First Year Innovation Experience

Catalog description

The First Year Innovation Experience immerses business students in a hands-on, real-world innovation challenge in their first semester, introducing them to entrepreneurial thinking, creative problem-solving, and influence skills. Working individually and in teams, students are introduced to business concepts and then collaborate with an organizational client that presents a current business challenge within the context of its operations and culture. Learners develop and pitch innovative solutions while engaging directly with business professionals in a competitive, experiential environment. Learners are supported by expert mentors from the region through ideating solutions and presentation development. Client representatives serve as judges and provide feedback on the viability and potential implementation of student ideas, reinforcing the practical impact of business innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.