About MBA CSI

MBA Community Service Initiative (MBA CSI) was founded in November 2008 by Dave McKenzie and is a key learning component of the John Molson MBA program. The MBA CSI aims to develop future business leaders who are socially responsible global citizens and to create a positive and meaningful impact in the community. The learning objectives of the MBA CSI are consistent with and support Concordia University's Strategic Direction of "Community Engagement and Social Responsibility".

Services / Activities

1. MBA 695 I – Internship (Community Service Elective)

Student interns provide in-depth consulting for credit under the guidance of faculty. Selected students can be full-time or part-time, must be in good academic standing and should have completed at least 4 courses (12 credits) of the program.

• Approved internships are focused on creating a “win-win” for both the organization and the student: providing a relevant service to the organization and experiential learning and three credits for the student
• Internships are posted and students are invited to apply based on their expertise and interest. All applicants will be interviewed and the one with the best fit will be selected
• Students are graded based on an original presentation, performance at the internship site, and on a final report graded by faculty
  
  

2. Volunteer Assistance and Service Opportunities

Communities can request volunteer assistance for specific projects and/or provide service opportunities. The MBA CSI will coordinate assistance and placement. We can also engage communities and propose solutions to problems through mechanisms such as:

• Ask - an - expert: a volunteer bank of students, faculty and staff respond to specific questions and queries within their area of expertise
• Case Studies: faculty develop case studies on specific community issues and have students conduct analysis and propose solutions as part of their course work
• Think Tanks: faculty and students conduct applied research and contribute to policy development in areas of sustainable community economic development
  
  

3. Community and Economic Development Training Programs

In response to specific requests, teams of faculty and students develop and conduct programs to:

• Train communities to create and manage sustainable enterprises
• Help community managers to improve their management, governance and decision-making mechanisms and frameworks
• Train community entrepreneurs to enhance their business and managerial skills