UC President Neville G. Pinto and Western & Southern Chairman, President, and CEO John F. Barrett with students at ribbon cutting for Western & Southern Accelerated Career Program.

1819 Innovation Hub: Bridging Students and Top Employers

Unique opportunities to connect with recruiters from leading companies

By Emily Sullivan Email Emily 513-556-0333

4 minute read October 3, 2024

The 1819 Innovation Hub at the University of Cincinnati is more than just a building; it is a vibrant ecosystem where students and industry leaders come together to innovate, collaborate, and create. Here’s why every student should make the 1819 Innovation Hub a part of their university experience.

A Gateway to Career Opportunities

The 1819 Innovation Hub is home to many of Cincinnati's top employers, providing students with unparalleled access to industry leaders. Events like the Employer Open House at 1819 offer unique opportunities for students to engage one-on-one with recruiters from leading companies. The recent event saw students from various disciplines, including MBA and IT programs, networking with employers, seeking advice, and exploring potential career paths.

Special Guests and Industry Insights

Two men and two women in Heapy polo shirts stand together in an office

Heapy associates during the Employer Open House at 1819. Photo credit/Emily Sullivan.

The open house featured presentations and discussions from special guests such as Heapy, which showcased how AI is changing engineering, and Tembo, which highlighted innovations in the Open Source Lab. These sessions provided students with valuable industry insights and trends, helping them stay ahead in their fields.

Unique Opportunity to Connect with Employers

Man in UC polo stands with woman wearing P&G polo inside a conference room. There's a P&G Company introduction presentation behind them.

Andy Wellendorf, Assistant Director, Lindner Career Services, speaks with associate from Procter & Gamble at 1819. Photo credit/Emily Sullivan.

Students had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a diverse range of employers, including:

Altafiber
CincyTech
Heapy
Procter & Gamble
Tembo
Urban Farming Initiative
Western & Southern

These connections can lead to internships, co-ops, and even full-time positions, making the 1819 Innovation Hub a crucial stop for career-minded students.

Programs and Opportunities

Beyond events, the 1819 Innovation Hub offers a variety of programs designed to prepare students for the workforce and drive innovation within the industry. These programs not only enhance students' academic experience but also provide them with practical skills and real-world experience.

Recently, Western & Southern Financial Group and the University of Cincinnati 1819 Innovation Hub partnered on a program that allows UC students to work on campus as part of the Western & Southern Accelerated Career Program.

Networking and Professional Growth

Male student in a suit jacker stands with a female student in professional clothing

Students from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business accelerated MBA program networking at 1819. Photo credit/Emily Sullivan.

The open house and other events at the Hub are designed to foster personalized interactions, in-depth discussions, and provide a relaxed setting for networking. On any given day, you have the chance to connect with leaders from Fortune 500 companies, all in one place—a unique opportunity you won’t find anywhere else in the region.

Prestigious Institutes and Special Programs

Students can also discover programs and opportunities to connect and partner with prestigious institutes such as the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute and UC's NEXT Innovation Scholars Program. These programs offer further avenues for professional growth and leadership development.

A Win-Win for Students and Employers

For students, the 1819 Innovation Hub is a gateway to career opportunities and professional growth. For employers, it is a rich source of fresh talent and innovative ideas. The synergy created within this space benefits both parties, fostering a community where ideas can flourish and careers can be launched.

The 1819 Innovation Hub at the University of Cincinnati is more than just a physical space; it is a catalyst for innovation and a bridge between students and the professional world. By participating in events like the Employer Open House and engaging with the hub’s programs, students can significantly enhance their university experience and set themselves up for future success.

Featured image at top of UC President Neville G. Pinto and Western & Southern Chairman, President, and CEO John F. Barrett with students at ribbon cutting for Western & Southern Accelerated Career Program. Photo provided.

Innovation District Express Shuttle

Bearcat Transportation offers free shuttle service. Hop on the Innovation District route, running from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, for express roundtrip service between Campus Green Garage, 1819, and the Digital Futures Building.