During business school, a summer internship offers invaluable real-world experience, illuminates lessons learned in the classroom and provides a foot in the door at target post-MBA firms. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of internships typically offered to MBA students has taken a hit. In response to these trying conditions, the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business launched a new internship program and a new summer requirement beginning with their Class of 2022.
New Internship Program at Michigan Ross
The new internship experience, called Michigan Ross Business Consultant Core, connects students with executives from sponsoring organizations to work on projects related to business strategy, marketing, operations and more. Dozens of sponsor companies have signed up and they span industries including tech, healthcare and manufacturing. Ross faculty and alumni will also engage participating students in weekly workshops, mentoring and/or professional development support. 120 rising second-year MBAs and BBA seniors are expected to participate this summer, from June 1 to August 1.
“Most Ross students have secured and retained summer internships, but there are a number of students who have had their internship canceled due to the pandemic,” said Scott DeRue, the Edward J. Frey Dean of Michigan Ross. “We saw an opportunity to help our students gain valuable experience, while at the same time helping organizations that need support as they work to address the new and unforeseen challenges brought on by this global health crisis.”
Students participating in the Business Consultant Corps will receive a stipend based on alumni and donor support, and the businesses will not be charged. The project teams will work together virtually during the eight-week program.
New Summer Experience Requirement for MBA Students
Beginning with the Class of 2022, full-time MBA students will need to complete a practical experience during the summer between their first and second years. It must be six to 12 weeks in length and can be obtained at a variety of organizations, domestically or internationally. The practical experience may take the form of an internship, the new Business Consulting Corps, or other program. Other summer programs highlighted by Ross include entrepreneurial internships through the Desai Accelerator and Zell Lurie Institute, social impact internships through the Ross Business+Impact initiative and William Davidson Institute, and team projects organized by the Tauber Institute for Global Operations. The school and Career Development Office will assist students in sourcing action-based summer experiences.
“The new requirement formalizes our belief at Michigan Ross that students greatly benefit from practical experience between their first and second year,” said Brad Killaly, associate dean of Full-Time and Global MBA Programs at Michigan Ross. “By adding the requirement, we are also affirming our commitment to helping our students secure this valuable learning experience.”
See the full announcement from Ross here.
