Mentorship is integral to the MS in Technology Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (TIME) at Saunders College of Business. This article discusses how mentorship in education shapes TIME master’s students’ futures by combining academic depth and real-life learning.
Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers an MS in Technology Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (TIME). The program is intensive and emphasizes the importance of creating value and the many methods to make that happen.
Richard DeMartino, a faculty member at RIT Saunders and Chair for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, says, “We have these industry links that like people that know how to do. And so, our emphasis is on doing. ” (00:33)
TIME is a master’s program that enables students to bring their ideas to fruition. Speaker events, workshops, and hands-on projects encourage students to gain practical experience.
Complementing the TIME curriculum are programs that provide students with the knowledge to stand out in today’s competitive environment. The subjects range from design thinking to innovation in medium-sized companies.
Richard highlights, “These certificate programs and workshops are designed to fill the gaps between classroom learning and real-world challenges.” (06:36)
Beyond traditional learning, the program’s distinctive mentorship component truly sets it apart. Students are not just learning from experts; they are guided by them.
This mentorship, facilitated by seasoned professionals and industry leaders, bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. Students graduate well-prepared to navigate and succeed in the dynamic field of technology innovation and entrepreneurship.
The TIME program pairs each student with seasoned professionals who provide tailored guidance, recognizing the unique talents and aspirations of every student.
Richard says, “When people come in here, we’ll give them a mentor. We have a mentor network that’s composed of experienced entrepreneurs and product developers. There are also some early-stage marketers that are associated with that, and we work closely with them as they take classes to figure out what’s a good fit.” (03:47)
A mentor’s influence goes beyond advice. Mentorship can accelerate learning progress, help avoid missteps, and enhance the likelihood of success. Mentors guide students toward goals and act as a source of confidence, offering direction, knowledge, encouragement, inspiration, and support.
Additionally, mentorship provides students with knowledge beyond textbooks, offering access to current trends, best practices, and sector-specific challenges.
This doesn’t mean having a mentor alone is a pathway to success. RIT Saunders ensures that students actively participate in their learning rather than passively receive information.
Let’s look at initiatives that boast fruitful mentorship and hands-on experience opportunities: the Student Accelerator Program and Co-op Program.
The Student Accelerator Program at RIT Saunders epitomizes the institution’s affirmation of mentorship in education. Here, students dedicate an entire term to developing their ideas into viable projects or business models.
“Integral in our program is an ending period of what we call the Student Accelerator. And that’s a differentiator for us,” Richard explains. (05:03)
The 15-week full-time module nurtures students’ inner entrepreneurs and innovators. The accelerator offers a comprehensive approach to startup development. It includes diverse instruction in critical areas such as customer discovery, prototyping, leadership, intellectual property, and investment strategies.
Participants also receive ample support and resources, including mentoring and dedicated workspaces. The program’s culmination is Demo Night, where teams pitch to real investors for funding opportunities.
For those looking to refine their ideas further, the 2.0 Accelerator emphasizes partner relationships and advanced prototyping. Additionally, financial assistance is provided, with teams of up to three students receiving a $4,000 stipend each and access to funds for prototyping.
RIT Saunders offers the Student Accelerator as just one aspect of the hands-on experience. Building on the mentorship and innovation nurtured in the Accelerator, the Co-op Program represents the next step in our students’ journey from classroom to career.
A cornerstone of RIT Saunders’ mentorship ethos is its Co-op program. These are immersive experiences integrating academic learning with professional practice. It is a full-time, paid work experience directly related to the field of study and career interests.
The co-op programs realize RIT Saunders’ dedication to applied learning, connecting students with industry experts and providing mentorship beyond classroom theories. Such experiences are invaluable, allowing students to contextualize their classroom learning in real-world settings.
This holistic approach, from mentorship to the Co-op experience, highlights how the TIME program commits to producing graduates who are academically accomplished and ready for the industry.
Mentorship gives students insights into the professional world, which helps them enter the workforce ready to hit the ground running well before graduation.
The TIME program is exceptional in that it weaves mentorship throughout its framework. Every student experiences growth, gains insight, and prepares to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship throughout their journey.
If you want to expand your academic horizons while gaining real-world experience and getting expert guidance, the TIME program might be for you.
