Virtual Academic Internship - Hofstra Veterans Venture Challenge

The Center for Entrepreneurship is seeking student applications for a paid academic internship to develop go-to-market strategies for companies participating in the Hofstra Veterans Venture Challenge. This is a unique opportunity that will allow you to build your resume and portfolio, work directly with CEOs of promising early stage companies around the country, and be advised by leading experts, including Kevin Hesselbirg, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Program Sponsor, and three-time CEO of companies with an exit value of over $1 billion, and Judith Peterson, Chief Marketing Officer of Ultimus with years of corporate marketing experience. All work will occur virtually, with the exception of an in-person Bootcamp tentatively scheduled for June 2020.

The academic internship will commence in April and will extend into the early summer (May/June).  Each student will be assigned two companies to work on. The tasks will include:

-      April 2020: Foundational go-to-market and brand identification, market research on company sector, competition and differentiation, and buyer/customer persona under the advisement of Kevin Hesselbirg and Judith Peterson. Virtual meetings with company executives to brainstorm idea and review marketing action plans. Students may be required to attend virtual meetings and work independently.

-      May 2020: Students will synthesize and formulate research into three slides that will be an integral part of the company investor presentations and growth strategies and will review and iterate with advisors, and update research where needed.

-      June 2020: Students will meet with CEOs and advisors to review, update, and refine Go-to-Market strategy during the week of June 1-5th. Additionally, students are required to attend the Hofstra Veterans Venture Challenge Bootcamp from June 15 – 19th (please note this is tentatively scheduled and the date will be confirmed closer to the event) to provide support to CEOs and work with them to continue to refine their Go-to-Market strategy.

The stipend will be structured as follows: $250 for April 1 – May 16, $500 from May 17 – June 19.  

Qualifications: Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, working knowledge of market research databases, minimum GPA of 3.0, and experience with social media platforms and analytical tools.

Please send resumes to Stacey.sikes@Hofstra.edu. The application deadline is April 1, 2020.