For Organizations

HBS students offer exceptional talent, a record of accomplishment, demonstrated leadership potential, cooperative spirit, and a commitment to making a difference. As part of their experience at HBS, students learn to define problems, exercise judgment, make decisions, communicate effectively, and take responsibility while staying focused on devising and implementing action plans. Students can apply for the HBS Social Enterprise Summer Fellowship to supplement the salary from hiring organizations.

Feedback from students and employers has helped us identify some key elements for a successful experience:

• A high level of responsibility with significant chance to explore issues of management in social enterprise
• A clear reporting relationship to a skilled professional, with opportunities for one-on-one mentorship
• Regular meetings throughout summer, and mid-summer and end of summer feedback sessions
• Interaction with other members of staff and key constituencies, including clients, board members, and partnering organizations
• A clear understanding between student and employer of the work to be accomplished and the resources necessary to complete the job
• Ownership of specific project(s) with deliverables
• Financial and time commitment from organization (see "Your Commitment")

• Over-invest upfront in bringing the associate up to speed and integrating them into the organization
• Consider offering an intro session to discuss with the associate the culture of the organization, best-practices in working with colleagues and clients, and (if applicable) background on country culture
• Work with the student to understand their goals for the summer, and how the experience can help meet the goals of both the student and organization
• Create opportunities for interaction with other members of staff and key constituencies, including clients, board members, and partnering organizations
• Be ready to act as a mentor to the student
• Hold regular meetings throughout summer, and mid-summer and end of summer feedback sessions
• Create an atmosphere that allows the individual to take risk and to be a full team member
• Give them enough support and access to resources that they can be successful but make sure you also give them autonomy
• Establish deadlines, and short-term and intermediate goals, to increase quality and effectiveness of the product and the experience
• Make sure that program staff can dedicate time to the project as well, and is positioned to continue/ implement the work after the student leaves