The Global Impact Internship Program supports partnerships between organizations or businesses operating in emerging market economies and University of Michigan graduate students interested in pursuing summer internship projects in those countries.

The WDI Global Impact internship placement is structured in such a way as to provide the host organization with real substantive value and the intern with a valuable learning experience.   The student interns will help increase the capacity of the organization by working on specific substantive issues or challenges that the organization is facing, applying the latest business analytical tools and techniques, and providing actionable recommendations. 

Projects in the past have included expansion strategies, impact assessments, new business development, marketing strategies, microfinance, etc. (see examples of our 2011 Partner Organizations). 

To facilitate a productive and rewarding internship, WDI internship projects have the following characteristics:

• Focused on a project or projects that are strategic and most needed to the sponsor
• Students receives guidance and supervision from leadership in the business unit or organization
• Involves full-time substantive work for 12-weeks between May and August

Although there are exceptions, WDI typically provides students a fellowship of up to $10,000 and up to $1500 airfare reimbursement for their internship.  Partner organizations are also expected to contribute either financially or in-kind (local housing, transportation, meal allowance, etc.).

Student safety is of primary importance to us.   WDI follows the Ross School of Business' policy re. student international travel.   WDI does NOT support internship projects in countries that are on the US Department of State Travel warning List: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

If your organization is interested in participating in WDI's Global Impact Internship 2011 program, please complete the following online proposal submission form:

         Project Proposal Form

For more information about the WDI Global Impact Internship program, please contact Sinia Whatmore at surya@umich.edu.