See It: Students and Startups Connect

Ever wondered what it’s like to work at a startup? On Wednesday, Nov. 9, Carolina students got the chance to explore that possibly. During the annual Startup Meet & Greet hosted by Innovate Carolina, more than 200 students gathered in the Carolina Union to meet with 31 startup companies. The companies all arrived with paid and unpaid internship openings, and students networked with the companies throughout the room. 

For the companies, the evening was a chance to meet with talented students with in-demand skills who can help make an immediate impact in their organizations. For students, the event offered the chance to learn about high-growth companies, specific internship and job opportunities, and the startup life in general. Each year, Carolina students who attend the Startup Meet & Greet land internships, some of which turn into full-time, post-graduation jobs and leadership positions. 

Prior to the networking session, a discussion panel explored the dynamics of those who are underrepresented in the field of entrepreneurship. Panel leaders shared a variety if insights, including:

• For investors, the return-on-investment realized from minority-founded companies is often higher than from other ventures.
• Hiring diverse talent is important. But it’s equally important to make sure that all people feel included so that they want to stay with your organization.
• There is a significant lack of diversity at the executive levels of startups and other companies. So, it’s critical for organizations to prepare a diverse set of employees to become company leaders in the future. 
• Reading the biographies of successful entrepreneurs – and learning about their failures and “valleys” – is a great way to prepare for leading your own venture. 
• Great mentors prepare interns and young employees to become leaders and encourage them to grow into other opportunities – even if that means losing valuable employees. 

Panel discussion leaders included Bernard Bell, executive director of the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship, Tlee Cooper, founder of ZROverse, Joseph Ruiz, PhD, president of Enzerna Biosciences, and Alex Smith, founder of Full Umbrella Talent.