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Frequently Asked Questions by Host Organizations

How do I design a project?
We would be happy to help you design a project to make sure that it is in line with the skills of a business student. It is important to determine whether the project is better suited for an undergraduate or Masters level student. We will also assist you in writing the project description as well if you need us to!

How much do I have to pay the intern?
Host organizations are responsible for 50% of the cost of having an intern. We ask that you guarantee being able to cover this cost BEFORE accepting an intern. The specific cost depends on whether you hire an undergraduate or Masters level student. For a three month period your cost is $2250 for an undergraduate and $3750 for a MBA student.

Am I responsible for deductions (UI and vacation pay)?
This really depends on how you would like to pay the intern. Some organizations are required to be in an “employee” situation which means making deductions. If so, then that is the full responsibility of the organization. Others hire the intern on a contract basis and pay the flat monthly fee.

If I am responsible for half who pays the intern the other half?
Good question! We are technically speaking - at least we help find the funding partner to make sure the student can get paid the other half. Depending on who the funding partner is, the payment arrangements will differ. We will figure that out with you once the details of the funding are in place.

Can I find my own funding partner?
You sure can! More and more we hope that host organizations will work with their funders to enable them to host a business student for the summer. We see this program as a way to “help you do what you do better” and we very much hope funders will agree. If you have suggestions about who might be interested in funding your participation in CEI, we will work to approach them with you.

How much time do we need to commit to training and supervision?
We do not expect the organization to be babysitting; however we expect that the project on which the student will be working be well defined and structured and that the student be adequately introduced to the project at the start of the summer. Although we expect students to be autonomous, it is important that they also be part of a team and experience what it is to work IN a non profit organization.

What are some of the kinds of things that students have done in the past for other organizations?
There are several types of projects that management students have worked on. Undergrad interns have worked on: Web page building, web based research, market research, database building, co-ordination of projects, co-ordination of volunteers, administrative tasks, liaison & communications, organization of events. MBA interns have worked on fundraising strategy development, community relations & engagement strategy building, market entry strategy development, market research & business planning, operating plan development, organizational re-structuring, proposal writing, plan volunteer recruiting initiatives, development of marketing & awareness-raising campaigns. A more detailed list is on our web site if you click on “Are you an Organization” on the top left of the page.

Does the organization have to assign an individual who is directly responsible for the intern?
This really depends on the project. Typically one person has been in charge of the project that the student is working on but there have also been situations where the student is part of a larger team. Both are fine as long as we, CEI, have one person who is the main contact person.

Are there any reporting requirements for the sponsoring organization?
Yes. It is important for us to evaluate the internship and we will ask you to fill out an evaluation form twice during the summer. We will also be in touch with you over the summer and keep on top of how things are going.

What is the caliber of students that apply for these internships?
Over the past 4 years, we have had very highly qualified candidates apply. Organizations have been very impressed with the students they interview and ultimately hire. Often they have been in a situation of wanting to hire more than one candidate. Through our on-going work with alumni, we find that the students that receive CEI internship are highly committed and dedicated individuals.

What is the time line of the application process?
We ask that you submit a project description to us in November. We work with you to find a funding partner. We will post the positions on our web site in February and disseminate them to all business schools in Canada as well. In March we hold our career fairs and the student application deadline falls shortly thereafter. We aim to review and short list all applicants by the end of March, pass on to you that short list and ask that you turn that around in one week. Interviews take place in April and a student should be hired before the end of April. Internships typically begin early to mid May.

How do I know if I require an MBA or BComm student?
The best thing is to send us a description of the project you have in mind and we can help you determine that.

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