Businesses sought for entrepreneurial interns

The Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire is seeking area businesses to participate in its Internship in Entrepreneurial and Management Practice, which teams up graduating seniors studying entrepreneurial venture creation with leading businesses throughout the region.

Students work eight to 10 hours a week for the fall semester as part of their class requirements, which also include completion of a group consulting project with a nonprofit organization, development of a group start-up concept, analysis of a news article about high technology entrepreneurship, and participation in class lectures that feature guest speakers on such topics as entrepreneurship, the New Hampshire economy, and the private equity and venture capital markets.

The course was created in 2000 by Jeff Sohl, professor of decisions sciences and director of the Center for Venture Research, and Ross Gittell, James R. Carter Professor and professor of management.

Each student formally interviews with participating companies, which select their interns based on the needs and abilities of the student. “These companies get access to high-quality and highly motivated students at the Whittemore School who are most interested in working for entrepreneurial ventures,” Sohl said.

More than ever before, internships are considered a critical component to an undergraduate business degree. “Work experience and business contacts are the keys for college graduates to get their first professional job. And the internship course provides both for our students,” Gittell said.

The fall 2006 program begins August 28. Companies interested in participating in the internship program should contact Laura Hill at the Center for Venture Research at 603-862-3341 or laura.hill@unh.edu.