"We are very impressed with the conceptual frame used for the market analysis...the management team is already discussing our growth strategy using some terms created during the project: public and private market, central and regional, different segmentation for the clients...something we have been dreaming of but didn't have the chance to build by ourselves."
-SMIF employer, Thiago Venco with Diagnostica (an Endeavor affiliated organization) in Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Ana Paula Azuela, SMIF Fellow, 2006,
UNDP-Brazil
SMIF for Employers: Valuable MBA Skills for Meaningful Organizational Projects
Open your doors to a Stanford MBA student for a summer internship. Tap into their expertise and gain valuable insight on a project of importance to your organization. SMIF Fellows come to your organization not only with MBA skills and passion for your mission, but supplemental funding to complement your organization’s financial commitment.
SMIF Fellows seek a summer experience with:
- a position spanning at least 10 weeks, and up to 12 weeks, during the summer between the first and second year of their MBA program
- the chance to positively impact real organizational challenges through a well-scoped, well-defined project utilizing analytical, strategic, and creative skills
- the opportunity to work with senior management and a mentor, and to further develop their own leadership skills
Employer Eligibility
The following organizations are eligible for SMIF support:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or equivalent, if non-U.S.)
- public entities, such as government agencies
- social purpose for-profit businesses who fulfill the following criteria:
a strong majority of the business’s efforts (preferably the core activity) directly addresses a social or environmental issue.
The following organizations are not eligible for SMIF support:
- organizations who have the promotion of a particular political party or candidacy as its core purpose.
- organizations that are primarily religious in nature (but organizations with religious affiliation might be eligible, check with SMIF student leaders or SMIF’s staff advisor for details).
Funding Structure
Employers are asked to contribute a portion of the financial compensation to the student. For 2008, SMIF requests an employer contribution of $600 - $1000 per week for a minimum of 10 weeks. Some employers contribute to the Fellow’s compensation using outside foundation funding, technical assistance grants, or in-kind donations of summer housing or transportation. Supplemental funds are provided by SMIF to enable recipients to earn a total salary commensurate with their peers in the private sector.
Timing
The recruiting season for summer jobs, during which employers interview students on campus or post job listings to the GSB Job Board, starts in late January. Most organizations make job offers between March and May. SMIF Fellowship applications, considered through a competitive process, are submitted jointly by the student and employer in one of three decision rounds:
Application Deadline |
Notification |
|
Early Round |
February 15, 2008 |
February 25, 2008 |
Primary Round |
April 11, 2008 |
April 27, 2008 |
Final Round |
May 16, 2008 |
May 25, 2008 |
Rolling |
Rolling until June 1 Subject to funding availability |
Rolling until June 1 Subject to funding availability |
Getting Started
If you’re ready to bring aboard the skills of an MBA student, here’s how to get started:
- Develop your summer project and job description. See the Guide for SMIF Employers
- Post a SMIF opportunity at the GSB Job Board. Login to the Recruiter Dashboard, and select "Add a new job" in the Alumni/Student Job Board Postings section.
- Interview students for your position.
- Work with your intern to submit a SMIF application. Students identify their own internships and bring them forward for SMIF funding. Once you’ve made a job offer to a student, he/she will usher you through the SMIF application process.
Looking for Something Different?
Consider these other opportunities to bring MBA skills to your organization (for nonprofits in San Francisco Bay Area only):
Questions?
Email the SMIF Student Leadership or SMIF’s Staff Advisor
