Intern s Guide to the Internship

Transcription

1 In Partnership With University of Hertfordshire MBA/MScIM Program Intern s Guide to the Internship 2015 Vancouver Island University 900 Fifth Street Nanaimo BC V9R 5S5

2 Contents MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT 580/582 INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS... 3 INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW... 4 THE FOUR PILLARS OF AN INTERNSHIP... 4 LEARNING OUTCOMES... 4 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP... 4 INTERNSHIP APPLICATION AND HIRING PROCESS FOR POSTED INTERNSHIPS... 5 DEFINITION OF TERMS... 6 GRADES... 7 DELIVERABLES... 7 Addendum A MBA Work Term Record... 8 Addendum B Reflection # Addendum C Reflection # Addendum D Final Reflection Addendum E Final Evaluation Business Plan Guide Coversheet Executive Summary Mission/Vision statement Description of business Marketing Plan Implementation Financial Documents Supporting Documentation Neatness/Professionalism Feasibility/ Ability to Implement JOB SEARCH SAFETY ADVICE

3 Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Science in International Management 580/582 Internship Requirements In order for you to successfully complete and receive passing credit for your Internship the following requirements must be fully met. 1. Attend at least one (1) meeting with an Internship coordinator within the first two (2) months of the first semester. 2. Full attendance is required for the completion of the MBA 578 and 579 Internship courses. Students must complete all 578 and 579 course requirements before they will be allowed to start their MBA 580/582 internship portion of the program. Unexcused absences could result in ineligibility for internship. 3. International Interns doing an internship in Canada must apply for an Internship Work Permit prior to commencing an Internship. Interns considering Internships in countries other than Canada are responsible to research and secure appropriate work permits. Please go to the main reception in building 255 (International Education) for more information regarding work permits. 4. Collaboratively complete your work term record (Internship Proposal) with your Internship Mentor and your Internship coordinator. It is mandatory that you submit a completed work term record (Internship Proposal) prior to starting your Internship. 5. Your Internship does not begin until we have approved your completed work term record (Internship Proposal). 6. Submit your Personal Reflections (1 & 2), on Desire to Learn (Addendum B & C). 7. Complete a midpoint site visit with your Internship coordinator at approximately week 8 of your Internship. Students are responsible for arranging the midpoint site visit. 8. Upon completion of your Internship submit Final Reflection (Addendum D) and ensure that your Mentor completes the Final Evaluation. 3

4 Internship Overview The Internship takes place during the final semester of the MBA/MScIM program and is an opportunity for you to develop professional roles and applied experience in a professional business/organizational setting. You must successfully complete the MBA 578 and 579 Internship Preparation courses in order to participate in this component. This is intended to be an experiential and practical opportunity in which you are the primary leader in securing, maintaining and successfully completing the Internship. The Internship program is supervised and evaluated by an MBA Internship coordinator through the Vancouver Island University Campus Career Center The Four Pillars of an Internship I. Connection to an organization II. III. IV. Application of MBA Program learning Career Development Defined mentor and accountability Learning Outcomes Gain practical experience in an employment situation Apply business concepts and theories to real-world decision-making Increase proficiency in specific business disciplines; such as human resources management, operations management, marketing, accounting, economics and finance Develop and improve business skills in communication, technology, quantitative reasoning, and teamwork Observe and participate in business operations and decision-making Develop positive working relationships with employers, the community and the university Meet professional role models and potential mentors who can provide guidance, feedback, and support Respond to professional feedback in a workplace setting Expand network of professional relationships and contacts Apply and evaluate leadership abilities Develop a solid work ethic and professional demeanor, as well as a commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility Assess abilities and interests within a professional environment Enhance career development, job-search and employability skills Recommendations for a Successful Internship Read and become knowledgeable with the content of the entire Internship Guide Take time during the first semester to think about where you would potentially like to do your Internship assignment. Try to be specific about the type of job and even the employer(s) It is recommended that you research internship placements over the next several months. Set yourself a goal of multiple applications over the semesters. This will help prepare you for the real job search that faces you upon graduation. Remember: You drive the bus and your Internship coordinator serves as your GPS. Review the Internship application and hiring process Should there be any challenges in your internship please contact your Coordinator immediately. 4

5 Internship Application and Hiring Process for Posted Internships 1. Internship opportunities are posted through VIU s web portal, CareerVIU: careerviu.ca. You apply to the posting found in CareerVIU by following the employer s directions for applying and by submitting the requested documents. This usually includes but is not limited to: i. Targeted cover letter ii. Targeted resume Please ensure you follow our provided Job Search Safety Advice when seeking and applying for positions 2. The Internship Mentor will contact you directly to arrange the interview details. There will be a scheduled period of time and deadline date for interviewing. The Internship Mentor conducts the interview which may include: i. Internship details such as activities and/or project ii. Location iii. Start date iv. Completion date 3. During the interview you should communicate any details regarding other Internship interviews and possible opportunities (ideally you would use professional and common courtesy to inform Internship Mentors about other Internships you are pursuing). 4. If you are the successful Internship candidate, the Internship Mentor will offer you the Internship with a clear commitment date. 5. Once an Internship has been offered and you are accepted, you are entered into a binding agreement until you have completed your 16 weeks. Once you accept an Internship position you should not apply or interview for other Internships. As a professional courtesy you should inform other Internship hosts you may have applied with of your decision. You are expected to honour your commitment to the first Internship Mentor. 6. You and the Mentor will collaboratively complete your work term record (Internship Proposal). You will lead this process in collaboration with the Mentor and the Internship coordinator if required. 7. If you do not have an Internship within 30 days of the end of your final study semester you may be de-registered from the MBA 580/582 course and re-registered when you find an Internship. 5

6 Definition of Terms Applied Business Project The Applied Business Project is a substantial research-based project that provides the Intern with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and skills through the investigation and analysis of a complex business problem or management issue. Typically the ABP originates from the Internship s scope of work and has faculty oversight. For more information regarding the ABP please see the MBA office. Applied Business Project Supervisor A Vancouver Island University MBA faculty member, who having considerable expertise in the Intern s chosen Internship project/experience, has agreed to provide guidance and counsel on an ongoing basis for the duration of the Applied Business Project. Exceptions Committee The Exceptions Committee comprises MBA Coordinators and the MBA Director and exists to adjudicate any work term record (Internship Proposal) that does not meet the Four Pillars of an Internship as defined by an MBA Coordinator. Any work term record (Internship Proposal) can be brought before the committee at the discretion of the MBA Internship coordinator. Intern MBA/MScIM student Internship The Internship is intended to enable students to gain practical experience in a professional business setting. Internships must apply MBA program learning and must meet all requirements as outlined in this intern s guide. The internship could be secured employment that meets the above requirements and must be approved by your internship coordinator. *Entrepreneurship: The Intern, under the guidance of a mentor(s), plans, develops and possibly establishes a business. The mentor should be knowledgeable in the chosen project area and/or in the process of new enterprise development. Planning and developing your own business in a particular community would be an example of this type of project. Interns are to ensure such a business is within the legal parameters as set forth by the municipality, province, and country. MBA students wishing to do an entrepreneurship must present to the exceptions committee and include the following: A completed work term record (Internship Proposal) A business plan that meets the guidelines of the entrepreneurship Business Plan Guide A detailed timeline showing the planned activities for the 16 week internship period Internship coordinator The internship coordinator instructs the MBA 578, 579 and 580/582 internship courses and is responsible for supporting, monitoring and evaluating the internship experience. The internship coordinator also serves as the liaison between the intern, mentor and University. Should there be any challenges in your internship please contact your coordinator. Mentor A person, who through their experience and expertise, supports and guides the Intern and to whom the Intern is accountable throughout the internship. The mentor may assign other appropriate professionals or staff to assist the intern if and when required. An appropriate mentor is agreed to by all parties. 6

7 Organization/Business This is the internship hosting organization/business or, employer. Location of internship must be a professional business environment with a designated work space for the intern. Work Term Record (Internship Proposal) This is an online document in CareerVIU that clearly and precisely outlines all expectations and deliverables agreed to by the intern, mentor and internship coordinator. This process is led by the Intern in collaboration with the mentor and the internship coordinator. Any changes and/or additions to this agreement by either the mentor or intern must be submitted as addendums to the agreement and signed by the intern, mentor and internship coordinator. Grades Grades are as follows: Credit (CR) Fail (F) Incomplete (I) Continuing status (CS) Deliverables The following are deliverables by you for an Internship: Work Term Record (Internship Proposal) Personal Reflections (1 & 2) Final Evaluation (Mentor) Final Reflection/Program Evaluation Entrepreneurship Business Plan Guide ( *See Internship definition above) 7

8 Addendum A MBA Work Term Record How to enter your work term record in CareerVIU Starting in the 2015 Fall semester, students will be required to enter their work term records (formerly called Internship Proposal ) into our online internship tracking program CareerVIU. CareerVIU can be accessed from any computer, giving you the freedom to complete the work at anytime, anywhere, with no special software required. To log-in to CareerVIU from any computer, go to the Vancouver Island University Website under VIU Students and click on the Campus Career Centre link. You can also type CareerVIU into Google or the VIU website search bar to be directed to the link. Once you reach the log in page follow the instructions provided below. 1. Log in to your CareerVIU Account:

9 2. Navigate to the MBA Module: 3. The main page of your MBA Module will appear as follows:

10 4. Under the section Current Work Term, you will find the Create Work Term Record button: 5. Click on the Create Work Term Record button. Make sure you are creating your record in the Current Work Term section, DO NOT ENTER YOUR WORK TERM RECORD IN THE Current Job Search Term section! NOTE: If you do not see the Current Work Term section or the semester listed here appears incorrect, please contact or your MBA Coordinator to have your sequence corrected. 1. You can now begin to enter the required information into the work term record fields. Read the instructions and provided information closely and ensure that you complete the necessary information. 2. If you are an International student who requires an Internship Work Permit you will need to upload the scanned document in the correct upload field at the end of the work term record. 3. Once you have completed the work term record click on the Submit Work Term Record button on the last page. 4. Your work term record will be marked as Pending and your MBA Coordinator will be notified of the submitted information. 5. Once the work term record has been approved by your coordinator you will be notified by .

11 MBA Work Term Record Information Requirements You will be required to provide the following information while entering your work term record. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the following please see your MBA Internship coordinator. PLACEMENT INFORMATION 1. Business/organization name 2. Type of business: Private, Non-profit, Federal Government, Provincial Government 3. Your job title at this business 4. Supervisor / mentor first name 5. Supervisor / mentor last name 6. Supervisor / mentor title 7. Address of business 8. Business phone number 9. Supervisor / mentor address 10. How did you find this internship opportunity? LOCATION OF WORK If the location of your internship work will be different than the business address above, please fill out the following information. 1. Work address 2. Work phone 3. Your work INTERNSHIP POSITION DATES AND SALARY 1. Position start date 2. Position end date 3. Proposed midterm evaluation date 4. Hours per week 5. Will you receive a salary or pay of any kind? 6. If you will receive salary/pay /stipend; at what rate? 7. Typically per week, how will the intern and mentor communicate 8. Typically per week, how often will the intern meet with the mentor?

12 SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP ACTIVITY A - INTERNSHIP: 1. Summarize in a paragraph the main goals and objectives for the 16 weeks of your Internship. This should include identification of the problem being faced by the client. 2. Create a monthly plan for the completion of deliverables, detailing your anticipated work schedule along with key milestones. Provide timelines to when drafts will be reviewed by your mentor and include what the final submission to the client will be. 3. Is this Marketing, Finance, HR, Management, Project or other type of position? 4. Document any studies, certification or training that you will need to complete. 5. Include a copy of the job posting or a comprehensive description of all duties and responsibilities that the position may entail. C ENTREPRENEURSHIP OPTION: If you have chosen the entrepreneurship option you will need to work with your MBA Internship coordinator to prepare an entrepreneurship proposal using the provided sheets found at the end of this guide. THE 4 PILLARS OF THE INTERNSHIP Please address each of the following 4 pillars, which are integral to the success of the Internship. I. Connection to an organization Describe the organization and other key stakeholders, such as clients and suppliers. Clearly identify where your Internship activity will take place. II. Application of MBA Program learning Describe specific courses and/or tools and resources that you were introduced to in the MBA Program, and how they apply to your proposed Internship. III. Career Development Describe your learning objectives and how these relate to your career goals. How do you see this internship strategically adding to or building toward your career goals? IV. Mentor and Accountability Describe who your Mentor is and provide a brief profile. How will you make yourself accountable to your Mentor? (For example; meetings, sharing drafts of work, having discussions at key milestone points). *Please note that international students who will be completing an internship in Canada are required by law to obtain an Internship Work Permit from the CIC. You will need to upload a copy of your work permit to CareerVIU when you are entering your work term record.*

13 Addendum B Reflection #1 MBA INTERNSHIP Personal Reflection #1 Please submit through D2L Successful Internships occur when they are organized as an activity that leads to particular learning outcomes. Reflect on your Internship using these key questions as a guide. Two Reflection Assignments are due as well as a Final Reflection. The First Reflection Assignment is due at the conclusion of Week 4, the Second Reflection Assignment is due at the end of Week 12 and the Final Reflection is due at the end of the Internship. Submit all Reflection Assignments on Desire to Learn. Length should be 1-2 pages/ words each. Detail and specific examples from the Internship are required. Please answer each question. 1. In what way are the tasks and activities that you are undertaking in the Internship PURPOSEFUL/CHALLENGING/ENGAGING? Please provide specific examples and details. 2. How is the Internship providing you with support and opportunities to interact in a meaningful way with your Mentor, colleagues, customers /clients? Please be specific with detail and examples. 3. How does the workplace culture and environment compare to the classroom or any previous places that you have worked? In what ways have you had to adapt or change your thinking, actions in response to these differences? How do you feel about this adjustment? What made it possible? 4. How often and how do you receive feedback from your Mentor/workplace peers? In what ways do you find this valuable? Please be specific and use examples. 5. Provide examples of how your classroom theory and knowledge have been put into practice, applied, integrated into the Internship. Give examples of the opportunities you have had to test and apply some of the things you have learned in your MBA classes. 6. In what ways has the Internship fit with your core interests and goals in terms of a future career path? What have you learned about yourself through this experience? Please provide specific details/ examples.

14 Addendum C Reflection #2 MBA INTERNSHIP Personal Reflection #2 Please submit through D2L Successful Internships occur when they are organized as an activity that leads to particular learning outcomes. Reflect on your Internship using these key questions as a guide. Two Reflection Assignments are due as well as a Final Reflection. The First Reflection Assignment is due at the conclusion of Week 4, the Second Reflection Assignment is due at the end of Week 12 and the Final Reflection is due at the end of the Internship. Submit all Reflection Assignments on Desire to Learn. Length should be 1-2 pages/ words each. Detail and specific examples from the Internship are required. Please answer each question. 1. What new tasks, activities and learning have you experienced since the midpoint visit? In what ways do you continue to be challenged in the Internship? Be specific and give concrete examples. 2. Give an example of a situation where you incorporated feedback given by your Mentor, Internship coordinator or other stakeholders. What have the results been of following these suggestions? What did you learn? Please give detail/examples. 3. Explain any changes that you feel in terms of the workplace culture/professional environment? To what extent are you feeling more comfortable in the workplace setting? Elaborate using details/examples. 4. Give an example of a situation where your classroom learning was applied in the Internship. Was there a difference between theory and practice? Explain. 5. After 12 weeks, what new insights do you have into this as a potential career direction/choice? 6. What things do you need to accomplish in the next 4 weeks to make this Internship the best experience it can be? Be specific.

15 Addendum D Final Reflection MBA INTERNSHIP Final Reflection/Self Evaluation Submit through D2L Successful Internships occur when they are organized as an activity that leads to particular learning outcomes. Reflect on your internship using these key questions as a guide. Two reflection assignments are due as well as a final reflection. The first reflection assignment is due at the conclusion of week 4, the second reflection assignment is due at the end of week 12 and the final reflection is due at the end of the internship. Length should be 1-2 pages/ words each. Detail and specific examples from the Internship are required. Please answer each question: 1. Explain what you accomplished in your Internship. Did you do what you set out to do when you look back at your work term record (Internship Proposal)? How did the Internship evolve and why did it change (if it did)? 2. Is there anything that you set out to accomplish that you were unable to achieve? Why? What was your role in this result? How would you change things if you could and why do you think this would create a better outcome? 3. What did you learn? Discuss and provide examples of new skills, changes in attitude about the profession, information on the workplace environment, work-life balance insights and professional fit for you in this type of work, etc. 4. What knowledge and skills should you further develop if you choose this as a future career path? What are your plans to make this happen? 5. If you did not meet the stated agreements of the Internship, what remains to be done to complete? What agreement has been reached with your Mentor in this regard? 6. Would you recommend this experience to another/future Intern? Why/why not? If yes what advice would you give to help them prepare for it? 7. What final recommendations do you have for improving the MBA Program and the Internship in general? 8. If you have any photos from your internship we would appreciate it if you would consider sharing them with us for possible use in future marketing and promotional materials. Please forward any photos you would like to share to your internship coordinator.

16 Addendum E Final Evaluation MBA INTERNSHIP Final Evaluation Fax Intern s Full Name: Work Term: to Job Title: Mentor: Company: This form should be completed by the individual in the best position to evaluate the Intern s work and attitude. Please exercise care in this evaluation to accurately reflect the Intern s performance as it may be used by other supervisors/managers for future positions. Please return one copy of this evaluation to Vancouver Island University s MBA Internship Office before the last day of the Intern s work term. To maximize the Intern s learning experience, please review the document with the Intern prior to submission. Our Interns are interested in the Mentor's assessment of job performance. Your observations will assist them in their overall career development. Please feel free to retain one copy for your files. Your assistance and cooperation in this matter is sincerely appreciated.

17 Thank you. MBA Internship Office Fax: Interest in Work High Above average Satisfactory Occasional interest Little interest or enthusiasm Initiative Self-starter - looks for work to do. Does not waste time Acts voluntarily in most matters Acts voluntarily in routine matters Relies on others. Must be told what to do frequently Always waits to be told what to do next Organization and Planning Outstanding Usually organizes job work and time Does normal amount of planning and organizing More often fails to organize and plan work effectively Consistently fails to organize and plan work adequately Ability to Learn Brilliant / Imaginative Quick to learn Average Requires additional instruction Has difficulty with task comprehension

18 Quality of Work Very thorough in performing work Usually thorough, good work Work usually passes review Sometimes has difficulty meeting quality standards Work often done in careless manner Quantity of Work Highly productive More than expected Expected amount of productivity Less than expected Ineffective in producing results Judgement Exceptionally good. Decisions based on thorough analysis of problems Uses common sense Judgement good in routine situations Exercises undependable judgement Draws conclusions without sufficient knowledge Dependability Can always be depended upon in any situation Can usually be depended upon in most situations Can be depended upon in routine situations Somewhat unreliable. Needs constant checking Often unreliable

19 How Well Does the Intern Get Along With Others? Always works in Congenial and helpful. harmony with others. Works well with Team worker. associates. Seen as an Contributes to group asset in furthering relationships and cooperation and group effectiveness harmony Most relations with others are harmonious under normal circumstances Sometimes antagonizes others or tends to be overly quiet Frequently quarrelsome and causes friction or overly quiet and withdrawn to the point of having an adverse effect on group Response to Supervision Expresses appreciation - takes prompt action on suggestions and criticism. Open minded & confident Willingly accepts suggestions and criticism Accepts suggestions and criticism in satisfactory manner Reluctantly accepts suggestions and criticism. Sometimes fails to recognize own limitations and needs direction Resents suggestions and criticism or needs close supervision or has difficulty in accepting change Communication Written Memos and Reports Always clear, well Normally very clear, organized and easily well organized and understandable on all easily understandable significant occasions Usually clear and concise Satisfactory, occasionally encounters difficulty in writing clearly and concisely. Not clear to the extent they cause confusion and interfere with the performance of work

20 Communication Oral Always clear, well organized and easily understandable Normally clear and understandable Usually clear and concise. Satisfactory, occasionally encounters difficulty in speaking clearly and concisely. Not clear to the extent they cause confusion and interfere with the performance of work. Leadership Skills Excellent, gets the most from staff and resources Above average Adequate Unable to organize and motivate others Needs to work on being approachable Adaptation to Formal Organization, Rules and Policies Excellent, adapted to and Above average Adequate Poor, refused to recognize recognized formal organization formal procedures and structures, rules and policies. rules Not applicable Attendance Punctuality Presentation Regular Irregular Regular Irregular Appropriate Inappropriate

21 Overall Performance Excellent Above average Completely satisfactory Needs improvement Unsatisfactory Can you offer any comments on the Intern s performance since we last spoke, or over the term of the Internship? (Program Mission and Values) What comments do you have in regard to their successfully meeting their commitment to the Internship as per the Internship Proposal? Are you satisfied with the outcome of this Internship?

22 What contributions to your organization, if any, occurred because of this Internship? Do you have any comments or suggestions with regard to the Internship process? (i.e. recruiting, monitoring, evaluations, in general)? Would you be willing to host another Intern now or in the future? Yes No If so, what are you looking for in an Intern?

23 Would you be open to being contacted by VIU MBA students regarding career opportunities with your organization? Yes No Do you have any recommendations on how the student could improve their skills/knowledge in order to be better prepared for a job in this industry? Optional Section: Please note that your comments in this section will only be used as a testimonial on our website or on our promotional materials. Please provide a brief overview of the Internship and the value the Intern brought to your organization. Intern Comments

24 MBA INTERNSHIP Final Evaluation Mentor s signature: Date: Intern s signature: Date:

25 Entrepreneurship Business Plan Guide The following guidelines demonstrate the expectations of a business plan presented to the MBA Internship Exceptions Committee for approval of an entrepreneurship request. Please include all applicable sections of the guideline in your business plan. FORMAT Coversheet Serves as a title page and is the first impression of the business proposal. The following elements need to be present: Company name Demographics (company address/ locality) Company logo (if available) Owners names and demographics Date of plan development Executive Summary The summary should include: Business value proposition Estimated market value of business/ capitalization Mission/Vision statement A concise and clear vision/mission of what this small business is about. Description of business An understanding of the environment in which your business will operate that will help the investor comprehend your value proposition in this setting. The main criterion is to determine whether the small business has captured a truly differentiated strategy and has communicated that clearly. This can be included in the marketing plan, but typically the marketing plan is competitive centric, whereas the focus here is the benefit to the intended target customer. Understanding the perception of the consumer and why they should care about the product/service offered. Marketing Plan This is a key section that describes how you will achieve success and plan to achieve the previous section. Should include a description of the market to be affected (target market/ potential market/ competition) Should include an analysis and plan of how products or services will be marketed/promoted, produced, performed, and/or sold Should include information regarding what is needed to achieve the marketing/promotion plan and the anticipated results

26 Implementation How will this business become operational? Sections of relevance will be the operations plan and the human resource plan. All small businesses must address how they will manage their value chain. Manufacturing For manufacturing businesses it will be important to understand how the product will be produced. Retail Location and merchandizing layout are key elements for a retail operation to succeed. Services Emphasis is on human capital as this is the critical resource for a service orientated business. Financial Documents The financial section should include the following: Profit model of product/service Financial statements (Pro Forma Income Statement/ Pro Forma Balance Sheet) Start-up costs Investment detail (what would the investor need to know) Amount of loan request Itemized list of expenditures from loan Investor terms (i.e. repayment terms, equity share %, etc.) Collateral Key investment indicators (Break even, debt ratio, etc.) Supporting Documentation These items can be found in the appendix of the plan and help support the viability of the business presented. Curriculum vitae (of key resources) Partnership agreements (if applicable) Lease (if applicable) Neatness/Professionalism This is the overall impression of the document and every business plan should have the following qualities: Consistent formatting Table of contents Free of spelling and grammar errors Referencing Feasibility/ Ability to Implement The business plan should qualify for approval if submitted to an investor or lending institution. *Exceptions Committee: Interns intending to complete this type of Internship will be required to print and present their work term record (Internship Proposal) before the MBA Exceptions Committee for approval.

27 Job Search Safety Advice The internet has made it easy to search and apply for jobs using a few mouse clicks and your keyboard; however, job seekers must also realize that this has made it almost as easy for scammers to take advantage of them. Valid or legitimate Job sites will not ask for any banking or personal information or any kind of money deposits. Legitimate job sites always charge the employer for use, not from prospective employees. Do not provide personal or sensitive information in your resume, for example: 1. Your social insurance number. 2. Your age, marital status, date of birth 3. Your driver's license number 4. Your health card number 5. Your banking or financial information, which includes credit card or bank account numbers and any Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) or National Identity card Number. Certain information may be shared with an employer, only after the hiring process has begun. If a job posting seems questionable, please think again before sending your application. How to spot a potential scammer: High pay. No experience necessary; the employer promises high pay in a short time for little work; as well as claims about working conditions like the ability to "set your own hours," "be your own boss" or "work from home." The employer may ask for a processing fee for handling your application; professional employers do not charge fees to potential employees. -only communication; the employer hires without meeting the employee or requesting any signatures on official hiring documents. Management of monetary transactions; the employer states that they are currently out of the country on business, and proceed to ask the new hire to buy things for them promising reimbursement. Overly-simplified requirements and/or qualifications Broken English, spelling mistakes and/or grammar errors Requests for bank account, credit card information or your Social Security number Repacking or reshipping items from your home If you have been offered a job or internship that seems to good to be true, or are concerned about the communications and requests you have received from your employer, please speak with your MBA Coordinator. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, please contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at