University of Miami Joins Bacardi & Royal Caribbean to Create Unique Two-Company MBA Internship Program

CORAL GABLES, Fla., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Miami School of Business Administration, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced a program that provides a unique opportunity for MBA students to experience business from two different company and industry perspectives during a single summer internship. Five students have been selected to participate in the first year of the Emerging Leaders Internship Program this summer.

The students, two in marketing, one in sales, one in finance and one in strategy, will spend the first two months of their internships at the headquarters of Bacardi U.S.A., Inc., the import and distribution area of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. After completing their work on the producer/supplier side at Bacardi U.S.A., Inc., the students will spend the next two months working at the headquarters of Royal Caribbean, the world's second largest global cruise brand and one of the largest travel retail customers of Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

"Unlike traditional MBA internships, most of which take place at just one company, the Emerging Leaders Program enables our students to get a true sense of the buyer-supplier relationship as they experience both sides first-hand," said Frances Aldrich Sevilla-Sacasa, interim dean of the University of Miami School of Business Administration. "We are very fortunate to have the support of Bacardi U.S.A. and Royal Caribbean, both global leaders in their own industries, as we launch this groundbreaking internship program."

The Emerging Leaders Program is the result of collaboration between members of the School's Board of Overseers. The chief financial officers of both Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. and Royal Caribbean, Michael Misiorski and Brian Rice, are members of the board and the program was developed as part of the board's work to develop new career opportunities for the School's students.

"This innovative partnership is a big win for all three of our organizations," said Michael Misiorski, senior vice president and chief financial officer, Americas, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. "The students will benefit by having the opportunity to not only gain practical experience through mentoring and coaching and enhance their leadership skills, but to also see how our companies operate internally from the supplier side to the consumer side. Likewise, our companies can tap into the University of Miami's remarkable MBA talent."

"While our existing internship program has proven itself extremely fruitful, Royal Caribbean is excited to work with another successful, local company to take the program to the next level," said Brian Rice, chief financial officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  "Together with Bacardi, we will introduce a group of top-quality MBA students to our industries, company cultures and dynamic business models, and provide them with a thorough understanding of our organization in the hopes that they will choose to continue applying their skills in South Florida."

The Emerging Leaders Program interns are competitively selected. The 2011 interns include: Erica Lynn Durst, Irena Katzarkov, Brett Harbin, Marian Johnson, and G. Wesley McGeorge.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio  of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United  States  including  BACARDI®   rum,  the  world's  favorite and best-selling  premium  rum,  as  well as the world's most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE®  vodka,  the  world-leader  in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch  Whisky,  the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States;  BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®  gin,  the  top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI®  vermouth,  the  world-leader  in  vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France.  The company has a combined total of 40 ships in service and two under construction.  It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.  Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

About the University of Miami School of Business Administration

The University of Miami School of Business Administration is a leading business school, offering undergraduate business, full-time MBA, Executive MBA, MS, PhD and non-degree executive education programs. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Miami, the School is located in a major hub of international trade and commerce and acclaimed for the global orientation and diversity of its faculty, students and curriculum. The School delivers its programs at its main campus in Coral Gables as well as at locations across Florida and abroad. More information about the University of Miami School of Business can be found at www.bus.miami.edu.

SOURCE University of Miami School of Business Administration