UC engineering students experience tech innovation firsthand

From campus to Silicon Valley, UC Center for Entrepreneurship facilitates transformative journey

In a bold and visionary move, the University of Cincinnati Center for Entrepreneurship recently organized a transformative trip for students from the College of Engineering and Applied Science to the heart of technological innovation: San Francisco.

This excursion aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by connecting current students with successful alumni who have made their mark in some of the world's largest tech companies.

The initiative underscores the Center for Entrepreneurship’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among its engineering students, providing them with a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the dynamic intersection of technology, business and innovation.

The journey began as a group of ambitious students, guided by staff members, touched down in San Francisco, a city synonymous with groundbreaking technological advancements. The trip's highlight was the series of meetings and engagements with UC alums who have successfully carved career paths in the competitive tech landscape.

They [students] had the opportunity to observe the professional corporate culture of the organization and hear a direct account from a former alum about working at Apple and the experience of moving from the Midwest to the Bay Area ... It was a powerful first stop for the students and set the bar high for the rest of the trip.”

Josie Dalton Assistant director, Center for Entrepreneurship

Apple

The first stop was the headquarters of industry titan Apple to connect with Sam Jeyatheva, manager of supply chain solutions and a Carl H. Lindner College of Business graduate.

“It was an exciting way to kick things off for students," Josie Dalton, assistant director for the Center for Entrepreneurship, said. "They had the opportunity to observe the professional corporate culture of the organization and hear a direct account from a former alum about working at Apple and the experience of moving from the Midwest to the Bay Area. Sam took the time to answer questions surrounding the students’ passions and skillsets of pursuing a career with a FAANG company. It was a powerful first stop for the students and set the bar high for the rest of the trip.”

FAANG — or Big Tech or the Big Five — is an acronym that refers to five of the most prominent American technology companies: Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google.

A group of students pose for a photo next to a sign for Y Combinator, an American technology startup accelerator.

Center for Entrepreneurship leaders with College of Engineering and Applied Science student group. Photo/Candace Wade

Google

Next stop in the heart of innovation — Google's sprawling campus. A palpable sense of anticipation and curiosity filled the air as students stepped onto the tech giant's grounds.

Students had the chance to glean insights, advice and inspiration from Phil Dinovo, who once walked the same UC academic hallways, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from UC. Dinovo who works in data analytics for financial services at Google, reactivated his old UC campus tour skills, engaging in candid conversations with students, which left an indelible impression on the young engineers, fueling their entrepreneurial aspirations.

According to Candace Wade, program coordinator of the Center for Entrepreneurship, the importance of such experiences cannot be overstated. Wade emphasized the significance of connecting students with real-world success stories.

"Our goal is to prepare students for technical challenges and instill an entrepreneurial mindset. By bringing them face-to-face with accomplished alumni, engineering students were inspired to realize this could be them someday and the endless possibilities in their careers," Wade said.

Outputs

A seated man speaks to a group of students gathered around him.

College of Engineering and Applied Science students during San Francisco trip with the Center for Entrepreneurship. Photo/Candace Wade.

The trip acted as a catalyst for fostering networking and mentorship opportunities.

Alums graciously shared their personal journeys, recounting triumphs and overcoming challenges, offering invaluable lessons beyond the reach of textbooks. They detailed evolving roles and diverse experiences, describing their unexpected transitions into various positions and places within their careers.

"For students grappling with the uncertainty of post-graduation plans, wondering about their first job or next career move, the reassurance that your initial role or career trajectory is unlikely to be your ultimate destination can alleviate some of that pressure students have about securing the perfect job immediately after graduation," Dalton said. "It's about embracing the long-term journey and remaining open to countless possibilities."

Wade concurred that the California experience not only enriched students with knowledge but also infused them with a fresh sense of purpose and clarity of direction. As UC propels forward as a focal point of innovation, Wade views this undertaking as a crucial juncture in its dedication to molding the next generation of entrepreneurial engineers.

“The impact of this initiative is poised to reverberate through the projects, aspirations and career paths of these students, creating a lasting ripple effect that will resonate for years to come as they champion the torch of innovation into the future,” Wade said.

Featured image at top: Center for Entrepreneurship leaders with group of College of Engineering and Applied Science students. Photo/Candace Wade

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