The six-month program for mathematically trained African graduates prepares students to transition from an academic environment to employment in industry. The 14 women and 12 men participating in the IIP all hold a master’s degree. They come from Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The IIP was launched in July 2017 and is comprised of two academic modules and a 12-week internship with industry partners across Africa. Professors from ESMT faculty teach pro bono on topics such as business etiquette and presentation skills, corporate strategy, finance and accounting, data analytics, and organizational behavior. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides financial support for costs such as travel expenses for students and professors with funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Internship partners in 2018 include B. Braun, Bosch, E-Health Nigeria, Evonik, Hatch, I&M Bank Kenya, Khonology, Krones Kenya, Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, and VW.
“Last year 25 AIMS students from eight African countries completed the Industry Immersion Program,” said Nick Barniville, Associate Dean of Degree Programs at ESMT. “We hope that this pilot program will be emulated and make a contribution to improve graduate employability in Africa.
