For applicants

How is the organization funded?
The Programme is funded by company sponsorships and by participation fees. It is based in the United States. It receives no outside funding and operates as a not-for-profit organization.

Do all applications lead to an interview?
No. All applications are carefully screened by Mountbatten. The vast majority of applicants are consequently offered an interview. However, if in the screening process we conclude that your application would not be successful for any reason, you will not be invited to an interview. Typically such rejections occur when applicants do not meet our eligibility requirements, have inadequate references, or present their application in a way that does not meet the professional standards required by the Institute.

I have been out of college for several years and have a lot of work experience. Will this help or hinder me in getting placed with a company?
All companies are different. Some prefer a person with a lot of experience, others don't. Most companies do prefer candidates with office work experience.

Am I responsible for finding my own accommodation?
No. (see Accommodation)

For interviewees

Do I have to interview in person?
Yes. There are no exceptions. We normally hold interviews in New York, California, Chicago, Bangkok and other locations as demand necessitates. The interview lasts about 1 - 2 hours and you will be expected to present yourself professionally. Applicants must make (and pay for) their own travel and accommodation arrangements for attending interviews.

When do interviews take place?
Interviews are normally held in April/May for internships beginning in August, and in October/November for internships beginning in March.

What if I only want to work in London and have no interest in following one of the Academic Programs?
You should NOT apply. The Institute places great importance on personal growth, professional development, international experience, and business education. The academic programs are integral to the Mountbatten year. They form part of a structured program that strives to give participants a well-rounded experience. If you feel unable to commit wholeheartedly to either the Postgraduate Certificate or MBA, neither programme is right for you.

I have student loans. Can I get them deferred?
We can provide you with a letter stating you are a student. Sometimes they are deferred, but sometimes they are not.

Can I stay in the United Kingdom for longer than the year?
No. The terms and conditions of the visa specifically obligate you to leave the United Kingdom upon the termination of the programme or after 12 months, whichever is sooner.

For those accepted, but not yet placed

I have been accepted, what next?
First we use all your information to compile a profile. We then send your profile (complete with photograph) along with your resume (called a CV in the UK) and personal statement to one or more sponsor companies. If they would like to interview you by phone, we will contact you to set up the date and time and give you information on the potential sponsor.

After my interview with a company, how will I know if I was accepted? Can I contact them directly?
The sponsor company communicates with our London office regarding whom they want to interview and whom they want to accept. We will then contact you to let you know whether you were accepted or rejected. While following-up with a company that you have interviewed with would normally be wise, in our program, Mountbatten handles ALL communication with companies.

For those placed

Can my Entry Clearance be refused?
Yes - but to date (September 2010) this has never happened.

Can I now purchase my flight?
Not until your work visa has been approved. Depending on when you are placed this might be quite close to the scheduled fly date.

What will I need to bring with me to London?
Whatever you would normally need in a new furnished apartment.

How soon after I arrive in London will I begin work?
We would like everyone to arrive on the same day at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport in order for someone to meet you and coordinate transportation to your temporary accommodation. You will have a few days for orientation and to move into your permanent accommodation (see Accommodation). In order to start your allowance you will need to begin work about a week after your arrival in London.

How much money should I bring?
We recommend you bring at least GBP £1,500 to hold you over until your first paycheck.

How much vacation do I get?
About 20 days as well as 8 or 9 national holidays (called Bank Holidays in the UK).

After completing my internship, can I return to the UK to visit or study?
You may return to visit as a tourist. You may also return to study but under different visa arrangements, which you should look into when the time comes.