October 14, 2008 - 3:59am
A unique student internship program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is making a big impact in the business world.
Sixty students in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program recently completed four-month internships for high profile companies and organizations, including the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Meyers Norris Penny Chartered Accounts, Nanaimo Airport Commission, the Business Development Bank of Canada and the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, to name a few.
“The response from regional businesses and organizations in supporting our MBA students has been fantastic,” said John Woychuk, Internship Coordinator.
“Employers tell us the interns have exceeded their expectations. I am blown away by the response of the business community, and their enthusiasm and appreciation for our students’ work. We’d like to thank the fifty-plus companies and organizations who hosted our first class of interns. Their commitment and willingness to take on a MBA student intern made our program a stunning success.”
VIU's MBA program and internship component is unique in Canada. Students earn two degrees – a Master’s in Business Administration from VIU and a Master’s in Science from Hertfordshire University in the United Kingdom.
They complete one year of intensive course work, then a four month internship where they apply their skills and knowledge in a real world setting. The 14-month program is offered in a condensed time-frame so students can enter the workforce faster.
“The internship component gives students the opportunity to apply their skills and leave a lasting legacy with their work,” said Woychuk. “Students love it. The program builds a bridge from their education to the workforce.”
MBA student Veronica Villalva attests to the value of the internship experience. She left Mexico City a year ago to live and study in Canada.
“What attracted me to VIU was the fact that MBA students earn two degrees,” she said. “The internship component was another compelling feature.”
As an intern, Villalva worked for the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), helping plan and organize the Vancouver Island Economic Summit which takes place in Nanaimo October 21 and 22.
“Together with another student intern, I spent four months meeting with mayors, community leaders, First Nations leaders, and others in several Island communities including Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Comox and Gold River to learn about the state of Vancouver Island’s economy,” she said. “A highlight was interviewing Vancouver Island University’s new Chancellor, Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. He has a huge and great perspective on life."
“Our research and fact-finding will form part of the State of the Economy Address by the Chair of VIEA during the Summit. It’s been a great way for me to see Vancouver Island and learn about the culture of Canadian people. My internship confirmed that positive thinking, hard work, and good relationships are key to opening doors. There will be always challenges but with every challenge there will be new opportunities too.”
Cori-Lynn Germiquet, President of Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, said the contribution of student interns has been invaluable.
“Given the nature and young age of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, we don’t have the financial capacity to employ a full staff complement,” said Carlson. “The interns have helped tremendously in the facilitation of our research.”
Brook Pearce, VIU Internship Coordinator, said MBA students come from several countries around the world, which provides a further benefit to employers.
“These students provide the energy, scope and international perspective that many organizations and businesses desire. In many cases, our interns assist with tasks and projects companies wouldn’t normally have the resources to undertake. For employers, it’s like a four-month interview process to discover potential employees.”
With the first cohort of MBA interns now seeking full-time employment, Woychuk and Pearce are focusing on the next group.
“We have 40 students ready to begin their four-month internships in November, but don’t worry if November doesn’t suit your business schedule. We'll have 60 more MBA students looking for internship opportunities next July," Pearce said.
“We’re open to work with any organization from small start-ups to large, established businesses. If your company or organization can benefit from a student intern, please give us a call.”
To find out more, contact Brook Pearce at brook.pearce@viu.ca or John Woychuk john.woychuk@viu.ca
Tags: In the Community
