Tel Aviv UniversiTy’s Sofaer InternatIonal MBa

TAKe ADvAnTAGe OF Tel Aviv, One OF THe MOsT DynAMiC

AnD innOvATive lOCATiOns in THe WOrlD.

Nomo Khumalo, Class of 2010 Home Country: South AfricaBefore Sofaer: University of the Witwatersrand, Commerce majorAfrican Bank Investments, Special Project ManagerAfter Sofaer: Management Associate at Henry Schein Europe

“Given the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, I thought that Israel could offer a better value proposition for an MBA student than any place I could think of. It was the best decision I ever made.”

tHe Sofaer InternatIonal MBa

Located in Tel Aviv, the cultural and economic heart of Israel, the Sofaer International MBA is an intensive one-year program designed for driven and diverse students looking for an out-of-the-box international MBA experience.

The Sofaer iMBA academic curriculum combines core courses with a wide-range of elective course options, many of which have their material drawn directly from Israel’s unique environment of innovation. The flexible structure enables students to tailor their year of study to their interest, or enjoy the academic diversity of a general MBA program.

In addition to the rigorous academic schedule are group projects, consulting work, international case competitions and profes-sionally orientated networking and skill-building sessions, characterizing the high-powered Sofaer year.

Experienced together, these elements provide our students with the relevant knowledge and exposure they need. Students finish ready to take their next professional step with confidence and able to succeed in today’s faced-paced global business environment.

a DYnaMIc claSSrooM

Despite having a population of just over seven million, Israel is a powerful player in the global economy. Apart from North America, Israel has more companies listed on NASDAQ than any other country. Per-capita, Israel produces more start-up companies than China, India, Canada, Japan and the UK and has attracted twice as much venture-capital investment as the United States and thirty times more than Europe.

At the heart of Israel’s economy is the city of Tel Aviv-Yaffo - a thriving metropolis located on the shores of the Mediterranean. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Bauhaus architecture, Tel Aviv epitomizes the youthful and creative spirit of Israel. Urban professionals, start-up entrepreneurs, actors, artists, international business travelers, and students mingle together in the city’s museums, night-life hot spots, five-star restaurants, fashion boutiques and beautiful beaches.

“While working at a global management consulting firm I became inter-ested in entrepreneurship and co-founded an alternative energy company. Through this process I realized that my passion truly lies in forging new ventures. While looking at different MBA programs I quickly realized Israel was the perfect location for someone with my interests. This country fosters a culture of entrepreneurship unlike any other – and the structure of the Sofaer iMBA program captures this spirit and energy.”

Marty Pollak, Class of 2011Home country: USABefore Sofaer: Finance major at the University of Maryland; management consulting, Deloitte Consulting LLP

tel aVIV UnIVerSItY

Since its founding in 1956, Tel Aviv University now boasts over 25,000 students, 105 departments, 27 schools, 9 faculties, and more than 132 research centers and institutes. The University has extensive research contacts with leading academic and scientific institutions abroad, including over 150 cooperation agreements with universities in North and South America, Europe and the Far East.

tHe recanatI ScHool of BUSIneSS

The Leon Recanati Graduate School of Business Administration at Tel Aviv University is the top business school in Israel and the only Israeli academic institution to be awarded the international accreditation of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In addition to the Sofaer International MBA, Recanati offers more than 10 programs of study and has been preparing its students for leading roles in various sectors of the Israeli and international economy for over 40 years.

ProfeSSIonal DeVeloPMent

The Sofaer Advantage at Recanati Building on Recanati’s reputation for excellence as Israel’s #1 business school, the Sofaer academic program combines a rigorous core curriculum with a wide range of elective course offerings. Our flexible structure enables students to assemble a professionally-focused course of study and prepare themselves for the ever-changing business world.

Running parallel to our academic studies is the Professional Development Curriculum, a series of workshops, site visits, guest lecturers, and networking events. This curriculum helps our students identify their career goals while equipping them with the skills and contacts needed to take their next professional step with confidence.

Amitava Mittra, Class of 2010Home country: IndiaBefore Sofaer: Engineering major at Pune University; Major in the Indian ArmyAfter Sofaer: Country Head (Operations) in B.G Ilanit

“I came to Sofaer from India after working in the Indian Army for six years specializing both as a combatant and a technical specialist. The force driving me to pursue an MBA was my desire to develop India’s Homeland security industry. The contacts I established in Israel combined with the knowledge gained from my studies have made my dreams become reality. I am now responsible for building an Israeli Defense Technology company’s operations in India.”

InternatIonal claSS trIP

Included in the Sofaer academic curriculum is a course focusing on all aspects of business in a particular country. For the classes of 2010 and 2011 the course is “Conducting Business in China.” Culminating with a business-orientated tour to select cities in China, this course provides students with first-hand exposure to the economic reality of the country.

InternatIonal eXcHanGe ProGraM

Sofaer students can apply to study abroad during their third semester. The Recanati School of Business maintains exchange relationships with over 60 universities around the world, providing the opportunity for accepted students to finish their degree at one of several well known international institutions. Some examples of past placements include:

The Recanati School of Business also accepts international ex-change students for a semester or year of study.

For further information please contact Exchange Director Sha-ron Shaked: shakeds@tauex.tau.ac.il

• University of Chicago • Northwestern University • Bocconi University• ESADE

• National University of Singapore• IE Business School• Peking University • University of Melbourne

WHo StUDIeS at Sofaer?

The Sofaer iMBA is designed for driven students who are looking to be challenged both aca-demically and creatively. Desiring the competitive advantage that will set them apart, Sofaer students are dedicated individuals who will be the next key players in the international business arena.

Our students have excelled in their professional careers and come to Sofaer looking for a different MBA experience. Academic excellence, professional depth, broad life experience, and innovative creativity are distinguishing factors of successful Sofaer iMBA candidates.

We view diversity as a fundamental asset to the program, and our students are as diverse profes-sionally as they are geographically. Additionally, we strive to maintain a 50/50 ratio of women and men. Most Sofaer students begin their MBA studies after 4 years of work experience. Many speak more than one language and have lived and/or worked in more than one country.

“My decision to pursue an International MBA stemmed from my desire to strengthen my management abilities in the non-profit sector. The Sofaer International MBA degree equipped me with the skills necessary to manage complex issues in today’s business environment. The global outlook of an international MBA program helped me cater my skills to the needs of organi-zations that are spreading their wings internationally. Sofaer helped me to develop fresh ideas, leadership skills and a new approach to problem solving.”

“As an immunologist, I conducted research on how immunity develops against infectious pathogens and how this knowledge might be exploited to generate better vaccines. To combine my interest in the biomedical sciences with a desire to be actively involved in the biotechnology start-up culture, I decided to enroll in the Sofaer iMBA in the innovative environment of Israel.”

Shirlee Harel, Class of 2010Home country: Canada/IsraelBefore Sofaer: Masters in Education, York UniversityAfter Sofaer: Director of PR and International Relations, Save a Child’s Heart

Brian Abel, Class of 2011Home country: South AfricaBefore Sofaer: PhD in Infectious Disease Immunology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ); project management at the Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR) & Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI)

The Sofaer International MBA is accredited by the AACSB and a member of the International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma.

Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate as of the date of its printing [October 2010]. Tel Aviv University’s Sofaer International MBA reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice.

© 2010 Tel Aviv University’s Sofaer International MBA. All rights reserved.

learn more about Sofaer at imba.tau.ac.il

The Sofaer iMBA Program | The Recanati School of Business AdministrationTel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 69978

General inquiries: imba@post.tau.ac.il | Phone: +972 3 640 6320