Are you interested in learning more about what it’s like to found a startup during college or to work in the startup scene? We’ve created some content on-demand just for you!
During Startup Boston Week 2023, our Student Track was created for folks receiving their undergrad and graduate degree who were debating (1) if they should start their own company or (2) if they should pursue a full-time career in startup or corporate life.
On the other hand, our Startup Curious Track was created for folks who have been in the professional scene for a bit and are currently deciding if they should make a switch in careers to either startup life or starting their own venture.
Check out the content below and let us know what content you’d like to see next right here.
Student Track
These are our sessions during Startup Boston Week 2023 for our Student Track.
Starting Up as a Student Founder
As a student, embarking on an entrepreneurial journey can be both challenging and exhilarating. We invite you to join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring accomplished venture capitalists and thriving student founders who will share their experiences and wisdom on initiating and expanding a business while pursuing an education in tandem.
During this video, we’ll discuss:
How do you begin building a startup as a student?
What would you say to the students who want to pursue an entrepreneurial path?
What are investors looking for in a good founder, especially a younger founder who is newer in their career?
What should student founders, specifically, be thinking about with VCs they approach for funding?
Student Founder Chronicles and Wisdom
Are you a current student founder? Are you thinking of starting a company while still working on your undergraduate or graduate degree? Do you have questions about starting and scaling your company as a student?
During this video, we’ll discuss:
What inspired you to found a company?
How did you achieve balance between school and your startup?
What are some useful resources that helped you along the way?
What do you think should be your 6-month and 12-month goals as a student founder?
Unlocking On-Campus Funding Resources for Your Business
Starting a business at a university can be challenging, but there are resources available to help you succeed.
During this video, you’ll learn:
How can you apply to university incubator programs?
What are the best ways to meet students from other universities who are also interested in startups and entrepreneurship?
How are universities focusing on inclusion and diversity as it relates to entrepreneurship and funding?
What funding opportunities exist for underrepresented (WOC/BIPOC/LGBTQIA+) entrepreneurs?
Navigating Corporate vs. Startup Life
Choosing between working for a startup or a corporation can be a difficult decision. And, once you do choose one, it can be hard to figure out if it’s worth changing directions and going from the corporate world to the startup world (or vice versa).
This video will discuss:
What are the long term advantages and disadvantages of both corporate life and startup life?
As a student, how can you identify which career path is best for you?
How is the hiring process different for a corporate role vs. a startup role?
What skillsets lend themselves better to either environment?
What advice would you give something currently weighing the corporate vs. startup employment decision?
Identifying Your Passion & Discovering an Industry to Build in
Discovering your passion and turning it into a successful career is the ultimate goal for many. Join us for an engaging panel discussion with founders from different industries who have chased their passion and built their dream businesses.
During this video we’ll chat about:
What steps can be taken in order to discover and define one’s passion?
What factors should a candidate consider when applying for a job?
What advice would you give for overcoming obstacles / hurdles during this journey?
How to discern between a leisurely hobby vs. a profitable passion?
Where to start if you have no background in a particular industry?
What factors should be considered when weighing the role passion should play in one’s professional life?
Growing Your Network at College and Beyond
Are you eager to expand your professional network and capitalize on opportunities for career growth? During this, you'll learn about the importance of networking as a career building tool and gain confidence in owning your unique approach to connecting with those around you.
During this video, you will learn:
How to identify your strengths and leverage them to network?
What are best practices surrounding professional communication?
How to make the most of your network in moments of need and all the time in between?
Best ways to find and tap into networking opportunities on campus?
What is the BINGO concept and how can it be used successfully in networking?
Navigating Different Visa Options in the Startup Market
Navigating the job market as an international student or founder can be a complex and challenging process. Join us for a panel discussion that aims to demystify the legal challenges and visa requirements for non-U.S. citizens launching businesses or seeking employment in the United States.
Our panelists include a mix of students, recent graduates, and professionals who have successfully navigated the H1B visa process, as well as experts in the field of international student support. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights into the world of international talent in the startup job market.
We’ll discuss:
What are the legal challenges faced when a non-citizen tries to launch their business in the USA?
How would the H1B visa requirements be fulfilled?
What challenges are faced as a new startup for international talent?
How do I find roles that are willing to sponsor my visa?
What resources exist for international talent looking for job placement in the U.S.?
Startup Curious Track
These are the sessions at Startup Boston Week 2023 for our Startup Curious Track.
What Life is Like as a Startup Founder
A startup founder’s life is bespoke. They build their work and life structure as they develop their business. Our speakers will provide a glimpse into their day-to-day routine.
They will answer questions like:
What are the key components of a successful startup?
How do you make peace with nontraditional structure?
How do you approach time management?
How do you find your team?
Being the Founder that Gets the Job Done
At each stage—idea stage, early stage, and growth stage—it is important to incorporate introspection into your go-forward plan. Ask yourself, ”am I or can I become the founder my business needs to progress?”
Our speakers will discuss the questions they have grappled with as they grow with their companies, including:
How should I leverage my past experiences when starting a company?
What technical training may I need to build my startup?
What factors may I keep in mind when thinking about starting my company—financial situation, work schedule, support system?
When my company grows, scales, and pivots, how do I know if I am still the right founder to run my business?
They Made Me an Offer - Should I Refuse?
You just got a job offer to be an initial hire at an early stage startup…how will you evaluate it? It is important to set up a process for pursuing and evaluating these offers. This way, you may make systematic decisions about your career path.
During this presentation, you will get advice on how to structure your individual scoping process, including answers to questions, such as:
How do I evaluate the job offer?
What are the different ways I may be compensated?
What is the difference between working for a startup vs. working for a corporation?
What work styles lend themselves well to working with a startup?
Quantifying the Size of Your Opportunity to Help Build Your Business Model
You need to understand the scope of your opportunity to consciously outline a business model. Ideally, this model will meet you where you are and follow you as you grow.
These subject-matter experts will answer questions from the moderator, including:
How may you split equity among the founders?
What is the purpose of non-disclosure agreements?
What is the need for IP protection?
What is the value of motivation systems in your employment contracts?
What is the importance of location and legal structure?
Outlining Your Options for Startup Funding
Each year between 35 and 40% of startup ventures receive capital from friends and family. This contribution can include relatives, neighbors, colleagues, classmates, and other folks you have met throughout your life. However, friends and family aren’t your only options for funding, and it’s important you know where to start and where to progress when looking for investors.
The speakers will offer niche presentations addressing questions that include:
How may you build your network?
How much money may you need to establish your business?
How do you quantify the amount of money you need to get your idea off the ground?
What do you need to show, demonstrate, or prove when looking for funding?
Where may you look for potential investors?
Catalyzing Equitable Entrepreneurship and Employment Opportunity in the Life Sciences (presented by Suffolk University)
Even though Massachusetts is a recognized global leader in the life sciences industry, enabling equal access to opportunities in this dynamic industry is a work in progress. Come learn about initiatives and public/private partnerships at Mass Bio, the Mass Life Sciences Center, and other programs specifically designed to help elevate entrepreneurs and engage workers from underrepresented groups.
This video will discuss how can historically underrepresented entrepreneurs, such as people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, veterans, women and others gain access to this growing business sector? In addition to discussing what degree, training, and certificate programs exist that can help me gain the knowledge and skills necessary to transition into the life sciences sector?