Want to test drive an MBA? The University of Chicago Booth School of Business provides an opportunity to do just that through its Summer Business Scholars Program (SBSP). This unique program convenes participants from around the globe on Booth’s campus for three weeks during the summer to study accounting, finance, marketing and leadership while gaining valuable career development insight and networking opportunities with Chicago-based companies.
The goal of the SBSP is to give participating scholars a unique opportunity to learn business principles and gain hands-on experience before starting their careers. This year, Chicago Booth has carefully reviewed applications to assemble a diverse group of 65 participants from 25 different countries. Beyond their international diversity, the group also represents a wide range of undergraduate majors, from economics to art history to biomedical engineering.
Taught by a combination of Chicago Booth adjunct professors and full-time PhD students, the SBSP curriculum includes foundational coursework on accounting, finance and marketing. Coursework fills each morning, and afternoons include professional skill-building workshops, alumni panels and lectures from Chicago Booth’s full-time MBA Program faculty. One day each week, Scholars visit Chicago-area companies and enjoy lunch together in the city.
Scholars have their evenings free to study and discover Chicago. Outside of the Booth campus, they’ll get to explore the city on an architectural boat tour, visit historical venues, take part in vibrant summer festivals and sample the many culinary delights Chicago is known for.
There is a $6,300 program fee to take part in the SBSP, which includes all instruction, books and materials, accommodations (with roommates) at Baumhart Hall, and some board (most meals Monday through Friday). Transportation to all corporate visits, special events and entry fees to local Chicago attractions scheduled within the program are also included. A limited number of merit-based scholars are also available.
The SBSP Class of 2015 arrives in less than a week. To learn more or follow their adventures, check out Facebook and Instagram #BoothSBSP starting on July 11th.
