- Prospective Students
- Faculty & Research
- Alumni & Friends
- Corporate Connections
- News Room
- Personal mentoring from the SBL Faculty and Staff;
- Targeted guidance and counseling for finding a summer internship;
- Professional development tailored to non-traditional business careers;
- Priority registration for independent study with SBL and courses taught by Professor Wertman;
- Unique, private opportunities to meet with industry leaders and exposure to best practices in social entrepreneurship;
- Funding towards professional development; and
- A subsidy of up to $2,500 if you choose to complete a summer internship at an eligible non-profit organization.
- The employment should be for a full-time summer position lasting for eight to twelve weeks.
- Preference is given to students who accept a non-profit internship benefiting the social sector. A 'non-profit internship' is defined as a student working for a government agency or recognized nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax status (or overseas equivalent) on a specific project with a deliverable at the end of the summer (e.g. business plan, marketing plan, strategic plan, etc). The Subsidy Committee will not approve positions with job responsibilities that are determined to be sectarian, politically partisan, or that benefit a trade organization (i.e. a non-profit agency that supports fashion designers).
- Only projects that demonstrate the application of management skills and material covered in the MBA program are eligible. Projects that are exclusively research–oriented are unlikely to be approved.
- The Subsidy Committee regards financial support from the host organization as a sign of commitment to the applicant. The host organization is expected to a minimum of $1,000 for the summer.
- Applications will be reviewed the week of May 3 and awards will be announced prior to the last day of spring finals. Awards will be made on a funds–available basis. Students are eligible to receive a maximum of $2,500 in subsidy for the summer. Students can check with the SBL for the status of available funding at any time in the cycle.
- At the end of the internship, each subsidy recipient is expected to write i) a paragraph for publication and ii) a summary report (3–5 pages) on his or her experience, due no later than September 9, 2011. This is intended to brief alumni donors who sponsor the program; offer advice to students interested in applying for a subsidy in the future; and increase awareness of program among students. In addition, the recipient may be asked to: speak in both organized and informal settings to other students about the summer experience; attend an event with alumni sponsor; write an article on the summer experience.
- To apply, students must submit a detailed sponsorship letter from the organization and the organization's IRS letter designating not for profit [501(c)(3)] status (if applicable). The sponsorship letter is a signed letter from a senior executive of the host organization, addressed to the prospective Fellow and setting forth the actual job offer and the specifics of the position including:
- Professional advice from successful social entrepreneurs (complete bios of past mentors can be found here);
- Exposure to best practices in social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, non-profit management and sustainability;
- Invitation to a formal meal with all mentors and mentees;
- At least two private one-on-one meetings with your mentor;
- A career shadowing day hosted by your mentor; and
- Access to SBL Staff and the SBL student and professional network.
- Discusses the area of business that interests you and what qualities and skills are you looking to develop to work in that area of business; and
- Discusses one social issue (e.g. poverty, homelessness, hunger, education, health, environment, etc.) you would like to effect using your business skills.
Student Programs
Society and Business Fellows Cohort 1We offer a range of programs that provide ongoing education and hands-on experiences to enhance and deepen what our students learn in the classroom. In addition to participating in the programs listed below, students who want to learn more about topics in business and society can find reading materials and student clubs on our Resources page. For more information about any of the following student programs, please contact Abby Fifer Mandell, Associate Director & Director of Education.
Society and Business Fellowship
The Society and Business Fellowship is a highly selective designation awarded to a small cadre of Marshall MBA students in each class pursuing careers in poverty alleviation, including homelessness, education, and health.
Society and Business Fellows receive:In addition, Fellows join a cohort of like-minded students and develop professional networking relationships with colleagues who share their values.
To apply, 1) submit your resume and 2) compose an essay of no more than 500 words that describes why you would be a good fit for the Society and Business Fellowship; and discusses your career aspirations.
Application information for the 2012-2013 Society and Business Fellowship will be posted during the Spring 2012 semester.
Please contact Abby Fifer Mandell, SBL Associate Director & Director of Education, with any questions.
MBA Summer Internship Subsidy
The MBA Summer Internship Subsidy encourages and supports the participation of Marshall MBA students in the social enterprise and non-profit sector. Organizations with summer internships represent education, arts and culture, environment, human services, international relief, nonprofit consulting, community development, and other social initiatives.
Learn about current and past summer intern subsidy recipients by following their blog
Subsidy is available for a limited number of students for the summer between their first and second years of the MBA Program according to the following criteria:
Job responsibilities and specific project to be completed by the student
Name, title, telephone number and fax number of project supervisor
Human resources contact
Facility and equipment resources allocated (office, computer, etc.)
Starting date and ending date
Number of weeks and hours per week
Compensation
Other terms and conditions of employment
Questions about the MBA Summer Internship Subsidy and application materials should be directed to
2010 MBA Summer Internship Subsidy Recipients
Abby Fifer Mandell, SBL Associate Director & Director of Education.
Jennie Bartkowiak - Marshall MBA, Education Pioneers
Jyoti Gaur - Marshall MBA, Deshpande Foundation
Jesse Goldberg - Marshall MBA, Deshpande Foundation
Molly Larson - Marshall MBA, Chrysalis
Jacob Sullivan - Marshall MBA, Education Pioneers
2009 MBA Summer Internship Subsidy Recipients
David Berman - Marshall MBA, Chrysalis
Courtney Brunious - Marshall MBA, Pacific Charter School Development through Education Pioneers
Anil Chintalpudi - Marshall MBA, Families in School (FIS) through Education Pioneers
Kelly Heintz - Marshall MBA, Green Dot through Education Pioneers
Sandy Hirschberg - Marshall MBA, GE in Mexico
Erin Keller - MBA.PM, Fulfillment Fund
SBL Scholars Mentoring Program
The Society and Business Lab (SBL) Scholars Mentoring Program is a one year program that offers an elite group of undergraduate students passionate about social enterprise with personal mentoring from industry experts.
Students accepted into the program will receive:
Program Eligibility. Preference is given to undergraduate students in the Marshall School of Business.
Application Process. To apply, 1) submit a resume and 2) compose an essay of no more than 500 words that
Deadline to Apply. The deadline for applications has passed for academic year 11/12. Please check back in Spring 2012 for new deadline dates.
Contact Information. For questions and additional information, please contact Janet Kramer at jekramer@marshall.usc.edu
Greg Woodburn, '12 SBL Scholar Alum
Global Business Brigades (GBB)
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in a week-long service learning experience in Honduras, Africa or the Zurlular region of Panama. Students work with a local micro-enterprise to improve the success and sustainability of the business. This includes living in the rural community for a week, learning about the business, and using business skills to help with marketing, operations, finance, and accounting. Brigade members will work directly with micro-enterprise members, prepare and present workshops, and spend a few days exploring the nearest city with Global Business Brigade guides.
For more information, please visit Marshall's Office of Student Services website.
Summer Social Entrepreneurship Internships in Africa
In partnership with ThinkImpact, the USC Marshall School of Business offers three summer social entrepreneur internships in Kenya and South Africa.
ThinkImpact builds social businesses in rural Africa by taking students to live and work with community entrepreneurs. You will identify and evaluate supply chains, and develop a socially innovative business plan. You will learn through an asset-based community development curriculum and help create jobs, products and services that change lives. You will also get to explore Kenya or South Africa.
With support from the Marshall Student Services Office and the Society and Business Lab selected students will be awarded a $4,000 scholarship leaving the total cost of the 10-week summer experience (plus airfare to Africa) at just $2,500*! (* = Travel to Washington DC for training is not included in this cost.)
Marshall majors who are sophomores, juniors and seniors with a 3.0 and above overall GPA are eligible to apply.
For more information, please contact Guillermina Molina or visit HOH 200.
Learn about 2011 USC ThinkImpact South Africa and Kenya Scholars by following their blogs
SBL Internship
SBL interns help us plan programs, manage events, and perform research. If you are hardworking, energetic, interested in social enterprise, and can work well in team settings and independently, we want to meet you! SBL hires interns on an as-needed basis. For more information, please contact Abby Fifer Mandell, Associate Director and Director of Education.
Student Organization Grants
SBL is pleased to offer funding to recognized student organizations for programmatic events.
Student organizations may apply for grants of up to $500 for one-time events. Interested applicants should contact Abby Fifer Mandell, Associate Director & Director of Education, no less than six weeks in advance of the proposed event.
- News Room
- Corporate Connections
- Alumni & Friends
- Faculty & Research
