CBE professor of management, Joseph Zuccaro and over 130 CBE students are being recognized state-wide by the Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI) for one of two “People’s Choice Awards” as “Champions of Maryland Manufacturing.”
RMI awarded both Zuccaro and the students in his management and leadership principles course for their research in Maryland manufacturing, surpassing 17 other organizations nominated. The recognized project required students to work in teams to study and interview various manufacturing companies.
“The purpose of this project is to learn about the individual companies and manufacturing in the state, but secondary objectives include learning to use the business resources in Cook Library, navigating LinkedIn, and networking,” Zuccaro says.
Zucarro’s course gave students the opportunity to learn more about the local manufacturing industry as well as network with RMI members who lead various Maryland manufacturing companies.
RMI says recognizing “Champions of Maryland Manufacturing” is a key part of the group’s image campaign to put a face on the next generation of manufacturing.
As a part of the integrative program, management and leadership principles students analyzed manufacturing companies from sectors prevalent in Maryland, including chemical & petroleum, electronics, fabricated metal, food & beverage, leather products, machinery, nonmetallic minerals, paper & packaging, plastics & rubber, primary & metal, printing, textiles & apparel, and transportation.
The hands-on program was designed to benefit both the manufacturing ecosystem and the aspiring business leaders, says Zuccaro.
“Since a majority of TU students are from Maryland and remain in the state upon graduation, it benefits them to know about the major industries present in the state and the career opportunities they offer,” Zuccaro says.
“It also makes sense to promote these industries and make employers aware of the local, motivated talent available for their workforce.”
In addition, Zuccaro’s course enabled the students to ask industry professionals how they handle a variety of relevant issues including COVID-19, technology, and diversity. Students are learning how to navigate virtual networking, which is an increasingly essential skill.
“Students are working hard to use virtual networking tools like LinkedIn to identify managers at the selected companies,” Zucarro says. “It can be very challenging to get through to people, especially during the pandemic”
RMI says Zucarro is changing the next generation of business leaders. Students in Zuccaro’s class will take away a broad understanding of the importance of manufacturing to both the State of Maryland as well as the nation, while planting a seed that a manufacturing career can be rewarding in many ways.