Jackson National Life Insurance Company hires MTU students to work IT department

There are few things as important as getting real world experience when looking to step out of college and be a member of the job force.

Michigan Technological University students have been getting that chance recently from the Jackson National Life Insurance Company, which is headquartered in Lansing. The company has been using MTU’s computer science and computer engineer students to help fill gaps in work projects, all while giving them much-needed experience. What’s more is they’ve been doing this program right in at the MTEC SmartZone near Michigan Tech’s campus.

“By operating our MTEC SmartZone office year-round at Michigan Technological University, we are able to demonstrate first-hand the sophistication and cutting-edge technology of Jackson’s IT department,” says Rob Sweet, manager of Jackson’s satellite office. “By working with Michigan Tech students for one to two years prior to their graduation, we are able to increase our pipeline of new hires and spend more time with the students individually, to identify those we believe will be a good fit.”

When Jackson opened their office in the MTEC SmartZone’s Lakeshore Center business incubator, they created 12 new jobs. They expect to add 30 more by the end of 2013.  

Jackson’s satellite office is equipped with 24 high-tech workstations at which students work part time and serve as resources for Jackson’s systems and programming department.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: MTEC SmartZone