BGSU Schmidthorst College of Business, Ohio Department of Development partner to expand internship opportunities and move Ohio's economy forward

BGSU is the only northwestern Ohio university to join the Ohio Export Internship Program

In support of student success and to drive economic vitality, Bowling Green State University and the Ohio Department of Development are partnering to provide training to students who can then use their knowledge to help Ohio businesses strengthen their export programs.

Starting in the spring, the University's Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business will begin offering an export-focused class where students will be eligible for export-related internships at companies across the state beginning in May 2023.

BGSU is the only northwestern Ohio university to partner with the Ohio Export Internship Program. Other Ohio universities in the program include Cleveland State University, the University of Dayton, Ohio State University, Ohio University and Youngstown State University.

The Ohio Export Internship Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Export Assistance and International Engagement.

“We’re pleased that we are able to extend the reach of this internship program,” Development Director Lydia Mihalik said. “Ohio is now the ninth-largest exporting state in the nation, and our goal is to help companies enter export markets so Ohio-made products get in the hands of more international customers.”

Since the program began in 2012, 411 students have helped 232 Ohio companies improve their export programs. Interns’ work has resulted in 400 new international markets, distributors or customers for participating companies.

"Through this partnership, Bowling Green State University will meet Ohio's workforce needs and support the success of our students," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "As a public university for the public good, BGSU is committed to supporting businesses, our communities and to help drive economic vitality. We are so pleased to collaborate with the Ohio Department of Development to provide robust opportunities to our students and help move our region and Ohio forward."

The Ohio Department of Development reimburses companies for half of the summer interns’ wages. The highly successful program has led to 136 internships being extended at company expense and 69 new full-time jobs at the companies.

The addition of BGSU will allow the program to expand to more students each year and provide export-focused interns to more companies. Students can take export-related coursework at any of the six partnership universities, but can be from any college or university in the state to participate in the program.

Students from 19 Ohio universities have participated in the program since 2012.