ETSU has launched BucHouse, a student-run agency designed to give students in marketing, media and digital media hands-on, paid experience while completing their degrees.

BucHouse, which began in January, is housed in ETSU’s School of Marketing and Media. The initiative connects students with real-world projects that strengthen their portfolios before graduation, said Dr. Melanie Richards, the school’s director.

“The goal with building BucHouse was to provide students with even more opportunities to really get in there and do the work,” Richards said. “When they come out into the workforce, they have a resume developed, a portfolio developed of these very real-world applied projects.”

Unlike many experiential learning programs, BucHouse guarantees students are paid for their work. Richards said that decision was a personal priority.

“I was a first-generation college student, and I remember working pretty close to full-time all the way through school,” Richards said. “It limits you sometimes in the ability to take on the extra work that could build your portfolio and your work experience. We didn’t want students to have to make that choice.”

Dr. Melanie Richards, director of the ETSU School of Marketing and Media

The agency accepts applications from students across the three disciplines within the school. Applicants submit portfolios and may be matched with projects based on skills and interests.

Projects so far have included collaborations with campus departments, as well as nonprofit and for-profit community partners. Specialty areas within BucHouse include Pepper Productions, a video-focused division led by faculty member Brad Bode.

Richards said the program is already gaining momentum and expects it to continue expanding.

“I think it’s going to be an amazing opportunity for students, and it already has been in a lot of ways,” she said.

Students interested in applying can find more information on the BucHouse website at etsu.edu/cbat/marketing-media/buchouse/.

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