Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/56523
to submit projects to undergraduate classes so students can analyze the issues, provide input, and generate solutions. Recently, global retailer Tesco became a paying client and asked one of our inter- disciplinary undergraduate teams to refresh its customer-focused "Every Little Helps" campaign. While Tesco was extremely pleased with the work, the best compliment came when the company incorpo- rated our students' recommenda- tions into its marketing plan. This type of program can be a win-win for all involved: Compa- nies benefit from fresh perspectives and get access to potential future employees, while students have the opportunity to prepare for intern- ships and real jobs. Fourth Challenge: Providing Global Exposure While there are a handful of schools that believe in undergraduate intern- ships, they often fail in a key area: offering international work opportu- nities to their students. This is most unfortunate because—as the eco- nomic downturn has made clear— markets, financing, production, and supply chains are increasingly global. In fact, even when this crisis is over, the continuing rise of new economies will force most businesses to compete more aggressively. These changing realities mean that every business major must develop a global vision of com- mercial activity and cultivate a true understanding of the cultures and business practices in other nations, particularly China. To accomplish this, I believe business schools will need to require all undergraduate An expanded internship program for undergraduates will elevate a business school's MBA program and play a key role in developing undergraduates into real leaders. business majors to spend some time participating in overseas internships prior to graduation. To my colleagues who'll say, "That looks good on paper, but how can we pay for such programs?" I offer the following two suggestions: • Dedicate a portion of donor outreach activities to raising funds for international internships. Target donors who understand the need for a strong focus on international studies because they own or manage international businesses. • Approach international com- panies that recruit at the school and ask them to provide overseas intern- ships, including travel and accom- modations. In return, offer them free consulting services from faculty or in-class "bridge" classes on specific real-world projects. Developing Leaders So what will happen to our MBA students if the "MBA experience" now starts at the undergraduate level? I believe business schools must develop MBA programs that provide students with unique opportunities to combine curriculum and practice throughout their MBA careers. The goal should be to develop programs with extended internships—including substantial live-and-work opportuni- ties overseas for six weeks or more— that are complemented by business seminar courses to integrate the internships into the rest of the pro- gram. Through this approach, MBAs will not only build on their BBA experiences, but take those experi- ences to the next level. The reality is that an expanded internship program for undergradu- ates will elevate a business school's MBA program and play a key role in developing undergraduates into real leaders. Time and again at Farmer, we've seen undergraduates come out of internship experiences with increased confidence and assertive- ness. Indeed, they show more lead- ership in everything they do—from completing class teamwork assign- ments to taking positions of responsi- bility within campus organizations. Undergraduates who participate in internships also build well-rounded resumes and develop a network of business contacts. Most important, they learn about their own inner landscapes: what experiences stimu- late them, what careers appeal to them, and what work environments make them satisfied and productive. At a time when the business com- munity is under intense scrutiny and criticism, we must take steps to increase the value and relevance of all business education. If we start by enhancing the total value of the internship experience, beginning at the undergraduate level, everyone— students, business schools, and the corporate world—will benefit. It's a tall order with many chal- lenges, but I'm confident it can be accomplished. More important, if we do not take action, we will continue to squander an incredible opportu- nity to enhance the development of our undergraduate students. ■ z Roger Jenkins is dean of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. BizEd NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 55