Multinational Company Prepares Students for Global Careers

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Global Career Compass

From a press release issued, it seems, jointly on the same day, Nov. 27: Cargill, working with the Institute of International Education (IIE), has launched a new scholarship program to help build future potential leaders. The Cargill Global Scholars program, http://www.cargillglobalscholars.com, will provide financial support, leadership development and enrichment opportunities to nearly 200 talented and high-performing undergraduate students in five countries. The selected individuals will be chosen based on their demonstrated high level of academic performance and leadership potential. Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. The company employs 142,000 people in 65 countries.

Scholars will be selected from Brazil, China, Russia, India and the United States, where Cargill has significant operations or interest. IIE will work with specific universities in each of these countries to identify the scholars. Targeted outreach will be conducted to reach under-represented groups in higher education in each country or region. Approximately 50 to 70 students from these five countries will be selected each year. The first group of nearly 60 students will be selected in May and June 2013 and will begin their three-year program of activities in June and July 2013. In total, nearly 200 Cargill Global Scholars will participate in this scholarship program over the next seven years.

What I especially like about this initiative is that students will participate in leadership training modules and paired with a Cargill employee, including company executives, who will serve as a mentor over the next several years. These mentors will help students identify and realize short and long-term academic and professional goals. The company is not just providing financial support, but, offering its human resources to stay engaged with students outside their course of study in their respective fields [students are not being trained to join Cargill’s workforce, but, to succeed in their own selected professional track].

A great case study of enlightened corporate social responsibility extending into the higher ed sector around the world. Kudos to IIE for joining hands with Cargill to put this program in place.