Economies across the globe are relying on Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship has never been so big. In fact, economies across the globe are relying on entrepreneurs who can innovate, create , lead and expand firms into successful and ethical operations . Also, to be successful in global markets, one needs a good understanding of financial models today.

With this in mind, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina, is introducing the Summer Business Immersion programme, which aims to develop the next generation of business leaders.

The programme is open to undergraduate students from across the world, currently enrolled in a university. While 30-40 students from across the world and the US are going to be part of this programme, it aims to provide knowledge pertinent to the development of the next generation of successful and responsible business leaders , be it entrepreneurs, investment bankers, security analysts, consultants or general business executives.

Students will participate in an entrepreneurship and business planning class, as well as a financial modelling class taught by Kenan-Flagler instructors. In addition, explains Jayashankar M Swaminathan, director, UNC Centre for International Business Education and Research, Kenan-Flagler Business School, "they will learn from academics and business leaders in a series of lectures and company visits as part of the business insights ."

As to the strengths of the modules, Swaminathan says the class will include meetings with real and serial entrepreneurs, along with team work, to develop a business plan for students' own ventures, and practice of presentation skills to make a business pitch. He further adds, "The financial modelling class develops skills in designing and constructing financial models for analysing a variety of decisions — problems facing today's financial managers and professionals. The finance class takes place in Kenan-Flagler's state-of-the art Capital Markets Lab."

The lab provides a real-world setting for students to use information and complex analytical tools to manage assets and add value for future clients. Finally, the programme consists of field trips to industries. What is it that the school is looking for in students? "We are looking for motivated and dynamic students with an interest in entrepreneurship and a drive to become future leaders. Students need to be able to work in teams and enjoy hands-on , experiential learning," says Swaminathan.

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive UNC credit (six US credit hours) and a UNC transcript. Cost of the programme will come to $5,900 (approx) and housing costs will amount to $855 (approx).

Eligibility criteria

• Students need to be currently enrolled as undergraduates in good standing at their home university
• Have a minimum equivalency of a grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4 point scale; equivalent to a B average). For international grade conversion, go to www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide
• Have completed basic courses in corporate finance and financial accounting
• Be proficient in computer spreadsheet (Excel) use
• Be fluent in spoken and written English (proven by your TOEFL or IELTS score)

WHEN TO APPLY?
The 2013 application and instructions will be posted on www.ciber.unc.edu/summerbusines simmersion