Idaho small business and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to take part in Bronco Corps, a Boise State program that provides student interns at no cost to the employer while giving students valuable work experience. The College of Business and Economics launched the program in 2020 to help the local business community address challenges and disruptions during the events of the past year. Following a successful pilot phase, a generous donor made it possible for Bronco Corps to continue through 2021.
Organizations that took part in Bronco Corps last year include the TRICA Preschool of the Arts, Boise Nice, City Peanut Shop, Camp River Run and FARE Idaho, to name a few. Based on a survey at the end of 2020, 67 percent of the organizations will be offering additional opportunities to interns, and all of the companies reported that the main goals of the internships were met.
“Bronco Corps helped prepare me for the future by giving me real life experience before I was out into the job search,” said recent Boise State graduate Ashlin Wigington (BBA, marketing, ‘21). “I learned how to enhance my group work skills and interactions with upper management, and I am grateful for the doors that were opened because of my experience with the program. You will get out what you put into this experience!”
A total of 15 internship opportunities will be offered to the community during the fall 2021 semester. Organizations can apply for Bronco Corps interns by July 30. While businesses incur zero costs for these internships, the college allows for the students to earn $12.50 per hour. Student interns can work up to 160 hours on various projects including finance and accounting assistance, marketing strategy, data analytics and reporting, business operations, and more.
“It has been a rewarding experience building community partners and supporting them through a difficult time by connecting them to our students,” said Laura Chiuppi, director of the college’s career services. “Both employers and students reap the benefit of internships. Our students gain work experience in their industry and establish networking connections while employers are learning fresh perspectives and identifying new talent.”
Employers can work with Chiuppi to create job descriptions for positions and to recruit students. Please contact cobecareers@boisestate.edu to participate or to recommend a small business or nonprofit organization by July 30.