This internship was a fantastic opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience and apply the concepts and skills I learned in the classroom. I benefited greatly from my mentors and colleagues, developing new skills that will be valuable in my future career.
January JohnsonIntern - Cohort 3
I know this internship is of so much benefit to my educational journey. JAKAPA is a tech startup and as a computer science major looking to launch a career in that field, I do not doubt that this internship will not only prepare me for the workplace but also teach me the soft skills needed to have a successful career such as self-management, emotional resilience, cooperation, social engagement, and innovation.
Divine AkinjiyanIntern - Cohort 3
This internship was very helpful in my educational journey. It gave me exposure to real-life businesses where I could see many of the things I learned in the college of business being applied in real time. It also helps me learn new skills that will be helpful not only in finishing up my final semester (I graduate in May) but beyond in the labor market.
Michael LeverenzIntern - Cohort 3
I believe that this internship will have a significant impact on my educational journey. By participating in hands-on experiences, I will be able to apply my classroom knowledge to real-world situations. The connections I build through this internship with the company FYSIQ will be valuable assets for future job opportunities.
Sarah AbbasIntern - Cohort 3
Anchor Accelerator Mentors Testimonials
The Anchor Accelerator program is simply amazing and is truly unique in how it helps to transform local businesses in the greater St. Louis area. What an amazing way for the University to help promote growth of businesses in the region.
Being a mentor was an incredibly positive experience, as I had the unique opportunity to provide guidance and support the aspiring entrepreneur on the growth journey of the company. Witnessing the enthusiasm, desire to grow, overcome challenges, and achieve milestones was truly rewarding. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of mentorship and the potential of small businesses to make a lasting impact on the economy.
Greg WatersOperations, Manufacturing and Engineering Leader
Programs like the UMSL Anchor Accelerator program are essential for the St. Louis innovation ecosystem to thrive. They encourage and allow early stage entrepreneurs the ability to help build the foundation that others, and they themselves, will build upon for years to come.
Being a mentor for me is about giving back to the community that gave me a voice, a passion, and a direction many years ago. The start-up world is a small one, we are a family in many senses, that understand each other and support each other. I look forward to passing on as much of my knowledge about what works, and what doesn’t, for many years to come.
Jeff BarryChief Innovation Officer
I found the Mentorship Program to be very rewarding to me and I would hope to our mentee as well. Learning about a different line of business and pulling from past experiences it’s amazing the commonality that you discover in the challenges that most entrepreneurs face in starting and growing their business. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Dave DavisOwner, Title Partners Agency
I enjoyed being involved with the mentorship program because it gave me an opportunity to reconnect with the startup experience and work with individuals who have the passion and energy to launch a business.
