Organizations play a vital role in shaping the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Through program engagement opportunities at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, partners collaborate directly with students and faculty to bring real-world challenges into the classroom, share industry expertise, and co-create innovative solutions.
Whether through mentorship, case studies, or experiential projects, these partnerships foster meaningful connections that advance student learning while delivering fresh perspectives and strategic value to participating organizations.
Mentorship
As a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to give back and support the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. You’ll also be able to grow and learn too – you’ll expand leadership skills, strengthen your communication abilities and gain valuable fresh perspectives from your mentee. You’ll also be able to contribute to someone’s success through your knowledge and experience.
Mentors provide valuable support and guidance to students by sharing their entrepreneurial journey. Lived experience stories, shared networks and taking time to listen and answer questions helps set up future entrepreneurs for success.
Case Studies
Being a case study participant will give you an opportunity to bring the example of real problems to a classroom of students who are eager and willing to provide fresh perspectives. You’ll have the opportunity to expose students to your company or industry and gain access to talented future entrepreneurs and innovators.
Case studies are an opportunity for students to solve real problems faced by real companies, providing practical learning applied to the theories learned in class. Case studies allow students to work through business decisions, balance options and perspectives, source facts and analyze data to support their decision.
Details
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Time commitment: Varies. It can be just a few hours per week for one term or ½ day to 1 day, twice a year.
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Location: Your choice. Online or in-person.
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Program duration: Throughout the year at the start of term (September, January, May)
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Mentors needed: 20–30 mentors per year.
Details
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Time commitment: Time needed to prepare the case study, plus 1–3 hours in class.
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Location: Your choice. Online or in-person.
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Program duration: Throughout the year. Application for submissions due before each term.
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Participants required: 1–3 case studies accepted each year.
