Center for Social Innovation

Open your doors to a Stanford MBA student for a summer internship. Tap into your intern's management expertise and high level of energy while you contribute to his or her personal development and provide an experience that will help inform important career decisions.

What does an MBA intern bring to my organization?

A Turnaround Plan for NOLA Schools A visionary educator works over the summer with a Stanford Graduate School of Business intern to create a turnaround plan for NOLA schools and help raise educational standards in New Orleans.

Stanford MBA students bring a unique combination of business expertise, fresh perspectives, passion, and commitment to the issues you are addressing. For ten to twelve weeks, students commit to a project designed to meet the needs of your organization.

Examples of past summer internship projects include:

• An evaluation system for a social service agency
• An expansion strategy for a national mentoring program
• A restructuring plan for an international development organization

How do I design a successful summer internship?

Stanford MBA students seek:

• A position spanning ten to twelve weeks during the summer
• The chance to positively impact real organizational challenges through a well-scoped, well-defined project utilizing analytical, strategic, and creative skills
• The opportunity to work with senior management and a mentor, and to further develop their own leadership skills

Can I get financial support to pay for an MBA-level salary?

Many nonprofit, government, and social purpose for-profit organizations have summer employment opportunities for graduate students, yet find it difficult to pay MBA-level salaries. You may apply for supplemental funding from the Stanford Management Internship Fund (SMIF).

SMIF Selection Criteria

The SMIF selection process is rigorous, both for organizations that wish to hire a Stanford MBA student and for students interested in participating:

• Organizations must involve their SMIF Fellow in a mission-critical project and mentor the fellow throughout the summer.
• Students must demonstrate preparedness for the experience and a commitment to making real impact as a summer employee.

SMIF Conditions and Eligibility

• Fellowships are granted for ten to twelve weeks.
• Students are eligible only if they return to the GSB after their SMIF fellowship.
• The following organizations are eligible for SMIF support:
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or equivalent, if non-U.S.)
  • Public entities, such as government agencies
  • Selected social purpose for-profit businesses (see SMIF Employer Guide for criteria)