Image by Victoria Durgin – The Quill
By Tre Shuttlesworth News Editor
The Sigmund Weis School of Business (SWSB) announced last week that the school will now guarantee an international internship opportunity for its students starting with the class of 2023.
This new policy is coordinated between the SWSB and Global Opportunities (GO) Office at Susquehanna . Fulfillment of international internships can cover the study abroad requirement at Susquehanna.
Several Susquehanna business students have already enjoyed the benefits of international internship opportunities such as junior marketing majors Peter Yarem and Erin McCabe.
Yarem found an internship opportunity as part of the Sigmund Weis School of Business London Program in the fall 2019 semester.
He interned with startup JAFA (Just A Fan’s Analysis) which combines news aggregation with the community interaction of services like Reddit for soccer in England.
The internship gave him a background in the management of digital content, maintaining social media platforms and data analysis.
Yarem feels his time with JAFA could provide the background to work internationally where online sports content isn’t as developed.
“If I were to potentially want to go into that field, I could definitely bring more knowledge from over here in the United States. It’s definitely open to opportunities if I would want to pursue that,” Yarem said.
He also described the value of getting to experience such a different work environment from his American internships.
“Just the way they go about their day-to-day operations is a lot different. It is definitely something eye opening to see,” said Yarem.
McCabe also took part in the business school’s London Program in the fall 2019 semester, interning with Rosa, the UK Fund for Women and Girls.
Rosa is currently the only funding organization for women’s sector charities, collecting donations to finance grant programs.
McCabe got experience working in both marketing and communications for the organization, managing social media content across multiple platforms with scheduling service Buffer.
She feels the opportunity to intern abroad increased her chances of gaining employment internationally after graduating.
“Having international experience makes you a better global candidate. I definitely think it opens you up to global opportunities,” said McCabe
Dean of the Business School Matthew Rousu spoke highly of the value of an international internship for Susquehanna students.
“For business students, an international internship provides them with a tremendous experience and a major talking point when they’re meeting with prospective employers, setting them up for professional success, whether they accept a job offer overseas or work for a U.S.-based company,” Rousu said.
McCabe also feels this announcement creates value in Susquehanna for prospective students.
“Having that guarantee definitely is a benefit for students interested in the business school,” McCabe said.
Susquehanna has reported that 40% of the Class of 2020 business students have completed international internships, with interest continuing to increase.
The business school currently offers approved programs in London and Chester, England, Hamburg, Germany, Waikato, New Zealand, Barcelona, Spain and Singapore with plans to expand choices over the next academic year. Next year, official programs will also be offered in Hong Kong, Sydney, Australia and Melbourne, Australia.
Another benefit for business school students is inclusion of financial support to help make international internship opportunities possible. According to Susquehanna University’s website, in 2019-20 every business student received some level of financial aid.