University of Maryland student team launches AI platform aiming to transform job interview preparation

A team from the University of Maryland’s Robert H Smith School of Business has launched a new AI platform aiming to transform the way candidates prepare for job interviews.

Called Stratpath AI, the system uses case-based learning, behavioral interview preparation, and instant grading to help students prepare for the transition from academia into professional careers.

The platform mimics current interview experiences at companies including Bain and McKinsey and includes vetted follow-up questions and simulated pressure informed by recent interviewees.

The team is led by a team of recent Smith graduate program alums, working from an idea started by supervisor and Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning Nicole Coomber. It includes MSIS students Krishang Parakh, Aromal Nair, Aditya Kamath, Deep Dalsaniya and Venkatesh Shirbhate, and MBA Anna Huertazuela.

"There's a lot of manual grading involved for professors with these case studies, and there are many times when students have to give interviews as well," explains Nair. "Why not combine both of them and build a platform where students can actually practice these case studies in an interview format?"

Four classes and more than 200 students have already used the platform at Smith, with the university aiming to have 1,000 users before the end of 2025.

Coomber adds: "I was able to cut down my grading time from eight to ten minutes per paper to about two minutes. We trained the platform to grade it more comprehensively than I could even do, and students have really actionable feedback that would allow them to improve their skills.”