Business schools launch global cross-school exchange programme for Master’s in Management students

Four leading international business schools have joined together to create a global, multiple school exchange programme for Master’s in Management students.

The Global MiM Network allows four students at each member school to take courses at one or more partner institutions, providing a more global study experience without the bureaucracy or the cost of a full-time overseas programme.

The exchange will be run between four schools: Imperial College Business School in the UK, ESMT Berlin in Germany, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business in Singapore and Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in Canada.

The exchange programme has been created to meet the needs of students who expect a more global, practically focussed study experience in order to build the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully pursue careers in international business.

Students participating in the Global MiM Network will be able to take core modules at their home business school, before travelling overseas to complete additional courses at one or more of the other schools in the alliance. Unlike traditional exchange programmes, students will have greater flexibility to tailor their academic and personal journey across four different locations.

Students will also have the option to undertake internships in companies whilst studying at some of the partner schools, so they can gain first-hand experience of working in international business across the globe and broaden their options after graduation. They will have access to the career services and recruitment events at the schools they attend during the exchange.

After graduation, these students will become part of the alumni networks from the schools they attended as part of the exchange.

Leila Guerra, Associate Dean of Programmes at Imperial College Business School said:

“As the focus of business becomes increasingly global, Millennials and Gen-Z master’s students are seeking careers beyond their home country and demand a more diverse study experience that will prepare them for careers in any industry or destination.

“By taking part in the Global MiM Network, students will greatly expand their personal and professional networks, benefit from the insights of professors at other institutions and gain greater understanding of the cultural dynamics and challenges of working in international business.”

Students who participate in the Global MiM Network will be supported during their study decisions via a pathway programme, aligned across the curricula and individual expertise of each participating school.

Upon graduation, students will receive a degree from their home school as well as certificates reflecting the courses taken at other partner institutions.

Nick Barniville, Associate Dean of Degree Programs at ESMT explains:

“In contrast to traditional exchange programs which are standard, semester-long, untailored programs, schools in the Global MiM Network are each offering different, customized experiences to participants from other schools. Students can pick and choose from both academic and project-based modules of different durations at various times across the year, and will be encouraged to take multiple exchanges.”

Professor Gerard George, Dean of SMU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, and Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship said:

“The world of business is more connected than ever. Employers typically select graduates who are adaptable, embrace diversity, and can thrive in a global environment. With the Global MiM Network, our students benefit from a multifaceted learning experience that fosters cultural fluency and international understanding, including the advantage of deep networks forged with peers around the world. The Network furthers our mission of nurturing globally-minded future leaders of society.”

There will be no additional tuition fees required from students seeking to participate in the Global MiM Network, which will be offered to four students at each institution starting their studies in August and September 2019.