Lagniappe Internship Opportunity Fund Program Launching Fall 2021

The LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the Lagniappe Internship Opportunity Fund Program. The program, which is the first of its kind at LSU, is designed to help reduce the financial barriers to students pursuing internship opportunities that support their career and professional goals.

The Lagniappe Internship Opportunity Fund is made possible by the generous support of an anonymous E. J. Ourso College alum who moved to New York City after graduation to pursue a career on Wall Street. This donor was inspired to create this award opportunity in recognition of the impact a collegiate internship experience can have on a student’s career path. He is passionate about removing the barriers that may inhibit students from taking out-of-state internship opportunities and wants to provide students the ability to travel to wherever the best opportunity may be. This gift serves as the initial seed funding to create this award program, established with the hope that other alumni and donors will be inspired to grow this award.

The E. J. Ourso College of Business believes that internships are one of the most pivotal experiences in college student’s career and professional development. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), “studies have indicated that students graduating with internship experiences, in general, are more likely than students without those experiences to find employment upon graduation.” A vital benefit of an internship is that students can integrate classroom learnings with practical application and further develop these skills in a professional setting. 

"Internships provide a win-win for students during their college years. The internship experience allows students to gain valuable work experience in their chosen field, supporting the academic program of study. It lets them "test drive" an area to see if it's a career they want to pursue, which allows the student to make the best possible career decision for their future. Also, internships have the added benefit of often leading to a full-time offer which is another "win" in a student's experience." 

Seth Thibodeaux, director of professional development for the Office of Business Student Success

The Lagniappe Internship Opportunity Fund aims to reduce financial barriers that can come with accepting an internship, like travel or temporary moving expenses, low-paying or unpaid positions, and expenses associated with living in a major metropolitan city. 

The application for the program will open in September 2021 and will be available to all full-time E. J. Ourso College of Business undergraduate students. Students interested in pursuing internship funding should have a written offer letter for an internship. A wide range of internships will be considered for funding, including paid and unpaid internships, in-person and virtual positions, and local and out-of-state opportunities. A webpage with full details, criteria, and application link will be available at lsu.edu/business in September 2021. 

If you are interested in helping grow the next generation of business leaders through real-world work opportunities, consider giving to the Lagniappe Internship Opportunity Fund. To make a gift in support of this fund, please visit https://bbis32491p.sky.blackbaud.com/give-now and note the Lagniappe Internship Opportunity Fund in the gift comments box.

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