The International IDS Challenge course is designed for students from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Students will get insight into how information technology is used to produce commercial advantage in a global business environment.

You will work in a challenging and fun learning environment together with other students to solve a company business need. The five days include a series of case studies and lectures that will help you to professionally grow and develop your leadership skills.

And have a lot of fun! We have had hundreds of very enthusiastic students enjoying the event over the last years! The last edition of the course took place in April 2009 in Paris, France

Find more about the course from the students participating last year in Paris!!

Travel, accommodation and food expenses will be paid for those students selected.

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Dates:
April 11 –16, 2010

Open to Applicants from:
Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Please, find the list of specific countries in ‘How to Apply’ section.

Location:
Istanbul, Turkey

Application Deadlines:
February 5th , 2010

Eligibility:
All talented students, especially those in studies such as Science or Business from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Not all the countries typically participate, please refer to the How to Apply section for the detailed list of participating countries. There is no need for particular formal qualifications or a specific technical background, just a strong interest in business and information technology is required.

It is not necessary to be near graduation, students from 1-3 years before graduation are welcome.

It is an international event; you should feel comfortable speaking English.

Course Structure

Content details:
The International IDS Challenge is an intensive five day course during which you will meet participants from many different countries. You will get insight into how information technology is used to produce commercial advantage in a global business environment. The five days are structured to include lectures and a series of real case studies. At the end of the course, you'll leave with a clear perspective on how Information & Decision Solutions (IDS) impacts on all aspects of business at P&G and the role you could play in driving P&G's continued success. We also want you to have fun – not only during the day but during the evenings too. Social events are organized for you to enjoy the week!

Agenda Highlights:

• Training about P&G – the role of IDS at P&G, application life-cycle, order shipping & billing cycle, sales
• Management Skill Development – leadership, inspirational presenting, team effectiveness, organization design, personalized coaching
• Business Cases following the Business Transformation Journey – portfolio management, strategic planning, vendor selection, project management and service management
• Evenings - social events, including a special chance to meet P&G’s top IDS leaders from across the region.
• Istanbul – discover the city

How to Apply

Next Steps:
Apply to the International IDS Challenge.

• Balkans – Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Moldova
• Baltics – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Israel
• NW Africa – Morocco, Algeria
• Poland
• Russia
• Slovak Republic
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Ukraine

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Information & Decision Solutions (IDS)?
Information & Decision Solutions (IDS) is the function within Procter & Gamble that leverages technical skills and business knowledge to change the way the company runs the P&G business.

I am French and am studying in Germany, in which country should I apply?
In Germany. All countries have local organizations that help with the recruiting of the event. You have to apply in the country where you live, independent of your nationality.

I have already graduated, can I still join?
No, the course is meant for students only. But you are more than welcome to apply for a full time job.

I am not in my final year, can I already join?
Yes, the course is open for students who are 1-3 years from graduation.

What will it cost me?
Nothing, just time. P&G will take care of all travel and accommodation costs.

How often is the event organized?
Once a year. In 2010 it will be from April 11th to April 16th.

Where is it organized ?
The course takes place in a different country every year. In the past the event has taken place in cities like Brussels, Rome, Geneva, Paris, Prague, Barcelona, Budapest, Lisbon, Bucharest, Prague, Paris. We select nice cities in Europe with good accommodation and an exciting atmosphere for an international event like this. Importantly, these are also cities where P&G has offices and a plant close by. In 2010, the event will be in Istanbul, Turkey.

What is expected from me during the event?
First of all, we expect you to actively participate and have a lot of fun working with fellow students and with the organizing team. During the week, you will work intensively on solving case studies. You will receive the necessary training to accomplish your task and present your work.

I need a visa to travel to the course location, what should I do?
Your recruiting manager in P&G will provide the necessary help to have the visa issued for you. This should not be an issue for any participant.

Is this a recruiting event?
No. The objective of this seminar event is to give you a perspective on IDS inside a company like P&G.

What is the deadline to apply?
February 5th , 2010

What is the selection process?
The selection process will be identical to that for full time jobs and internship applications.

Testimonials

I can only say one thing, everything about the IDSC 2009 has been perfect. I have learned and experienced more here in one week that I will do in school or other places during for longer period. I cannot give any suggestions for improvements since everything has been perfect. Everything from lectures, logistics, trainers, planning, location, P&G engagement etc has been so good that it has completely opened my eyes for P&G and IDSC. This week has been one of the most unforgettable in my life and now I will never forget.
Patrick, Sweden

This has not been about getting knowledge as much as it was more about developing and growing one self and learning from each and every opportunity. Best learning experience I've had in my life. I feel ... developed, inspired, motivated, ready, happy.
Sabrine, Egypt

I don't think it's possible to explain the power of this experience by words. It impacted so many aspects. It's not difficult to me to understand "external people" would not believe in what I said. Just to be mentioned how I surprisingly understood this experience has not only increased my technical and team working capabilities, but also in the awareness of myself.
Clio, Italy

Unique experience, feelings, amazing week. IDSC opened my eyes on myself, my strengths and weakness - that's really important. experience and memories for yeas (maybe for all life).
Dima, Russia

IDS experience is an unique opportunity to meet how business life works, discover new learnings and people, and transform yourself in order to pass the "storm point" and to start to grow up in management and leadership skills. It has been one of the best weeks of my life for the personal growth I've been through, for the excellent people I've met and for all the things I have learned.
Angela, Spain

I think IDSC experience is such a unique and precious experience that one might not be able to have such a chance in his/her whole life. For me IDSC is one of the very few things that I felt myself lucky being part of a team that I really belong and learning, experiencing in a diverse environment.
Aysun, Turkey

The IDSC has been fantastic, way beyond any expectations I had set in my head beforehand. By coming together with P&G professionals you are able to enrich your skills and make friends. It is clear now that P&G is a "way of life" and something which cannot be matched anywhere else. This challenge was amazing!!!
Frankie, UK

IDSC was more than I ever excepted, one of my greatest experience and possibilities to learn
Blanka, Croatia

In the beginning it was quite good. But now, after all these experiences you have given us, it is "exceptional" as you said! Really great event, perfectly organized and very well done!!! Best luck in future IDSC!
Ljubiša from BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

IDSC 09 has been a unique experience that helped me to learn, transform and discover. Seeing places I have never seen before, meeting new people, hearing a new and diverse network of friends, meeting top managers, working on cases, challenging ourselves and much more. IDSC week has been one of the most intense learning experiences I ever had. Thanks to you all, I had a great time.
Deniz, Turkey

I think this week was an amazing experience. I feel lucky that I was fortunate enough to be a part of it. I really learned a lot about IDS working in a team relaxing outside of the seminar … congratulations to all coaches and trainers, especially to Giuly and of course our masters of ceremony - you made it an unforgettable week.!
Jessica, Belgium

Improving ourselves, focusing on our weakness, opportunities, and strengths is really important. IDSC enabled me to do it so I don't have any suggestion. For me if this goal is reached. I just want to congratulate and thank all of you for doing all that for us. Thank you!
Hamza, Morocco

This week had a huge impression on me. My professional knowledge was broadening, my personality was improving. I made new friends and we had so much fun. This expertise is really unforgettable. I am really happy and thankful I got the opportunity to participate IDSC.  I think IDSC is an opportunity that every student would be happy to have.
Anita, Hungary