Faculty of Business Administration students at the University of Regina are getting perspectives from the classroom to the boardroom in a unique fourth-year marketing class. Up for grabs is a trip to Australia.

The class, Bridges to International Practice, offers students the opportunity to develop marketing plans for Saskatchewan businesses. The class has partnered with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, which is developing marketing alternatives for launching a new canola into the Australian market next year.

“This is one of the most unique learning opportunities for students in Canada,” said Dean Garnet Garven. “It’s another example of how the faculty is developing distinctive programming designed to help students succeed. Ultimately, it gives them an advantage over students from other programs. It also pays off for Saskatchewan businesses that are looking for highly skilled graduates.”

Teams of students began work on their plans in mid-Sept. A preliminary evaluation narrowed the field to three teams that will go head-to-head in a competitive presentation on Thurs., Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. until noon. The team judged to have the best plan to launch the new canola will travel to Australia in Feb. to further its research. The winning team will be announced immediately following the presentations.

“Marketing plays a vital role in our business. By supporting dynamic learning environments and contributing to the development of homegrown professionals, we are better able to attract and retain the best and brightest this province has to offer,” said Mayo Schmidt, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. “Sponsorships like these allow us to recognize the value of investing in today's youth and enhances our proud history of serving the communities in which we live and work.”

For further information, please contact Sylvain Charlebois by phone at (306)337-2695, or by email at Sylvain.Charlebois@uregina.ca.