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At Urban Science, our vision is a world in which innovation is powered by science and inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit to invent a better future. And in our view, there\u2019s no better way to achieve this vision than investing in our collective future by supporting education \u2013 and preparing our leaders of tomorrow to invent the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why, each year, members of our company \u2013 our software engineering team, specifically \u2013 dedicate their time, and professional and industry expertise, to support Michigan State University (MSU) students as they complete their year-end capstone projects. The three-month-long experience energizes and develops students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, oral communication, research and teamwork skills \u2013 all while they gain real-world insight and experience from automotive industry leaders. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Last month, members of our IT-software engineering and human resources teams joined forces to host five Michigan State University College of Engineering students \u2013 all of whom recently completed their Urban-Science-mentored capstone project, Office Buddy, a web platform that enhances employee experience in the office. The day included an office tour, project demo, and code review with additional members of our software engineering team \u2013 and even a special visit from our CEO and Founder, <\/span>Jim Anderson<\/span><\/b>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During this meeting, Jim shared valuable perspective regarding his journey to founding our company in 1977 with only $1,000 \u2013 and our collective path toward becoming a leading automotive consulting and technology firm that serves automakers and dealers, and the advertising technology firms that support them, around the world. Speaking about our story of ideation and entrepreneurism rooted in science, he elaborated on our <\/span>Invent the Future<\/span><\/i> mantra, which became one of our company\u2019s core values many years ago \u2013 and about how he\u2019s used that mindset to drive client and company growth and success over time. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n About <\/span>Office Buddy<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Since COVID-19 <\/span>arrived at our collective doorstep<\/span> in early 2020, remote work has become a <\/span>par<\/span><\/span>t <\/span>of<\/span> e<\/span>veryday<\/span> life<\/span> for <\/span>many people around the world<\/span>. <\/span>And while there are many benefits associated with this arrangement<\/span>, for many, <\/span>not being in the office has<\/span> often <\/span>made socializing<\/span> with<\/span> \u2013 and<\/span> unstructured learning from \u2013<\/span> co-workers<\/span> a challenge<\/span> at companies globally<\/span>. <\/span>Seeing this situation as an opportunity<\/span> our team came together to discuss how to best engage<\/span> the <\/span>MSU students we work <\/span>with,<\/span> a challenge was <\/span>made,<\/span> and <\/span>Office Buddy was born.<\/span><\/p>\n The<\/span> Office Buddy<\/span> web platform <\/span>was designed <\/span>to <\/span>assist<\/span> office worke<\/span>r<\/span>s in their transition<\/span>s<\/span> back to in-person work <\/span>by allowing them visibility and planning around their office visits. Users can<\/span> use the platform to<\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Urban Science\u2019s role\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Through a hands-on learning approach, our team members work alongside MSU College of Engineering seniors to deliver a real-world engineering experience developed to immerse students in critical industry challenges and opportunities. Throughout the duration of their work with our team, students receive mentorship and guidance from Urban Scientists, including executives and other senior leaders, throughout the project, as well as constructive feedback about opportunities for improvement. This skills-based volunteerism support is provided in addition to a monetary sponsorship awarded to enable the MSU College of Engineering to deliver students the best experience possible. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.urbanscience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/3-400x300.png\")
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