Business Students to Offer Free Consulting this Spring 2016
Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship is seeking local and regional businesses and non-profit organizations that are willing
to offer students practical business experience in return for research, issue analysis
or operational advice during the upcoming fall semester, which runs from Jan. 13 through
Apr. 29.
Participating students will be enrolled in “BMGT 463—Entrepreneurial Experience” or
“BMGT 475R – Management Experience.” Both are senior-level courses taught by Gary
Bishop, associate teaching professor of management. Bishop said the entrepreneurial
experience course is primarily focused on new start-up organizations or small, locally
owned businesses. The management experience course focuses on more established businesses,
as well as civic and non-profit organizations.
During the four-month courses, students will help manage special consulting projects
requested by area businesses and non-profit organizations. Past projects have included
developing business, marketing and financial plans, identifying ways to improve businesses,
suggesting solutions to problems, re-branding businesses, developing websites and
social networking sites, market and competition analysis, sales analysis, feasibility
studies, assisting with human resources and customer services issues, developing employee
training and handbooks, and other business and management processes.
Businesses and organizations that wish to participate in the fall are invited to apply
to the MSU Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Applications are due
January 6.
In addition, the college has an internship program known as Student Entrepreneurs
in Action. As part of the program, local businesses and organizations may apply to
host a college intern from the program to work with the business or organization for
10 to 20 hours per week. In some instances, the student may work with the business
or organization at no cost.
Application materials for both programs may be obtained by contacting Linda Ward at
994-1995 or lward@montana.edu. More information also is available at http://www.montana.edu/business/e-center/for-companies.html.