Vandal Solutions, a not-for-profit marketing organization through the College of Business and Economics, allows students to gain business experience while earning credit toward a degree.
The organization offers many services to businesses around the Palouse and donates all profits to the University of Idaho in scholarships.
Blake Wetzel, Manager of Human Resources, said it’s beneficial to the students as well as the businesses they work with.
“The majority of us will be working with businesses in one way or another so if nothing else we learn some great business ethics and communication skills,” Wetzel said.
Hailey Gosack, vice president of finance, said students do not have to be in CBE to join Vandal Solutions and it is beneficial to all students.
“I think it’s great,” Gosack said. “You actually get to apply classroom concepts that you learn. It’s definitely been the best team experience I’ve had in school.”
Nathan Essex, president of Vandal Solutions, said it is a great opportunity for students to use what they are actually learning in the classroom.
“It’s actual work experience,” Essex said. “Students consistently have been able to put (it) on their resumes because it’s more like an internship than a class in a lot of ways.”
Yvette Yzaguirre, manager of public relations for Vandal Solutions, said Essex and Gosack have made a huge impact on the organization.
“They’ve contributed not only their opinions and their work but also how to improve Vandal Solutions as a whole,” Yzaguirre said.
Essex received the Vandal Solutions Scholarship, only offered to CBE seniors, last week.
“Nathan always has an insightful thing to say about any part of the organization,” Yzaguirre said. “He’s always offering a different idea or a different perspective.”
Gosack said Essex does well with the position because he is a go-getter and sets goals to reach for his vision.
“He has brought a lot of structure to Vandal Solutions just in the fact of teaching you how to make a proper sale and documenting procedures,” Gosack said.
Vandal Solutions will induct 12 new members in the fall and accepts applications year round.
Becky Davis can be reached at [email protected]