What is in it for you
During the International Financial Program (IFP), you work on cases for companies throughout the year starting in September. In April and May, the group will visit an emerging country for 5 weeks where you will conduct research for companies in the first 2,5 weeks and get the opportunity to travel in the last 2,5 weeks.
The months prior to the trip are used for acquiring contracts with companies and preparing the research. The group conduct research for companies which want to expand to a new market or want to strengthen their current market position. With the team of researchers, you will visit companies and attend interesting training on consulting and research skills. Furthermore, we will have monthly socials and trips to get to know each other before the trip. This is the perfect opportunity to expand your network while making fun! The workload for participants will be around 2 days a week.
Personal growth
During the project, students can develop their skills in the field of sales, research and consultancy. In all different phases of the project, workshops and training are offered by professionals. For example, during the acquisition phase in which we seek clients, you will improve your sales skills.
Socials
Next to the professional part of IFP, we also care a lot about the social part. Once every two weeks, a social is organised, during which we will enjoy drinks at our favourite pub. IFP is also well-known for its active group, where you will meet a lot of new people and develop close friendships.
Travelling
After the field research phase, you will travel for 2,5 weeks through the chosen country. You will have enough time to explore the culture and nature of the destination.
Timeline
Please find below the outline of the project per phase. Bear in mind that the set-up phase is only for the members of the board.
Set-up phase (April 2024– September 2024) – Only for board members
The first phase is concerned with selecting the destination for the project. Afterwards, the board will select 15 participants during the month of May. The board members will already start preparations and the acquisition phase during the summer. This will approximately cost 2 days per week.
Training & Acquisition phase (September 2024 – January 2025)
The training & acquisition phase starts in September. From this moment on, participants are actively involved in the project. During this period, trainings are organised to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in the field of acquisition, consultancy, and research. This will be achieved by means of lectures, workshops and training sessions. Next to this, the most important task during this phase is to sign contracts with interested companies.
Desk research phase (January 2025 - April 2025)
In January, the research groups start with their project. From this phase on, the students cooperate with the professors in order to guarantee the quality of the research. For over three months the students actively engage in the research, set up a research framework in cooperation with the companies, and determine the research direction. An interesting element of the desk research is the fact that you will start contacts with relevant companies and institutions abroad. In this way, you get familiar with the business culture in another part of the world.
Field research phase (April 2025 - May 2025)
In the second week of April, you will head to the emerging country. This phase of two and a half weeks will be marked by conducting research, which will mainly consist of visiting companies, taking interviews and gathering information. During these two and a half weeks of field research, the students will be supported and guided by the professors.
Reporting phase (May 2025 - June 2025)
After returning, the information gathered will be processed into a report. The final report will be handed over and presented to the participating companies in June 2024.
