In a time where graduating college students face a bleak job market, one program at Minnesota State is helping give some students a leg-up. News 12's Caroline Rowland tells us about the program.

Andrew Engstrom has been working in computer software industry for about a year, and he hasn't even graduated college yet. Andrew is one of 20 students who work for Project Maverick. The 20-hour a week job helps give students like Andrew real world experience.

Marty Hebig says, "To get into this industry you need experience, and for them they'll be able to work on real world, software development, testing projects, get that experience while their still going to school, it's invaluable.

Andrew Engstrom says, "The real value working here is you get to see real-world problems, and you learn how to think through finding a solution to those problems."

Project Maverick is a partnership between MSU, Maverick Software Consulting and Thomson Reuters. Co-owner of Maverick Software consulting says the partnership benefits all those involved. Marty Hebig says "Thomson Reuters gets a chance to get the same work done for a little cheaper and it stays in the country."

The project was started at MSU in 2006, it has since expanded to three other schools, including Iowa and Wisconsin. And it helps to give students like Andrew a chance to put theory to practice. Andrew Engstrom says, "I have learned all kinds of new technologies that I never would have just taking classes. It's really broadened the horizons. It will also help Andrew stand out against his peers when it comes to finding a job after graduation. Andrew Engstrom says, "This will definitely help me get a job." Marty Hebig says, "So far we've had excellent placement at Thomson Reuters. We've had 100% job placement of our students all over."