Jackson National Life is an insurance company based in Lansing with additional offices around the country. The company invested more than $10 million in the East Lansing location, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Laura Prieskorn said.

“We felt that we needed to grow and expand our (associate) program. We decided to do that in East Lansing to be close to MSU,” she said.

Jackson National Life has brought on 135 people at its East Lansing office, 87 of which are MSU students. The majority of positions are part-time to cater to the student population.

Criminal justice junior Dairria Bynum said the unique work environment makes the company a great place.

“Working here has been amazing. The building is great,” she said. “It provides a not as uptight work environment.”

The company also employs people from other colleges. Lansing Community College business and communications sophomore Denzel Lawson is part of the associate program.

“The environment is great, the building is real beautiful,” he said.

City Manager George Lahanas said he was excited about the building’s prospects for downtown East Lansing.

“Having people work in your downtown in large numbers adds a dimension that we certainly need a lot more of,” he said. “I think it sends a great message that talented people want to work in (an) urban, exciting area. I really think Jackson National Life gets it. They understand how important talent is, they understand how important the connection is with Michigan State University, so I think it brings so many things together that is really is a great outcome for our downtown.”