Companies that need some extra help getting work done during these tough financial times should look into hiring MBA students for internships.

Interns preparing for MBA jobs can often help finish important projects and create new business opportunities. Boise State University's International Programs office and the Small Business Development Center, which provides consulting services to businesses, are working together to help place students in these types of internships.

During the upcoming spring, 10 MBA students from the International Trade Institute of Taiwan will complete internships with local companies in Boise. The program is in its fourth year at the college, according to an article by the Idaho Statesman.

"All the students have exceptional English skills, and this is the final step toward achieving their MBA," Rick Vycitol, director of the Idaho SBDC Region III at BSU, said in the article.

Students completing internships will be expected to work four days per week, with Mondays reserved for class meetings. Students have identified business topics they're interested in and industries they would like to work in to help with the internship process. Industries with the most interest are cosmetics, sales, information technology, advertising, financial services and call centers.

Students are often employed in school districts, accounting firms and banking and public relations firms. The Idaho Candy Company is one business that has benefited from hiring interns.

"I'm constantly trying to figure out different ways of doing things and get other input in a fairly inexpensive way," Dave Wagers, president of Idaho Candy, said in the article. "This is one way to get some bright people who have different perspectives."

Companies interested in hosting interns aren't charged any fees, but must provide interns with situations in which they can interact with company employees and culture.