Indiana University program connects college freshmen to jobs

Business Plus initiative aims to build talent pipeline amid hiring gaps

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:52am

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Indiana University's Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis has launched the Business Plus program, which places first-year students into paid roles with Indiana companies as businesses look for earlier ways to build talent and address workforce gaps.

Why it matters

The program is an effort to keep more graduates in Indiana and strengthen the state's workforce, especially in fields struggling to attract workers. However, some critics warn that pushing students into jobs too soon could take focus away from classroom learning and long-term development.

The details

The Business Plus program allows first-year students to gain early work experience at Indiana companies. Participants like freshman Luke Alka say the program is already helping them apply for jobs. Supporters believe the early experience can benefit both students and employers, but critics caution that it could distract from academics.

  • The Business Plus program is in its second year at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.
  • The program was launched as Indiana employers said a tightening talent pipeline is forcing a shift in their hiring practices.

The players

Luke Alka

A freshman at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business who is participating in the Business Plus program.

Heather Perry

CEO and managing member of the Carmel-based accounting firm DOZ, which is participating in the Business Plus program.

Indiana University's Kelley School of Business

The business school at Indiana University that has launched the Business Plus program to connect college freshmen with jobs.

Indiana employers

Businesses in Indiana that are participating in the Business Plus program and looking to build their talent pipeline earlier.

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What they’re saying

“Just having this experience, now that I have it, I'm applying for jobs. That's the beauty of the program, is they know you don't have that technical experience, but they're going to help you build it and hope to create a good program from it and keep you coming back.”

— Luke Alka, Freshman, Indiana University's Kelley School of Business

“The Business Plus program offered an opportunity to start working with younger students, which was something that we were excited about. One of the things that we found over the last couple of years is there weren't as many people going into the accounting profession, or they might start out in accounting, but maybe they didn't make it all the way through.”

— Heather Perry, CEO and managing member, DOZ

What’s next

The Business Plus program is expected to continue expanding, with more Indiana employers signing on to participate. Business leaders said efforts like this could shape how the state fills critical jobs in the years ahead.

The takeaway

The Business Plus program at Indiana University represents an innovative approach to addressing workforce gaps, but it also raises concerns about the potential impact on students' academic focus and long-term development. As the program grows, it will be important to carefully balance the needs of employers and the educational priorities of students.