Mitchell College’s R. Carlson Division of Business has announced a new partnership with Startups & Scholars, a Hartford-based agency providing paid, real-world consulting opportunities for students and recent graduates.

Through the agreement, Startups & Scholars will collaborate with Mitchell’s Mlab program and the newly launched Studio | Mitchell club to connect students with part-time, paid work aligned with their academic interests and career goals.

Students will gain hands-on experience in areas such as digital marketing, professional sales, project management, automation, and operations. They work directly with startups and growing businesses that need support in executing day-to-day operations.

“This partnership brings learning to life in a meaningful and immediate way,” said Dr. James Patsalides, chair of the R. Carlson Division of Business at Mitchell College. “Our students won’t just study business concepts. They’ll apply them in real-world environments, build confidence, and graduate with experience that sets them apart.”

Startups & Scholars has worked with over 40 students from more than 15 colleges and universities across the Northeast in the past six years, placing students in roles spanning sales, business development, marketing, graphic design, and accounting.

“We’ve seen firsthand how impactful these opportunities can be,” said Mike Heiser, co-founder and CEO of Startups & Scholars. “Startups seem to need the most help with the execution layer of running a business. This can look like sales outreach, customer support management, running marketing campaigns, etc. Where rubber hits the road, that’s where our students step in and make a real difference.”

Through the Studio | Mitchell structure, students will work on individual assignments that contribute to larger client projects, collaborating with peers, client leads, and industry mentors. This team-based approach ensures accountability while providing the support necessary for growth and success.

“We want to ensure no student is left without support,” Heiser said.

“The advantage for students is clear. They gain paid, professional experience while still in college, all within a supportive learning environment,” added Patsalides. “It’s a powerful combination that prepares them for the workforce from day one.”

This partnership reflects Mitchell College’s continued commitment to experiential learning and career readiness, ensuring students graduate with both knowledge and applied skills.

(l-r) Dr. Elyse Gessler, assistant professor, business student Braiden Alaimo, Startups & Scholars co-founder and CEO Mike Heiser, and Dr. James Patsalides, chair of the R. Carlson Division of Business