Alumnus William Yu has sponsored an internship program that will give third-year commerce and engineering students experience working in Asia.

William Yu (Sc’84, MBA’87) wished there were more paid international summer internships when he attended Queen’s. Now as a managing partner of a global capital investment company, Mr. Yu wants to help create those opportunities for Queen’s students.

“My career in international business and finance would have been accelerated had I had an international job experience earlier. I believe it is important and greatly beneficial for Queen’s students to get a first-hand experience working in Asia, an area of the world that is growing rapidly.”

Third-year commerce and engineering students in the Cansbridge Capital Corporation-Queen’s University Asia Summer Internship Program complete an eight to 14 week internship with an Asian company. They receive an award of up to $600 per week to cover expenses.

“The program provides invaluable work experience in a unique emerging Asian market, which will strengthen students’ employment opportunities after graduation,” says Brian Marchant, director of the Business Career Centre at Queen’s School of Business.

Program organizers hope the cultural experience will make students more amenable to an international posting in the future.

“The international internship allows students to improve their intercultural communications skills that are increasingly important with globalization,” says George Sweetman, internship coordinator for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

Students must find companies interested in sponsoring their internships with limited assistance from the university during the search.

“Knowledgeable and driven Queen’s students are a highly sought summer resource in North America. This program allows international firms to benefit from their skills and abilities,” says Mr. Marchant.

Complete program details are listed on the internship website.