While Michigan Business Connection is known for its businessfinancing efforts with credit unions, the CUSO is also connectingwith college students who want experience outside of theclassroom.

Through an internship partnership with Eastern MichiganUniversity in Ypsilanti, MBC said it is proving there is a return on investment forfresh, intellectual capital.

“We've been delighted to provide EMU students direct handson experiences in community finance. It's particularly gratifyingto see how these students have gone on to great positions withinthe industry, including within MBC,” said MBC CEO BillBeardsley. “Investing in young professionals has been one ofthe most important things we've ever done.”

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., MBC underwrites and originatescommercial loans and manages more than $250 million in credit unionbusiness loans.

With more than 70% of EMU graduates staying in Michigan,internship opportunities directly support the local economy byhelping to produce experienced, employable candidates right out ofcollege, Beardsley said.

Katie Krzyckowski, a recent MBC intern who was hired as aportfolio manager after graduating from college, said she wasthrilled with the “incredible opportunity” her internship providedby allowing her to gain experience and knowledge, “not by sittingin a classroom but by working on real deals.”

Jacqueline Craig, a senior at EMU, who is MBC's tenth intern,said she is looking forward to building her career in finance withthe support of Beardsley's leadership and the knowledge of the MBCteam.

Beardsley said that although every internship doesn't lead to afulltime position, each of MBC's former interns felt it wasessential to their college experience, future employability andacceptance to graduate school.

Michael Tidwell, dean of EMU's College of Business, said hevalues the partnership with MBC because it is a co-curricularprogram that helps students build a professional skill set thatisn't taught in a classroom environment.

“In many cases, the internship helps feed the need of localindustry and keeps the students local,” Tidwell said.

In addition to exposing the students to professionalopportunities, Tidwell emphasized the importance of gaininginterview experience and observing and practicing workplaceetiquette.