Professional inspiration and networking opportunities were plentiful for Boston College students at the recent Startup & Entrepreneurship Fair, which drew a range of innovative Boston-area companies to campus.
More than 200 students, keen to explore positions in the dynamic world of startups, convened in Gasson 100 for the event. Sponsored by the Carroll School of Management's Edmund H. Shea Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship, the fair hosted 42 representatives of startups, including some founded at BC by then-students.
The fair “is an important event for students looking to connect with early-stage companies because it gives both the students and companies a chance to informally meet one another,” said Shea Center Executive Director Jere Doyle ’87.
For their part, the companies were eager to get to know the entrepreneurial-minded attendees. Connections may lead to full-time employment or internships – opportunities that are rarely advertised, Doyle noted.
“BC students are a great match for many startups because we offer such a broadly talented group to select from. Startups need a wide range of functions filled, and need people who are excellent at more than one thing. That is exactly what BC students offer,” he added.
Among the companies represented was Solutions For, which provides a platform of tools and information to support growing businesses in the areas of finance, marketing and relationships. Two summers ago, student fair coordinator Tyler VauDell ’17 served as director of business development, and maintains “a great relationship” with its founder and team.
“There are hundreds of young, growing companies in Boston and this event brings some of the most exciting startups under one roof for our student body,” VauDell said.
“Speaking from experience, working at a startup provides students the chance to take on more responsibility and ownership over very tangible work.”
Senior Tom Herer, who since May has interned at Lovepop – a 3D sculptural greeting card company featured on the television show “Shark Tank” – helped that startup with recruitment at the fair.
“The casual setting and less formal conversations, paired with the unique opportunities at these startups, make this event unlike any other career fair on campus,” VauDell said. “Whether students are looking for an internship, full-time position, or just want to chat with successful entrepreneurs, the Startup & Entrepreneurship Fair is the perfect event.”
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–Rosanne Pellegrini / University Communications