The institute, based on the university’s York Hill Campus, builds bridges between the United States and Europe by fostering relationships in academics, business and culture. The institute accomplishes this through country-specific endowed professor chairs who build programs with their respective nations.

Laura Moreno ’17, MBA ’18 was accepted into the Central European Institute’s Student Consulting Team after spending a semester studying in Barcelona, Spain.

“I loved the idea of being able to help others develop and grow their businesses, as well as the opportunity to work with all different types of companies from all over the world. So, when I came across this internship opportunity with the Central European Institute, it seemed like a perfect match,” she said. “I have learned so much over the past few months. I have been able to work with real Hungarian companies and see their products really come to life through the work that we do for them. It is very rewarding to know that we are making a positive impact on the international community. I look forward to continuing this internship through the spring semester and I am confident that we will continue to do tremendous work.”

Morena developed her work experience through the Central European Institute’s Student Consulting Team, which helps companies enter the U.S. market. The multidisciplinary team consists of six graduate and undergraduate students that work directly with clients. They have the option of working as interns, for class credit or as volunteers.

Throughout the year, companies from Hungary apply for the team’s services by contacting Hungary’s first secretary of science and technology in the United States. The team, led by Katie Covett JD/MBA ’18, then reviews the companies, often conducting interviews and selects two to four companies to work with each semester.

Central European Institute

“I’ve had the opportunity to try out different styles of leadership and project management. This year’s team has been exceptional,” Covett said. “A big part of what makes this internship so fun is that it isn’t routine.”

But the Central European Institute does so much more. Each year, it brings talented individuals from Hungary and Poland to the United States for up to three years. During the first two years, the students may earn an MBA at Quinnipiac while working part-time at various companies. After completing the MBA, the students may continue to work full-time for another year before returning to Europe.

In addition, each year about a dozen Quinnipiac MBA students spent two weeks visiting major businesses throughout Central Europe meeting with executives from a range of industries. Last year, they visited 11 companies including Coca-Cola HBC Poland Services, Citibank, Morgan Stanley, Cosmedica Chain and Affidea.

The institute also hosts major events annually throughout the United States and Europe, leading international dialogue and helping our students and alumni to expand their networks.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work in a multi-cultural setting in the comfort of Quinnipiac,” said Jenna Braca ’17, MBA ’18. “For my undergraduate degree, I studied international business and have always had a great interest in both working abroad and in cross cultural working environments. As an MBA student about to graduate, I know that I will be able to use my experiences working with international companies in my future career.”