Spring 2023 Innovation Hub Intern (Microbusiness Advancement) – CCE Internships+
This internship is offered through the CCE Internships+ Program at Columbia University. This is a CCE Sponsored Internship Program in which interns participate in professional development programming alongside their internship. All students must be currently enrolled. Funding is available for select unpaid and low paid opportunities at not-for-profit organizations. All students must be currently enrolled. Search for the label “CCE Internships+ ” under the “Labels” field in LionSHARE to view all program positions.
International students (F1) need to secure US employment authorization. When considering applying for a position, you should connect with your Academic Advisor and ISSO to determine the process. Pre-Completion OPT (Optional Practical Training – USCIS processing may take 3-5 months) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training – ISSO will process within 2-3 weeks). You must have either the OPT EAD approval, or the CPT approval to begin your internship on the agreed upon start date. Visit the Columbia International Students & Scholars Office employment section to learn more. Students should keep abreast of authorization processing times.
How to Apply:
Please submit your application on Handshake AND email your resume and cover letter to aeoinnovates@aeoworks.org
AEO’s Innovation Hub leverages AEO’s core competencies for spurring innovation to create transformational change for a more robust and inclusive marketplace for underserved microbusinesses. Integral to the Innovation Hub are cohorts that bring together diverse market actors to foster collaboration to solve specific market challenges that contribute to systems level change and benefit underserved entrepreneurs.
The Innovation Hub Intern will help support AEO’s Innovation Hub team with various projects and initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for students interested in changing the way that capital and services flow to underserved entrepreneurs. The Innovation Hub Intern will have a range of responsibilities related to microbusiness advancement. In this role, they will have the chance to share insights with the entrepreneur ecosystem from our various innovation projects, including initiatives that could impact returning citizens, capital access for underserved entrepreneurs, and how technology can improve small business capabilities.
We are looking for someone who wants to take ownership, learn, and share best practices about the challenges and opportunities that come with small business ownership in a dynamic and evolving marketplace. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong critical thinking skills, the ability to effectively communicate with a range of stakeholders, and have a passion for entrepreneurship.
This is a remote position.
Key Responsibilities and Opportunities:
- Support project lead(s) throughout the project lifecycle, working with both internal and external stakeholders to coordinate and execute deliverables
- Help with project tracking and implementation to ensure timely results and program efficiency
- Scheduling and organizing events and meetings
- Conduct research on various initiatives that support entrepreneurs across the country
- Develop and assist in implementing strategies to standardize and improve processes across the Innovation Hub
- Work on the Innovation Hub’s outreach efforts to promote our various cohorts and programs to the small business ecosystem and our members
- Learn about federal policy impacting small businesses across the country and what is being done to support and empower small business owners
- Conduct market analyses on products and services tailored toward entrepreneurs
Professional Experience/Desired Qualifications:
- Working toward a BA/BS from an accredited university
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong problem-solving and creative solution skills
- Resourcefulness and the ability to take initiative and handle multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Excellent writing skills
- An interest in helping support underserved entrepreneurs