Brock University’s Goodman School of Business is the first business school in Canada to form a co-op partnership with the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada).
The new partnership will make it possible for Goodman students to work at a United Nations agency on an eight-month co-op work term, starting in September, while receiving up to $1,000 from Brock’s Co-op Education office and an additional $8,000 in financial support from the business school resulting from the Goodman Family Foundation gift made to the school in 2012.
In its 23rd year, UNA-Canada’s International Development and Diplomacy Internship Programme includes a network of more than 600 Canadian youth who have worked in various roles in many countries around the world.
Although the internship program has connected hundreds of interns with international work opportunities, this is the first time UNA-Canada has partnered with a university co-op program.
The partnership opens a world of possibilities for students who could be placed in any country while working as a junior professional consultant in a specific area of business including business analytics, finance, accounting, strategic communications and international trade.
Goodman School of Business Dean Andrew Gaudes said the partnership means students will have access to opportunities that will give them a global perspective.
“We recognize that non-governmental organizations and social responsibility are important elements in addressing global needs,” he said. “Through this collaboration, our students have a wonderful opportunity to be placed around the world to be prepared for a wide variety of needs. We’re addressing individual students’ personal and professional fulfilment objectives and recognizing that they are interested in participating and contributing in a meaningful way beyond the boardroom.”
Past junior professional consultants have worked for the United Nations Development Programme in Cambodia, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Peru and International Organization for Migration in Ghana.
Like all Brock University co-op work terms, UNA-Canada co-op opportunities will be evaluated to ensure students are provided with valuable transferable skills that are relevant to their degrees.
The program will also help students launch careers in international business and give them an understanding of Canada’s role within the United Nations system.
Selected students will be provided with pre-departure training and orientation sessions and will be coached by UNA-Canada throughout their work term.
UNA-Canada President and CEO Kathryn White said the partnership will make a lasting impression on students who are selected.
“UNA-Canada is very pleased to work with our valued partner, Goodman School of Business, to provide remarkable international development experiences for Canadian youth with our UN partners where they will get to accelerate their careers and build long-lasting networks,” she said.
The opportunity is open to all Goodman School of Business undergraduate and graduate co-op students. Interested students can apply for the UNA-Canada positions through the CareerZone job board. Applications are due May 20.
