By Delaney Brown
Not all learning happens in the classroom. Sometimes it happens in an accelerator lab.
Ex Labs is a business boot camp that acts as an alternative spring break program designed to give students a head start in the tech world. It introduces students of all majors to the trends and strategies used in the tech industry through a series of workshops with program partner Tech Data.
The Ex Labs program requires participation in 10 events, five of which fall over spring break 2018.
The program aims to teach students how to translate strengths from their specific majors into a successful career in the technology industry.
It’s like “The Apprentice” meets a self-help class.
Over five days, participants learn the ins and outs of the technology market, hone their resumes and job search techniques, network and practice their presentation skills before presenting a business plan to a panel of judges.
The winning team will receive a specialized training package from Cisco worth $2,300.
“This is an incredible and powerful experience, so much so that USFSP is funding the events (one over spring break and one in June) fully, so students can participate at no cost,” said Professor Kathleen Gibson-Dee.
Applications for the program are due by midnight on Feb. 5. Applicants must be current USF St. Petersburg students; sophomore, junior, or senior standing is preferred. A maximum of 30 students will be selected to attend.
Header photo courtesy of USF St. Petersburg
