New York, March 17, 2008 – Businesses around the world must look beyond local borders for future leaders. This, according to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu from the second annual Deloitte international Student Business Forum (SBF), held at the IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Students from across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region gathered for this three-day development event, hosted by Deloitte member firm leaders, the IMD faculty and other business leaders. The program challenges students to work in diverse team situations on a professional business case and present solutions to a panel of client judges. The event hosted 66 students from more than 30 countries. 

"Deloitte SBF is unique in that the event provides a real-world international business experience for these talented individuals," explained Kent Kirch, director of global recruiting, Deloitte. "The multi-national, multi-cultural aspect of the event identifies talented individuals who may one day come to work for Deloitte member firms, or may one day be Deloitte clients. This approach is critical to identifying future business leaders."

Students attending the event came from countries throughout the EMEA region including Belgium, CIS, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

"Diversity is an important element of the Deloitte business model," explained Kirch. "Deloitte member firms recruit at all levels across multiple disciplines and deliver that expertise to their clients around the world. The Deloitte Student Business Forum introduces member firms to students who aspire to a culturally and professionally diverse business structure."

Deloitte launched the Student Business Forum in 2007, inviting 50 students – out of a possible 700 students who applied, to IMD for the three-day residential program.

Students selected to participate in the Deloitte SBF are at least one year from graduation, ranked at the top 5-10 percent of their class, have demonstrated leadership ability and are interested in an international career. "The Deloitte Student Business Forum brings together students who are still investigating their options for their future careers," continued Kirch.  "Students are able to get a sense of an international professional services career, and bring the knowledge they have gained from the experience – both about the profession and Deloitte – back to their universities and become Deloitte ambassadors to their fellow students."

About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its member firms.