhythms, he is focused on being a good dad to his 19-month-old daughter and a loving husband.
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Outstanding Accountant Award
Stefan Lange, Class of 2011
Vice President and Controller at Partners Bank
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This award is given to someone with an accounting degree from a UMS program, and has displayed leadership and generosity within their field, community, or firm. This award is selected by the Maine Society of CPAs.
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Stefan moved from Germany to the U.S. in 2005, earning a BSBA in accounting and his MBA. He began his career at a regional public accounting firm, during which time he earned his CPA. He moved to the corporate accounting world, where he is currently a Vice President and Controller at Partners Bank in Sanford, Maine. He’s a member of the United Way committee at Partners Bank and volunteers as a financial reviewer for the United Way of Southern Maine. In his free time, he loves hiking, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Mary, and their pets.
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Engineering Alumni Leadership Award
Tyler Jolicoeur, Class of 2020
CEO at Compotech
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This award was established to recognize the synergies between the Graduate School of Business and the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. This award honors a MaineMBA graduate who has made a significant contribution of leadership or innovation to the engineering field and is chosen by the dean and faculty of MCEC.
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After earning his BS in Mechanical Engineering, Tyler spent several years as a project engineer at 91����’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center. He became the CFO at Compotech in 2021, and in 2022, he became their CEO. Compotech contracts with the Department of Defense and is focused on building a high-tech defense industrial base in Maine.
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Muskie School of Public Service Outstanding MBA Award
Robin Howard, Class of 2023
Nurse Practitioner at Maine Medical Partners
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This honor awards a MaineMBA graduate who pursued a concentration through the Muskie School of Public Service. The award goes to someone who sets a high standard of academic inquiry and engagement in the classroom and displays enthusiasm for learning and professional development. The awardee is selected by the faculty of the Muskie School of Public Service.
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Robin earned her nursing degrees at the University of Southern Maine. She’s been a nurse practitioner since 2006 and earned her MaineMBA in healthcare systems while working full-time at Maine Medical Partners. She’s currently pursuing CPHQ certification and plans to apply her MBA to the fields of healthcare quality and patient safety. Robin is an avid Lego fan outside of work and volunteers for her local fire department and the Red Cross.
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Matt Harmon, Class of 2022
SVP of Claims for MEMIC
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This award recognizes a graduate who has significantly contributed to leadership or innovation for their field or community. It’s chosen by the Maine Business School Advisory Board.
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Matt has been working in the insurance industry for more than 30 years. He plays a critical role at MEMIC in overseeing the company’s largest department and managing workers’ compensation claim activity nationwide. He also spearheads digital transformation initiatives, including work leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to enhance claim processes and outcomes.
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Christian Hartling, from Burlington, Massachusetts, joined the MaineMBA program after earning his BSBA in Finance and Management at the Maine Business School. This summer, Christian is gaining valuable work experience as part of the Future Global Leader program at the (MITC). This organization helps Maine businesses attain the guidance, education, and funding to compete globally. 

How did you hear about this internship?

I heard about the Maine International Trade Center Future Global Leader program through word of mouth while at 91����. After expressing my interest in international business, I was told about MITC, their role in Maine’s economic development, and how they work to increase the state’s international presence.

Why did you choose to intern at the Maine International Trade Center (MITC)?

There are two primary reasons why I chose to pursue an internship with MITC. First was its relevance to my professional interests. I knew I would learn a lot about commerce between Maine, other states, and foreign countries. Secondly was the internship’s location. The office is off Commercial Street in Portland, a lively area that provides the opportunity for some great lunch trips with colleagues! 

What are your internship tasks?

An intern at MITC is responsible for several different tasks and projects. One of my biggest responsibilities is fielding queries from members and assisting them the best I can. Often this entails conducting market research, identifying tariff rates and taxes on imported and exported goods, and determining product classifications. Another big responsibility is facilitating outreach to Maine’s businesses to share information on how MITC can be a resource for them. 

What do you like most about your internship?

The two parts I’ve liked most about my internship have been the relationships I’ve developed and the several events I’ve been fortunate to attend. Between my colleagues and external professional contacts, I’ve developed relationships with people across Maine that I will continue to grow. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend different networking events and out-of-office meetings that have contributed to my learning experience and the growth of my network. 

What are the biggest challenges you face as an intern?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced thus far has been identifying office “norms” and adjusting to how things are done in this organization. It is important to know coworkers’ preferences regarding communication and organization. Also, it was a learning curve familiarizing myself with certain terminology, which I’ve improved upon as the internship progressed. 

What are some things you are learning during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

The most impactful part of my time here at MITC has been the focus on experiential learning. I’ve participated in several meetings that have illustrated firsthand how business meetings are conducted and the importance of completing preliminary research in preparation. These components of my internship have been very beneficial and can not be taught exclusively in a classroom. 

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

I’ll certainly value the contacts I’ve made and the relationships that have been created. As mentioned previously, I’ve met many professionals with unique skills I can learn from. I’ve also developed a solid baseline knowledge of international business and Maine’s business environment. 

Any advice to share with other MBA students considering an internship?

My advice to other MBA students considering an internship would be to identify their interests and to look for groups that align with those interests. An internship is truly about learning as much as possible while identifying and building upon your skills and strengths. Therefore, you want to search for an organization offering the best learning experience possible. These concepts should be a factor when searching for an internship. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone. Reach out to individuals you think might be of assistance and open up lines of communication. 

Name: Christian Hartling
Hometown: Burlington, Massachusetts 
MBA Graduation: August 2023
Business/Organization where you interned: Maine International Trade Center
Internship Title: Future Global Leader

In May 2023, a group of MaineMBA students traveled to the United Kingdom on a travel study trip with Dr. Nory Jones, Professor of Business Information Systems, and Mr. Derek Jones, Cooperating faculty of Business Law. Students learned about Sustainable Ecosystem Economic Development (SEED) through a hybrid course of traditional class time, research projects, and the international experiential learning trip. 

“We had extraordinary visits with high-level government officials, business leaders, and leaders from important nonprofits,” says Dr. Nory Jones. “The insights they shared helped us understand how outdoor industries and nature-based tourism can drive economic development in rural, remote areas.”

The group experienced and learned about iconic places in England and Scotland, some of which are world heritage sites, including the Palaces of Westminster and the Old and New towns of Edinburgh. York provided an experience of walking century-old streets from Roman times. “Visiting the rugged, remote  Isle of Skye in the Scottish Inner Hebrides was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us,” Dr. Jones says.

Sustainable Ecosystem Economic Development is a framework for rural communities to work collaboratively with government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits to develop and maintain healthy, sustainable, thriving communities. The group traveled from London, England, to Edinburgh, Scotland, visiting companies that leverage culture and heritage to provide authentic experiences to visitors.

“Different countries have different cultures and approaches to tourism and sustainable business models,” says MaineMBA student Kathy Stovall. “This trip was an excellent opportunity to compare sustainable business practices between the U.S., particularly the State of Maine, and the U.K.”

In London, the group toured iconic landmarks such as the British History Museum, the Tower of London, and Hampton Court. They also met with government officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the House of Lords to learn about the role of government in the SEED model, including laws, taxes, policies, and grants. 

On their fifth day in the U.K., the group boarded a train to York, England. There, a local guide shared the history and culture of the city. “The lessons learned as they relate to the SEED model is the power of leveraging the cultural identity to create destinations for authentic local experiences tourists seek,” Dr. Jones says.

Between York and Edinburgh, the students visited several businesses. They toured the Hardy Fishing Store and Museum, the gold standard for the fishing industry for more than 150 years; Stoats Oats, a unique startup committed to sustainability; and St. Andrews Old Course, the oldest golf course in the world. They also visited two distilleries, Tomatin Scotch Distillery and Talisker Whiskey Distillery. These businesses contribute to the community and the environment through sustainable practices.��

The group also visited Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands. They ended their trip with a visit to the beautiful Isle of Skye before returning to Maine.

“The trip broadened my perspective,” Stovall says. “I visited businesses that stayed in business for hundreds of years and listened to their stories. I tasted local foods and walked through historical sights. I met incredibly inspiring people who encouraged me to keep exploring the world and different cultures.”

In the spring of 2023, twenty-two MaineMBA students took part in the inaugural cohort of the MaineMBA Academy. Thanks to donor support from Mark and Evan Skinner, the MaineMBA Academy is a hybrid version of the MBA capstone course, MBA 649: Strategic Decision Making. This class culminates in an intensive in-person experience at 300 Fore Street in Portland. It features executive-level speakers and sessions, experiential learning with live industry clients, and career development and networking. The University of Southern Maine’s Maine Economic Improvement Fund provided financial assistance to host students in Portland.

“The academy’s goal is to bring students to Portland for a live capstone course experience,” says Dr. Norm O’Reilly, Dean of the Graduate School of Business. “The majority of these students have been enrolled in online courses for the duration of their education. The MaineMBA Academy allows them to spend a week exploring Portland, Maine with their classmates. They have time to network with each other and industry professionals.”

The students in this inaugural cohort came to Portland from other parts of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, South Carolina, New York, Virginia, and California. After the in-person week in Portland, students traveled to Orono to participate in commencement on Friday, May 5th. 

“As an international student, this class fulfilled the in-person requirement for my student visa,” says Thomas Erick. “This was my favorite course in the MBA due to the in-person component and being able to network. The professors made it relatable and fun.”

Programming for the MaineMBA Academy included class sessions with professors Dr. O’Reilly and Professor , executive chats with four industry leaders, and interactive sessions with industry clients. Students also worked in groups to finish their capstone projects. At the end of the week, students presented to the businesses they had worked with all semester long. Participating companies included L.L. Bean, NASA, Everything Seaweed, Finsulate, and Ocean Farm Supply. As part of the academy, students explored many aspects of business strategy, including sustainability, feasibility, customer and industry analysis, and planning for implementation.��

“Experiential learning where students work with real businesses to address strategic challenges is an important part of MBA education,” Professor Bilodeau says. “The MaineMBA Academy provides real consulting experiences that bring classroom learning to life.”

“I walked away from my days at the MaineMBA Academy forever changed by the class meetings, executive chats, networking experiences, and time spent closely with my classmates,” says Annmarie Harkins. “The experience made me feel more inspired and empowered than ever before. I’ve gained a deep sense of clarity in the type of leader I want to be. I think I grew more in three days than I have in years!”

The Graduate School of Business at the University of Maine held its annual MaineMBA Alumni Awards and Business Forum event on Thursday, March 30, 2023.��

“We hosted guests from the Portland business community, our alumni, the University of Maine, the University of Southern Maine, and many more,” says Dr. Norm O’Reilly, Dean of the Graduate School of Business. “This event celebrated four MaineMBA alums and a business forum with an inspiring keynote speech and a deeply experienced industry panel. This was the Graduate School of Business’ first major in-person event, and we were thrilled at the turnout, the ambiance, and the learning.”

Nicole Tackett, Head of Strategy and Chief Product Officer of Commercial Payment Solutions at U.S. Bank, gave the keynote address. The 2023 Business Forum Panel was led by Katie Shorey, Director of Engagement at Live + Work in Maine. Panelists included Henry Quinn, Director of Analytics at L.L. Bean; Renee Kelley, Associate Vice President, Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources & Engagement at 91����; Leo Waterston, Program Director at FocusMaine; and Jennifer Hutchins, Executive Director at Maine Association of Nonprofits. Opening remarks were given by Jeffrey Mills, President/CEO of the University of Maine Foundation, and closing remarks were given by Thomas Peaco, President/CEO of the University of Maine Alumni Association. Special guests Dannel Malloy, Chancellor of the University of Maine System, and Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President of the University of Maine, the University of Maine at Machias, and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the University of Maine System, were in attendance and gave their remarks.

Our honored alumni are as follows:

Distinguished Alumni Award
Greg Stremlaw, Class of 1995
91���� MBA
President and CEO of Indy Sports & Entertainment and Eleven Professional Soccer

Greg is leading the $1.3 billion Eleven Park development project in Indianapolis, Indiana, which includes a stadium, commercial and residential spaces, a hotel, and more. Greg has a media background, having previously served as the President of CBC Sports and oversaw all sport platforms, including television, radio, digital, and social media. He also served as the CEO of Curling Canada, Director of Bobsleigh and Luge, and Vice President of Sport Services at Calgary Olympic Development Association. He has received various awards and is involved in multiple leadership positions. Greg has a Bachelor of Commerce, an MBA, an MS Ed in Sport Management, and completed a Harvard Executive Education program.

Outstanding Accounting MBA Alumni
Jane Rankin, CPA, Class of 2016
91���� MBA with a Concentration in Accounting
Director of Finance, Verrill

Jane earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, in Accounting, and her MBA from the University of Maine. She began her career at a regional accounting firm and became a Certified Public Accountant. Jane currently works at Verrill as the Director of Finance. She’s an active volunteer and board member of a local non-profit organization.��

U40 Award
Luke Horanski, Class of 2022
91���� MBA
Investment Banker, Hyde Park Capital

Luke is a respected contributor to investment banking with experience in major M&A transactions. He grew up in a small farm town near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with a strong work ethic and leadership values. Luke earned an Economics degree and played baseball at Virginia Tech. He started his career as an analyst for a large private equity firm while completing the MBA program at 91����. Luke now works as an investment banker at Hyde Park Capital in Tampa, Florida, and has led multiple deals recognized for excellence. He is honored to receive the MaineMBA U40 award and plans to continue his career helping individuals with their biggest transactions.

Dean’s Award
Nicole Ann Pelletier, Class of 2022
91���� MBA
Audit Staff, Baker Newman Noyes

Nicole is an experienced audit staff member at Baker Newman Noyes, primarily serving clients in the healthcare, non-profit, and financial services industries. She graduated from the University of Maine in 2021 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Finance. She earned her MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics from 91����’s Graduate School of Business in 2022. In 2021, she was part of a team named the CFA Institute Research Challenge Eastern U.S. Champion. She is currently working toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Andrew Bustin moved to Portland, Maine, in 2018 for two reasons. One, to pursue his MBA at the University of Maine Graduate School of Business, and two, Portland is a mecca for world-class food and drink experiences.

Andrew’s background is rich with experiences in national land conservation, sustainability, permaculture, and the local food movement. After five years of working for The Trust for Public Land, building parks, playgrounds, community gardens, and other “land for people” projects, he traveled throughout Southeast Asia to learn about regenerative agriculture and seed saving.

While the MaineMBA’s concentration in Sustainability attracted him to 91����, his capstone project with Dr. Nadège Levallet propelled his career in Maine forward.

The MaineMBA capstone course (MBA 649 – Strategic Decision-Making) is all about solving real-world problems. Dr. Levallet identifies corporate partners eager to work with MBA students on a strategic problem or issue they are facing in their organizations. “Students pick the problem they want to work on and sign up to join a team,” Dr. Levallet says. “These small teams meet weekly with their corporate partner. Students research the issue, pitch their recommendations, and submit a final report.” At the end of the course, the corporate partners choose the winning team based on the caliber of their work and recommendations.

The corporate partner that stood out to Andrew was (MHT). This non-profit organization in western Maine operates an acclaimed backcountry recreation corridor with 80 miles of public trails. Their offerings include groomed hut-to-hut skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, paddling, and mountain biking. MHT is focused on building a new off-season model. They looked to the student teams to identify partnership opportunities to help them reach their goals.

“What excited me most about this course was that the organization we worked with had a very real need for our help,” Andrew says. “The work in this course felt important, which was motivation to do a good job. The fact that the course was competitive with other teams added to that excitement, too!”

The creative aspect of the Maine Huts & Trails project was also enticing. “MHT was specifically looking for help from 91���� business students to explore creative partnership opportunities to allow them to bring in more revenue during the non-winter season with the least amount of demand on their limited full-time staff,” Andrew says.

Throughout the 8-week course, Andrew’s small group of Jackie Leonard and Greg Wright worked closely with Dr. Levallet and MHT Executive Director Wolfe Tone. “I really enjoyed working with my group, and I looked forward to our regular online meetings,” Andrew says. “Our strengths and weaknesses were complementary. This balance helped up create a well-polished and professional finished product.” The team dedicated 20 hours a week to this project and won first place in the capstone challenge.

“Andy was especially enthusiastic about the project right from the start,” Dr. Levallet says. “The team’s solution was well-developed and realistic, with a significant amount of research to support their recommendation.”

After his graduation in May 2022, Andrew spent the summer focused on running the small business he started when he first moved to Portland. is a seasonal company that hosts events celebrating the people and businesses that make Portland unique. As fall approached, he started putting out feelers for a new job opportunity and found one in a familiar place. “Maine Huts & Trails had received a grant from the Maine Timberlands Charitable Trust to continue the business development work my capstone project had focused on,” Andrew says. He is delighted to continue the work he started at 91���� as MHT’s Sustainable Business Development Consultant.

“Stepping into this new role has required learning more about MHT’s organizational history and familiarizing myself with Maine’s western forests and mountains,” Andrew says. “There are lots of great opportunities to explore. But, just like the capstone project, the challenge becomes prioritizing and cultivating the necessary relationships with partners who can help us reach our goals. It’s rewarding work, and I’m excited to see how this summer unfolds at the huts!”

Shafagh Rezaei, a MaineMBA student, landed a summer internship with Maine Grains through 91����’s Innovate for Maine Fellows Program. Emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship, Innovate for Maine prepares students to collaborate with companies on projects that accelerate company growth. was looking for a marketing intern. Shafagh’s interest in marketing made her a great fit.

Why did you choose to intern at Maine Grains?

I’ve always been passionate about small businesses and working with female entrepreneurs. My interest in the food and beverage industry attracted me to this company.

What were your internship tasks?

I handled copywriting tasks for their website and social media platforms to improve their search engine optimization (SEO). I developed two new recipes using Maine Grains products, wrote ingredients and instructions, and took photographs. Also, I created sell sheets, advertisements, and posters.

What did you like most about your internship?

Working for Maine Grains gave me valuable real-world experience and allowed my creativity to shine. Creating recipes, writings, and copy for the website was a lot of fun for me. It’s my passion to create new things.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an intern?

It was my first internship and copywriting experience, so it had its challenges. My time was limited, and I had little knowledge of grains and Maine Grains’ products. But I was constantly learning and could overcome these obstacles.

What things did you learn during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

I learned how important it is to write in a brand voice. Brands must master writing skills to distinguish themselves from their competitors and market themselves to consumers. My internship taught me that every company has its own voice. Additionally, I have learned that research is essential to writing in a brand’s voice. The best way to capture a company’s voice is by browsing its current online content.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

My long-term goal is to start my own business. This experience of working alongside two hardworking women entrepreneurs has been very inspiring. This experience has taught me not to be afraid of growing my business and facing my fears as a business owner.

Any advice to share with other MBA students considering an internship?

Be passionate and enthusiastic about what you are working on, and let your enthusiasm shine through. Your enthusiasm will attract others and should motivate you to work harder, learn and accomplish more.

Name: Shafagh Rezaei
Hometown: Ardabil, Iran
Graduation Year: December 2022
Major: MaineMBA
Organization where you interned: Maine Grains
Internship Title: Marketing Intern

Why would a 57-year-old who lives in Escondido, California, decide to earn his MBA from the University of Maine? A sense of community, history, and flexibility.
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Jord Thomas, ‘G22, had hit a wall promotion-wise at his job. He works as a production operations supervisor at a recovery firm serving major banks and vehicle manufacturers. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Information Systems from San Diego State University in 2003 and started thinking about earning his MBA. But life, however, got in the way. He continued to learn through workshops and seminars, even teaching himself to program in C#. “Work became more challenging,” Jord says. “So I started thinking about my options.”
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His options brought him across the country to the East Coast. Born in New York City, Jord is an enrolled member of the . “On one of my visits to Maine to visit my father, I scouted out the 91���� campus for possible degree programs for my daughter, Megan,” he says. By the time he was ready to enroll in an MBA program in 2019, the online MaineMBA was waiting for him. “The program’s reputation and rankings, and knowing the University of Maine is just minutes away from my tribe on Indian Island, factored into my decision to enroll.”
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Jord’s passion for problem solving and idea generation and his background in production operations made him an excellent fit for the MaineMBA program. He particularly enjoyed his business analytics class with Dr. Yonggang “Tim” Lu. “Tim’s teaching style was an excellent balance between procedure and intent,” Jord says. “I learned a lot about turning data into talking points with executive management and better understanding vendor management.” He put his classwork to use on the job, and one of his vendors gave his employer a complimentary “forever license” to a recently-released add-on product that Jord had helped beta test. “91���� is rising in stature. Its new classification as an R1 institution is because of quality professors like those in the Graduate School of Business.”
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Jord was one of the first MBA students to enroll in the Maine Business School’s Excel Certification course, taught by Dr. Tanya Beaulieu. He’s now certified at the Expert level and utilized his knowledge in his Investment Management class. In December 2021, Jord was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for AACSB-accredited institutions. “My master-level Beta Gamma Sigma induction at the University of Maine was a special moment,” he says. “It validated that I was on the right track. I wasn’t just marking time and taking classes but driving my learning experience to the next level. Thanks to glowing recommendation letters from Dr. Lu and Dr. Sebastian Lobe, Jord was also initiated into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. “This was another huge honor for me,” Jord says.
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As he finishes up his last two classes this summer, Jord shares that he has seen tremendous growth in the MaineMBA program in the past year under Dr. Norm O’Reilly, Dean of the Graduate School of Business. In 91����’s MBA program, Jord took classes with fellow students who had just earned their bachelor’s degrees and students who were more advanced in their careers than he was. “One thing that I have learned about the MaineMBA program is that diverse backgrounds and viewpoints make for strong leadership and educational experience,” Jord says. “Earning a master’s degree is a grind. You must be mentally prepared to balance work, family, and school life. And to be patient with the other students you will collaborate with.”
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In May 2022, Jord walked across the stage during the University of Maine’s commencement ceremony. “My dad likes to joke about my multi-decade educational experience asking me, ‘Are we there yet?’ I’d like to say ‘Yes!’ but I don’t have a Ph.D. yet….”
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