His Charlottesville-based company, Student Techies, operates like a temp agency, putting students and their computer savvy to work. "Kids in college now grew up with computers," Doherty says, explaining that college students’ computer knowledge is an untapped resource for companies as well as the universities the students attend. "They are familiar with technology and will work for a little more than they make at Starbucks," he says.

Student Techies has received more than 3,000 applications since August 2000 and has established working relationships with the University of Virginia and Piedmont Community College in Charlottesville. The company is looking into doing more with other Virginia schools.

The advantage for students is clear. They have a shot at working for a potential future employer as well as a chance to put classroom knowledge to use. Employers get a sneak preview at the full-time employees of the future, and they’re offered a more affordable solution than bringing on a full-time employee to work temporarily on a project.

For now, though, Student Techies is sticking to the basics — taking applications and acting as a third party in job placement. That model seems to work well. Doherty wouldn’t comment on exact profits but says he pays students $12 to $13 an hour and bills companies $16 to $17.