MSU business IT students poised to help companies on new tech projects

An estimated 20 teams of Michigan State University undergraduate seniors are ready and waiting to help mid-Michigan businesses and nonprofits solve their digital problems. As part of their final course in their Information Technology minor, students are required to work in cross-functional teams on a real-world IT project. They just need a few more clients.

Teagan Dixon, fixed-term faculty in the Department of Accounting and Information Systems, and Leticia Cherchiglia, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Media and Information in the College of Communication Arts & Sciences, who are teaching the course, say the students are capable of taking on a wide range of technology-related projects. Each team will consist of students majoring in business, media and information, computer science, engineering and other majors. They’ve already completed successful projects like these:

• Websites and Web Content Management Systems: Student teams designed and implemented content management systems for clients such as the Lansing Old Town Business and Arts Development Association and TechTown, Detroit’s research and technology development park along the Woodward corridor.
• Database and Workflow Systems: Student teams also help with back-end office operations. For example, one team designed and implemented a new membership database for the Michigan Kiwanis Club using Microsoft Access, and another team used Microsoft InfoPath to design and implement a workflow system for a petroleum distribution company.
• Wireless Web Access: A student team created a prototype for the Oakland County Mobile Services system to format website information for smaller screens on mobile phones and PDAs.
• Video Production: Students produced promotional videos and DVDs for clients ranging from St. Johns Public Schools to Walnut Hills Country Club.
• Social Media Marketing: Students created a comprehensive social media strategy, initial presence and maintenance plan for Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub.

Organizations (business, government or nonprofit) may now submit proposals to have student teams take on projects for the Spring 2020 academic semester, which begins in January and extends through April. The ideal project is hands-on, with a well-defined outcome that can be achieved by five students in about 10 weeks.

To submit a project for consideration, please contact instructors Dixon and Cherchiglia as soon as possible and no later than Dec. 27.