DeGroote and Mitacs launch new student internships for community businesses

June 8, 2020 ·

Contributed by: Rebecca Hull, Marketing and Communications Strategist

A woman seated at a desk, engaged in a video conference while taking notes on her computer.

Mitacs Business Strategy Internship

The Mitacs Business Strategy Internship aims to provide business students with the opportunity to apply classroom learnings to real-world situations. The DeGroote School of Business is proud to be an academic partner of Mitacs and this initiative.

The internship will provide a $10,000 award per student for undergraduate and graduate students to tackle a four-month project with a small or medium business or a not-for-profit organization. Selected students will analyze opportunities and provide strategic support to help organizations adapt and grow their business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Any project selected can address one, or a combination of, business strategy problems related to marketing, operations, finance, accounting, or any other business field.

Career and Professional Development

Working with DeGroote faculty and the Career and Professional Development team, any project selected will receive oversight and supervision from both the partner organization and DeGroote’s faculty.

Students will report on the progress of the project once a week. After four months, the partner organization and student are required to complete an exit survey, a report on the skills developed, and the overall experience of participating in this program. Students will also be required to complete a final report that summarizes their work and the impact this program had on their development.

DeGroote will review any project to ensure it is appropriate for our students before submission to Mitacs and will review if it is eligible for the Business Strategy Internship Program.

Any student chosen will also receive the added benefit of being able to complete supplemental online training provided by Mitacs and their EDGE training program.

DeGroote is excited about the potential this program has for both our students and the community.

At DeGroote, we know it is a difficult time for our business community and our students and faculty want to do all that they can to help. That is why we are thrilled to partner with Mitacs to put our acquired and extensive knowledge to work this summer for businesses and not-for-profits,” said Dean Leonard Waverman.

Support Business Community

The partnership with Mitacs will continue to build and strengthen relationships DeGroote has with the business community in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area; while developing the skills students require in a modern workplace, including communication, problem-solving, innovation, and change management.

COVID-19 has proven to be a significant disruption to business and education alike. It remains vital for the School to find new opportunities to strengthen our relationships with the community while ensuring students access new learning and training opportunities. This internship grants students the ability to expand their network of peers, faculty, business leaders, and the overall community.

How to Apply

If you are a Small to Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) or non-profit organization that is interested in providing a business strategy internship or a DeGroote undergraduate or graduate student, visit the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship webpage for more information.