The IBA-SBS Undergraduate Experience
IBA School of Business Studies (IBA-SBS) | Karachi, Pakistan

Integration Phase: Helping Students Find Their Place

As the students begin navigating the academic and social landscape of university life, the Integration Phase ensures that they feel supported and connected at IBA-SBS. This phase focuses on helping them adapt to their new academic and social environment by offering continued guidance and structured support. Our goal is to ensure the students feel welcomed, connected, and equipped to thrive—not just academically, but as a confident and engaged member of the IBA-SBS community. Through a range of initiatives, we support their holistic development and create opportunities for them to build lasting relationships, navigate academic challenges, and continue to learn and grow.

1. First Year Curriculum

In their first year, students are required to complete 14 core courses totaling 36 credit hours. These foundational courses are designed to build essential academic skills and subject knowledge across key disciplines. Staying on track with the curriculum helps ensure timely progress toward graduation and smooth course planning in later years.

2. OUG-SBS Advising

In the integration stage, students receive essential administrative academic support which focuses on helping them understand the structure of their program to help students navigate key processes during their academic journey. This includes support with program transfers in the second year, understanding prerequisite requirements, and planning courses in line with graduation timelines. The goal is to set a strong academic foundation and help students navigate the institutional framework with confidence from the outset. For more details, click here.

3. Faculty Advising

Personalized guidance is at the heart of student progress at SBS. The dedicated Faculty Advisors provide one-on-one support to student queries to support their academic well-being. Whether exploring postgraduate programs, seeking advice on their course choices, or addressing challenges related to their academic progress at the IBA-SBS, the faculty advisor offers tailored guidance to help students make informed decisions and stay on track throughout their first year and beyond. For more details, click here.

4. Buddy Program

Transitioning to university is smoother with a mentor to advise the students from the very start. Our Buddy Program pairs new students with experienced student mentors who guide them through their first year, facilitate social engagement, integration, and acclimating to university life. The mentors offer practical advice, share their own experiences, and help students navigate academic and social challenges. From introducing them to campus traditions to connecting with peers, the buddy fosters a sense of belonging, making IBA-SBS feel like home. For more details, click here.

5. Student Check-ins

We believe that regular communication fosters a stronger community. Through student townhalls, feedback sessions, and surveys, we create open forums where students can voice their concerns, share feedback, and stay updated on important developments. These sessions also offer an opportunity to connect with the OUG-SBS—strengthening the support network and ensuring that their journey at IBA-SBS is both engaging and inclusive. Communication regarding scheduling of student townhall sessions is conducted through student emails.

6. Health and Wellness Office

The Health and Wellness Office at IBA is dedicated to supporting students’ mental and emotional well-being through counseling services. The approach is facilitative rather than directive—empowering students to build insight, manage stress, and navigate personal challenges with greater self-awareness and resilience.

For concerns that are more complex or require long-term psychological care, students are guided through professional referrals to external specialists who can provide more intensive support.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the counseling process. All information shared remains strictly confidential unless there is a concern that the student may pose a risk to themselves or others. In such rare cases, appropriate individuals or authorities will be notified to ensure the student’s safety and well-being. For more details, click here.

Growth Phase: Thriving as a Trailblazer

As students settle into life at IBA-SBS, the Growth Phase focuses on helping them thrive—academically, professionally, and personally. With a combination of school-level advising and university-wide resources, students are supported in making informed decisions around electives, credit transfers, graduation planning, and career pathways. Dedicated offices such as the Career Development Centre and the Office of International Student Engagement serve as key support pillars, offering access to professional development opportunities, global exposure, and long-term career planning. Alongside these, specialist advising by faculty, skills workshops, co-curricular activities, and experiential learning initiatives create a holistic ecosystem that empowers students to grow with confidence, purpose, and a sense of direction.

1. Specialist Courses and Electives

As students’ progress in their program, they will have the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist courses and electives that align with their interests and career goals. These courses allow students to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of business and develop niche skills relevant to the industry.

The Office of Undergraduate (OUG-SBS) is available to guide students in making informed decisions about course selection—whether it's understanding elective options, fulfilling program requirements, or managing graduation timelines.

2. Early Intervention

OUG-SBS closely monitors students’ academic progress each semester to ensure they are meeting key milestones and expectations. When a student shows signs of academic difficulty—such as a declining CGPA, dropped courses or delays in completing recommended credit hours—the office initiates timely, one-on-one counseling sessions with the program director. These sessions are designed to provide personalized guidance, identify underlying challenges, and support students in developing effective strategies to get back on track. The goal is to empower every student to overcome setbacks and continue their journey as confident, capable individuals.

3. Student Societies

University life at IBA is shaped as much by what happens outside classrooms as inside them. The Office of Student Societies (OSS) oversees more than 30 active student-run clubs — spanning debating, public speaking, arts, entrepreneurship, adventure, tech, and beyond. These societies offer rich platforms to pursue passions, develop leadership, and build a network across disciplines. OSS also welcomes new society proposals, ensuring that students can create communities that match their unique interests. For more details, click here.

4. On-Campus jobs

Learning at IBA-SBS goes beyond lectures and case studies — students can gain real-world experience through on-campus roles. Opportunities such as Teaching Assistants (TAs), Research Assistants (RAs) and Executive Assistants (EAs) allow students to build essential skills while contributing to the university ecosystem. These roles cultivate professionalism, time management, and workplace etiquette in a familiar yet structured environment. Opportunities for on-campus roles are usually communicated via student emails.

5. Experiential Learning Interventions

The Experiential Learning through mandatory internship and projects offers work experience and real-world consulting opportunities for senior students across various programs. Working in teams, students partner with organizations to assess business challenges, conduct field research, and develop practical, cost-effective solutions. These opportunities enhances industry knowledge and helps students apply their academic learning to real business contexts — fostering holistic problem-solving and professional readiness.

6. International Student Engagement

At IBA-SBS, global learning is a valued part of the student experience. The Office of International Student Engagement (OISE) facilitates semester and summer exchange programs with renowned partner universities around the world. By supporting credit transfers, visa processing, and academic planning, the OISE empowers students to broaden their worldview, build cross-cultural competence, and gain exposure to international education. Students are also encouraged to participate in international conferences, competitions, and scholarship programs — taking their learning far beyond borders. For more details, click here.

7. Specialist Advising

As students refine their academic interests and consider long-term goals, Specialist Advising connects them with faculty members who are experts in specific disciplines. These faculty advisors provide tailored guidance on selecting electives that align with students’ professional ambitions, suggest relevant research or experiential opportunities, and offer insights into emerging fields and industry trends. Whether students are exploring career pathways, planning for graduate studies, or preparing for competitive fellowships, Specialist Advising supports informed decision-making through expert mentorship grounded in both academic and practical perspectives. For more details, click here.

8. Personal Effectiveness

Personal effectiveness sessions are designed to enhance students’ soft skills and overall well-being. Conducted by experts, these focused sessions address specific needs such as time management, communication, self-leadership, and stress management.

These workshops equip students with practical tools to manage academic and personal challenges more effectively, supporting their holistic development during their time at IBA-SBS. The goal is to prepare students for the demands of the professional world and help them transition smoothly into their careers.

9. Career Readiness

Preparing for life beyond the classroom begins early at IBA-SBS. The Career Development Centre (CDC) plays an integral role in helping students explore career paths, build employability skills, and connect with meaningful opportunities. From one-on-one advising and resume refinement to recruitment drives and employer networking, the CDC equips students to navigate the job market with confidence. Its focus on long-term career planning and professional development ensures that graduates are prepared not just for their first job — but for a fulfilling, lifelong career. For more details, click here.