No one likes a headache that keeps coming back.
KU MBA student Ryan Boomsma got a chance to help sufferers of recurring headaches recently as he finished an extensive marketing study for the University of Kansas Hospital during an internship at the Lawrence Regional Technology Center.
Boomsma examined market opportunities and threats to a behavioral modification program KU researchers developed to treat recurring headaches. Boomsma then presented his findings to researchers and technology staff at the University of Kansas.
The internship gave him a “hands-on, real-world experience that has proved to be an invaluable part of my education,” Boomsma said.
Working alongside professionals at LRTC and the University, Boomsma gained consulting and market analysis skills that he said added notable value to his resume and career marketability.
His research “reinforced learning I have done in the classroom,” Boomsma said. “This internship will put me ahead of others who haven’t had similar experiences.”
The KU School of Business and LRTC have partnered to offer an internship to two KU MBA students every year. Student dive into fast-paced consulting work, including new product ventures or market analyses, for a variety of local and regional companies. Students work on team projects that emphasize client objectives.
LRTC focuses on firms in industries such as software, information technology, and communications. LRTC’s clients have raised more than $62 million in capital and created 122 jobs locally with an average salary of $66,000 (more than twice the typical average salary).
KU MBA students praise LRTC and its innovative internship opportunities.
“Projects at LRTC demand versatility and ingenuity,” said KU MBA student Shobana Rajasekaran. “The stint of practical training provides ample scope for international students to test and subsequently improve their fit in the American workplace.”
KU MBA student Ryan Sullivan said LRTC gave prime experience employers look for: a track record of solving real-world problems. Sullivan said he enjoyed quickly putting his classroom learning into practice.
“I know the skills I was able to develop there will serve me well in my professional career,” Sullivan said.
