Off to a strong start

Jocelyn Ball is one of the students enrolled in Dal's new MBA Corporate Residency program.

While students are settling into their first month of school, first-year MBA students are eagerly awaiting to hear back from job recruiters.

Last July, the Dalhousie Faculty of Management brought in 41 students to the newly launched MBA Corporate Residency program, which replaces the traditional two-year program. Condensed classes were given through one-week intensive courses in the summer. Students take additional courses in the fall term before heading off to an eight-month paid internship. The final year is a full load of elective courses. Throughout the program, students will be working on extensive projects. Recently, students went through a week long project developing social entrepreneurship programs.

“We want students to learn and apply,” says Peggy Cunningham, Director of the School of Business. “We’re really excited how things are moving ahead.”

The program was designed with collaboration from the business community. The faculty created a corporate advisory board to receive feedback about reshaping the MBA program. “Businesses want employees who are creative and know how to find solutions,” says Dr. Cunningham. “We want to focus on interactive learning.”

The biggest selling point of the program is the eight-month internship. Students met with potential employers in a one-day job fair held last week. The process is simple – employers choose a group of students to interview. On interview day, students have a final shot with employers with a one minute speech. Many of the 21 organizations came from various sectors. Companies hiring Dal interns include IBM, Deloitte, Proctor and Gamble, Shell, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Privy Council of Canada, Health Canada and Halifax Regional Municipality.

“Employers were more than impressed,” says Dr. Cunningham. “I feel like a proud mother. The students did a marvellous job.” 

Professional development is another major component of the program. Students go through personal development classes to gain practical skills for future careers. “We have a partnership with employers to train students for the business environment,” says JoAnne Akerboom, the director of external affairs. “We want students to meet the demands of the workplace.”

The new MBA is a culmination of nearly three years of research and planning. With the positive start, the faculty hopes to admit 80 to 100 students for next year.

“To see the program actually happening is incredible,” says Ms. Akerboom. “The employers were blown away and want to hire more students.”

LINK: MBA Corporate Residency Program, Faculty of Management