The SIGM curriculum combines a rigorous academic schedule, job-search and interview workshops, and networking opportunities with professionals from a wide range of industries. Participants also work on team projects and have small group discussions that promote a diversity of ideas.

Time Commitment

The program is considered full-time. Days typically begin with class sessions until the early afternoon. Later in the day, participants engage in professional development workshops and enjoy presentations from leading companies. During the evenings from Sunday to Thursday, participants work in groups to complete daily assignments and prepare for their final projects. Readings and case studies must be completed before group meetings.

Academics

The SIGM core curriculum covers nine functional areas of business, including: Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Operations, Strategy, Human Resources, Marketing, and Nonprofit. Additional course modules supplement the core: Negotiation, Ethics, Organizational Behavior, and Leadership. These courses are foundational and assume no previous coursework in business-related subjects.

Faculty

The Summer Institute for General Management is led by Faculty Director Kathryn L. Shaw, Ernest C. Arbuckle Professor of Economics.  All SIGM courses are taught by the same faculty who teach in Stanford's MBA program. 

Professional Development

Participants attend workshops on résumé writing, clarifying career goals, job search strategies, interviewing techniques and public speaking.  These workshops equip participants with the skills and information they need to get the jobs and internships they want. 

Guest Speakers

SIGM offers participants the opportunity to engage with professionals from prominent Bay Area companies through the guest speaker series.  We draw from the diversity of the region to explore different industries including investment banking, consulting, nonprofit, retail, advertising, entrepreneurship, sports and technology.