Schulich School of Business

Overview

Students in the IMBA program have the opportunity to gain first-hand work experience in the language and region they specialize in during their studies at Schulich. While on the Global Work Term, you will gain exposure to different business and cultural conditions, apply the latest management techniques and skills acquired in the classroom and enhance your understanding of your region of specialization.

To date, some 500 organizations in over 50 countries have hosted IMBA students for work on a variety of short-term projects. Host organizations have benefited tremendously from IMBA students’ unique education, fresh perspectives, well-honed management skills and strong motivation. Work Terms may be in private, non-profit or public sector organizations, and site projects may vary depending on role, company, industry and country. In the past, common projects have included industry analyses, market research and audits/assessments of company expenditures.

The Work Term typically takes place in Term 3 (May to August), sometimes in Term 4 (September to December), and is a full-time commitment that lasts a minimum of 12 weeks. The IMBA Program suggests that a host organization reimburse its IMBA intern at a rate that reflects the nature of the project the student undertakes. However, some students may choose to accept unpaid Work Terms in order to acquire specialized experience. It should be noted that in some countries unpaid Work Terms are the norm.

While it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to find an appropriate Work Term, the Assistant Director of the International MBA Program - Internships & Corporate Services will provide you with support and advice to help you make connections and gain access to valuable resources.

One of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of the IMBA program, the Work Term will give you real-world international business experience to enhance your ability to participate in the global economy upon graduation.

Information for Students

As part of its continuing quest to keep its programs relevant and responsive to the changing needs of the business community, the Schulich School incorporated an overseas 12 week Work Term into the IMBA program. The goal is to give students international exposure to enhance their ability to participate in the global economy.

This Work Term is one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of the IMBA program. By allowing students to experience and adapt to different business and cultural conditions, it enhances their understanding of the region they specialize in. It also allows them to apply the latest management skills and techniques that they learn in the program.

To date, over 500 organizations in 55 countries have taken an IMBA student for a Work Term. Work Term projects have ranged from industry analyses, to market research, to audit and assessment of company expenditures. See below to view some examples of typical projects IMBA students have participated in.

IMBAs can choose to complete their Work Terms in corporations or in non-profit or public sector organizations. While the ultimate responsibility for finding a placement rests with the student, the IMBA program will provide you with the support and help necessary to make connections.

Students should review this section to learn about Advanced Standing for the Work Term.

The IMBA program suggests that a host organization reimburse its IMBA student at a rate that reflects the nature of the project the student undertakes. However, some students choose to accept an unpaid Work Term abroad in order to acquire specialized experience in paid Work Term abroad options. In some countries, unpaid Work Terms are the norm.

A Partial Listing of Former Work Term Hosts Worldwide

Employer Hosts

At many organizations, strategically important projects can become marginalized due to manpower and/or budget shortages. Our students can effectively manage these projects for you, at a cost that is low when compared to the up-front and ongoing costs of hiring a full time employee.

There is no expectation placed on the host companies regarding full time placement at the end of the student's course of study. Work Terms are viewed as academic, stand alone opportunities, which should be mutually beneficial to both the organization and the student. Many employers, however, have found - upon the successful completion of a Work Term - permanent placement of the individual to be a very low cost method of recruiting 'known quantity' talent.

What Can an IMBA Student Do for Your Organization?

Through their studies, IMBA students are exposed to contexts which differ culturally, linguistically and socially from their own. The program aims to enhance a student's ability to adapt to change and to deal with diversity. You will find that an IMBA, while on a Work Term assignment, can utilize their management education, language training and resourcefulness to undertake meaningful business projects for your organization. Over 500 organizations internationally have directly benefited from internships created in marketing, finance, accounting, operations, general management and human resources.

Hiring Guidelines

Companies who would like to recruit an IMBA student for a Work Term can contact the Assistant Director, Internships and Corporate Services for further information (see contact information below).

Duration
Minimum 12 weeks.

Timing
Students are available for internship on the Work Term during the following time periods: May to August or September to December.

Project Criteria
A challenge that utilizes the student's management training and is of direct benefit to the organization, preferably in the student's second language.

Salary Amount
Negotiated between the student and the organization though organizations usually cover the student's living expenses (rent, transportation to and from the Work Term site, basic food allowance, etc.) plus a small stipend.

Salary Payment
Direct payment to student.

Airfare
Arranged, and paid for, by the student.

Accommodation
Arranged by student with possible assistance from the organization.

Visas
Arranged by student in cooperation with the organization.

Health Coverage
Arranged by the student.

Supervisor's Report
One-page report outlining the student's project and performance at the end of the Work Term.

Student's Report
Written report describing the project.

To Become a Work Term Host

Companies can post an available position for the IMBA students to apply to or they can view the IMBA Resume Directory to recruit a candidate. To receive a copy of the current IMBA Resume Directory or for immediate referrals, please contact us at the address below.

Work Term Posting

To attract the largest selection of candidates, start early with an advertisement that:

• describes the position
• highlights the position's function (accounting, marketing, finance, etc.) and language
• sets an application deadline

The position will then be publicized and resumes of interested students will be sent to you. It is not necessary to fully detail the responsibilities of the position; these details can be discussed with the selected candidates.

You can email, mail or fax the position listing to:

International MBA (IMBA) Program
Schulich School of Business
York University
4700 Keele Street
North York, Ontario
Canada M3J 1P3

Tel: (416) 736-5942
Fax: (416) 650-3552
Email: imba@schulich.yorku.ca

Below are Global Work Term Success Stories of typical projects in which IMBA students have participated:

From Scotiabank Inverlat in Mexico City, Mexico:

“During his time with our subsidiary bank, the student worked for the Corporate Finance Department as a financial analyst. His responsibility included the preparation of financial credit proposals involving corporate clients in Mexico. The student excelled in his role and contributed a wealth of knowledge towards achieving specific goals set out for each individual project.”

From KPMG Korea in Seoul, South Korea:

“The IMBA student was given the role of completing the product line report for a consumer product. This student gave a first class performance. The work was extremely demanding, involving long hours. He produced an excellent report.”

From ABN AMRO Asia Corporate Finance in Hong Kong:

“The IMBA student worked as an intern in the Corporate Finance Group. Her role was to assist the Financial Institutions team in both preparing presentations and pitch documents, as well as in executing corporate finance transactions. She carried out all the tasks assigned to her with speed and precision, and invariably produced work of high quality.”

From Hewlett Packard Canada in Mississauga, Canada:

“The IMBA student developed a competitive analysis process. The project will allow Product Business Managers to make better-educated, more effective decisions as well as educating the field sales organization on our competitive positioning. He exceeded the expectations of both myself as well as my entire team.”

From the Budapest Bank in Budapest, Hungary:

“During the internship the IMBA student conducted regular competitor analysis on the Hungarian market (general and specific) and worked on the finalization of the yearly marketing plan. She easily understood the characteristics of the Hungarian market and her analysis contributed to enabling the bank to react promptly to market changes.”

From the Siemens AG in Moscow, Russia:

“The IMBA student assisted Siemens in strategic planning by completing a major analysis of regional economics of the Russian Federation. The results were very valuable to our company with respect to extending our presence in the Russian market generally, and opening branch offices in particular.”

For more information, please consult our publications.