Undergraduate Student Innovation Fellow; Shaw Students

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), The Undergraduate Innovation Fellow supports the mission of the Innovative Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) by fostering a culture of creativity, venture development, and entrepreneurial leadership among Shaw University students. This position is designed for highly motivated undergraduate students interested in business development, innovation strategy, research, networking, and building the startup ecosystem. The Innovation Fellow plays an active role in idea generation, startup cultivation, small business incubator development, ecosystem research, and professional network expansion across local, regional, national, and global markets.

• Idea Generation & Innovation Development
  • Facilitate student brainstorming sessions and innovation workshop
  • Assist in evaluating and refining student business ideas
  • Support early-stage business model development using tools such as Business Model Canvas
  • Contribute to ideation challenges and pitch competitions
  • Interact and engage with IEC guests and stakeholders as needed
• Startup Cultivation & Incubator Support
  • Assist in the development and coordination of a Shaw University small business incubator
  • Research and identify potential funding sources, grants, and partnership opportunities
  • Support onboarding processes for student-led ventures
  • Track venture progress metrics and prepare summary reports
• Research & Strategic Analysis
  • Conduct research on entrepreneurship trends in
    • Local (Raleigh/Wilson region)
    • Regional (Southeast)
    • National
    • Global markets
  • Analyze student entrepreneurial interests and needs
  • Benchmark peer institutions' entrepreneurship centers and incubator models
  • Prepare briefing memos and executive summaries for IEC leadership
• Networking & Event Development
  • Assist in organizing meet-and-greet events with entrepreneurs, alumni, investors, and industry professionals
  • Coordinate speaker series, innovation summits, and professional panels
  • Develop student-to-professional networking pipelines
  • Support alumni engagement initiatives connected to entrepreneurship
• Marketing & Communications
  • Assist in developing promotional materials for IEC initiatives
  • Support social media outreach and student engagement campaigns
  • Help maintain IEC web presence and informational resources
• Administrative & Operational Support
  • Maintain organized documentation of research and initiatives
  • Assist with meeting coordination and event logistics
  • Support assessment and data tracking efforts for program effectiveness

• Current undergraduate student at Shaw University
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (recommended)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated initiative and professionalism
• Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, or business development

• Entrepreneurial ecosystem development
• Business research and market analysis
• Professional networking and stakeholder engagement
• Event planning and organizational leadership
• Strategic thinking and venture evaluation

• 15–20 hours per week during the academic semester
• Flexible scheduling around academic commitments
• Occasional evening event participation required

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day and climb stairs as required. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying. Specific vision abilities include the ability to use close vision. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.