About Ivey’s Leave of Absence Program
The one-year Ivey MBA is perfectly aligned with many corporate leave policies. The Leave of Absence Program for the full-time MBA is designed to provide assistance in making the transition back to the company you are currently working for, following completion of the MBA. This opportunity is also available to candidates of the MBA Direct for HBA Graduates Program.
Eligibility
As an incoming Ivey MBA student, you are eligible for enrolling in the LOA Program if you worked at your pre-MBA employer in a full-time capacity and completed a minimum eight months of consecutive service.
How to Enrol
Enrolment in the Leave of Absence program is subject to approval.
Once you have completed your MBA application and received your offer of Admission to the MBA Program, all you will be required to provide is a signed commitment agreement form. Please submit your signed form to Mary Townshend.
How do I receive the $10,000 incentive from Ivey?
A student must provide Ivey with a signed Employment Contract from their pre-MBA employer no later than the last day of the MBA program (unless special arrangements have been made). Note that a student must return to their pre-MBA employer in a full-time capacity. This contract may be subject to verification with the employer during Ivey's review. In lieu of a signed contract a new letter (not the original letter) stating the following may be accepted:
- on company letterhead
- student will be offered x position and/or x title at the company
- the role is in a full-time capacity
- start date of new role at the company
- signed direct Manager and/or Human Resources
- contact phone number of person signing
Upon satisfactory review of this contract/letter, the incentive will then be applied to a student's Western account before the end of the MBA program.
If a student received the LOA financial incentive and chooses to terminate their employment before September 1st of their year of graduation, they are required to pay back the full value of the award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Career Management offers specific clinics and coaching sessions for candidates enrolled in the Leave of Absence Program. Additionally, those enrolled will still participate in any mandatory Career Management programming and are still eligible to participate in on-campus recruitment activities.
Yes. Interest or enrolment in the LOA program has no bearing on scholarship and award decisions.
Does my company need to provide any financial sponsorship for me to be eligible for the LOA program?
No.
While LOA enrolled students receive full access just like any other MBA student to career management services, including recruiting, we strongly encourage you to consider thoroughly the commitment you are making before applying to be part of the LOA Program. The intent of this program is for enrolled students to return to their pre-MBA employer post-program.
There are indeed students who, for various reasons, decide not to return to their pre-MBA employer. This is not ideal but nevertheless it does happen. In this case, special coaching is provided around managing this professionally, and you must pay off the remaining balance of tuition owing before the end of the program. If you've received the financial incentive and decide to terminate your employment before September 1st of your year of graduation, you're required to pay back the full value of the award.
You may enroll anytime during the Program. Please contact Mary Townshend.
Once you are admitted to the MBA program, you can request a phone call with one of our Career Advisors to receive advice and coaching on how to approach this conversation.
Should you wish to receive coaching on how best to approach your employer about the possibility of an LOA prior to applying to the program, please email us at mba@ivey.ca so that we can help to facilitate the process.
For Employers
Ivey’s Leave of Absence Program allows companies to retain valuable talent within their organizations and support the growth and development of individuals who have proven their high potential and their leadership capabilities. These individuals will return post-MBA with the ability to contribute at an even higher level, take on a new role, or encompass a broader area of expertise.
If you are interested in more information on this program on behalf of your company, please contact mba@ivey.ca.
