LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 1, 2024) — When Ethan Jackson pursued his certification in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iNET), he had no idea the long-term impact the program would have on his professional development.
This interdisciplinary 12-hour certificate program, housed in the University of Kentucky’s College of Communication and Information and offered in partnership with the Gatton College of Business and Economics, provides entrepreneurial education opportunities and meaningful experiences to prepare students for success in the entrepreneurial world.
Earning the iNET certificate requires 12 hours of unique coursework, including COM 381 Communication, Leadership and Entrepreneurship, two electives and an EXP (experiential education) capstone course. The certificate connects students to a network of innovators and entrepreneurial mentors across UK and the local community, and gives them access to unique experiences, including free tickets to professional development events.
“I first heard about the iNET Certificate from Dr. Amanda Lawrence, the iNET Certificate Director,” Jackson said. “Having multiple meetings with Dr. Lawrence throughout the entire process was extremely helpful. She was always available to answer my questions and help me understand what the iNET Certificate was.”
A highlight of the iNET certificate program was the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp offered by the von Almen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE) in the Gatton College of Business and Economics. The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is an online business accelerator that evaluates and validates the feasibility of business concepts, creates business models, and provides hands-on experience for entrepreneurs looking to launch their first startup in Kentucky. Students in the certificate program are highly encouraged to take the EXP 396: Entrepreneurship Bootcamp course as their final capstone experience.
“Bootcamp was amazing,” Jackson said. “Every session I got to meet new people, including experts in business law, marketing, and entrepreneurship. I heard from some of the best in Kentucky. This, combined with our shared goal of following our dreams and bettering ourselves, created a dynamic environment in which we all excelled.”
Jackson, along with team leader Muhammad Kassim, a computer science doctoral student at the Stanley and Karen Pigman Institute of Technology in the UK, were awarded $1,000 in funding for their startup, Dr. 360, as part of the winning startups in the Spring 2024 Bootcamp Accelerator. Dr. 360 is a cutting-edge virtual healthcare system that aims to provide affordable, urgent, on-demand virtual doctor consultations for minor to non-fatal emergencies and mental health support without the constraints of traditional health insurance.
For students who are interested in iNET certification but are hesitant to get started, Jackson offers some encouraging advice.
“Taking the first step is always the hardest part, and the School of Communication and Information has more resources than you can imagine,” Jackson said. “If you’re interested, please contact Dr. Amanda Lawrence or VACE Executive Director Warren Nash. They’re always available to help and want you to succeed.”
As a recent graduate navigating the job market, Jackson found the iNet certification extremely helpful in finding his first job after graduation.
“This program has helped me develop my critical thinking skills and become able to think on my feet,” he said. “The experiences I gained throughout the semester have provided me with realistic scenarios that are well-suited to the real world.”
Currently, Jackson is beginning his career as a management trainee with Enterprise Mobility.
“iNet provides an excellent platform for me to develop my professional skills and pursue my goals as a future manager,” he says. “I can apply the skills I’ve learned in the iNet certification in a professional environment.”
For more information on the iNET Certificate, click here For more information on applying to the Fall 2024 Entrepreneur Bootcamp 1.0 Online Business Accelerator, click here
