IRON for Employers

Rural businesses are the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, yet attracting and retaining talent in smaller communities can be a challenge. IRON bridges that gap by connecting LSBE students—whether they have rural roots or are curious about rural career paths—with internships that support the vitality of rural Minnesota.

As an IRON business, you can:

• Access skilled, motivated students trained in key areas of business.
• Introduce new ideas, perspectives, and technologies into your organization.
• Build a pipeline of future leaders who understand and value rural business opportunities.
• Strengthen your connection to Minnesota’s future workforce.

Students from the UMD Labovitz School of Business & Economics (LSBE) are practical, community‑minded emerging professionals who thrive in the kinds of real‑world environments rural businesses offer.

Prepared for Real Work

LSBE teaches students to think critically, solve problems, and apply their learning to real business challenges—skills rural employers value in lean, fast‑moving workplaces.
All majors are industry‑relevant and taught by qualified faculty, ensuring students bring strong business fundamentals.

Hands‑On and Adaptable

Students gain experience through internships, company projects, competitions, research, and applied learning—making them ready to contribute from day one. They excel in collaborative, relationship‑based environments similar to many rural workplaces.

Shaped by a Regional Economy Like Yours

LSBE students learn in a region defined by small businesses, natural resources, tourism, healthcare, and entrepreneurship—aligning naturally with the needs of rural Minnesota employers.

Reliable and Career‑Ready

LSBE graduates achieve a 98% placement rate¹, reflecting strong preparation and employer satisfaction. Students also receive advising and professional support to ensure they show up polished and ready. ¹UMD 2023-24 Post-Graduation Survey.

A Strong Talent Pipeline

With 1,500+ undergraduates and 50+ MBA students, LSBE offers a wide pool of motivated students ready to contribute to rural businesses through the IRON Program.

Flexible Internship Formats

Every rural business is different, and we understand the value of flexibility. You may want to offer:

• In-person internships for hands-on roles in your community
• Hybrid or remote internships for positions that allow for off-site work

Customized Experiences

You define the projects, responsibilities, and goals for your intern. Whether your business needs support with marketing, financial analysis, operations, or HR, we can offer guidance and resources to help you design an internship experience that benefits both your organization and the student.

The IRON Scholarship Fund empowers undergraduate students to pursue meaningful internships in rural Minnesota by providing a $2,500 stipend to help offset living and tuition costs. 

For employers, this means access to motivated, career-ready interns who are financially supported to fully engage in their roles. The scholarship helps your internship dollars go farther, allowing you to invest in talent while maximizing your impact. 

By hosting an IRON-funded intern, your business plays a vital role in workforce development and regional economic growth.

Contact the LSBE internship program director to learn how your business can connect with LSBE students and make an impact on the future of rural Minnesota.

“I'm incredibly grateful to the donors who make this scholarship possible - their support allows students like me to gain real-world experience.” - Jenna M.