Editor’s Note: Oklahoma City University student Karla Ferrari recently completed a 10-week tenure as an i2E Fellow. She shares her insights on the Fellowship in this blog post.
During the i2E Fellows Program, I have had opportunity to participate in both staff and clients meetings. In staff meetings, I learned about the development and performance of i2E’s clients, the new clients in i2E’s pipeline, and the status of i2E investment projects. The client meetings helped me learn the different paths that a company can take to succeed; to better understand the process of helping startups with business advisory services, investment capital, and entrepreneurial development; and, to build contacts with entrepreneurs around Oklahoma.
I have performed competitive market analysis and investigated product market alignment for startup companies at different business development stages.
Furthermore, I was able to attend the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s InternOKC: Internship Program. During a series of luncheons, I learned different business topic such as: building professional connections, business etiquette and networking, and making a positive impact at work and in the community. We heard wonderful speeches from highly recognized professionals such as: Renzi Stone from Saxum, Lisa Phelps from Chesapeake Energy, and Daniel Maloney from PinLeague.
I feel very happy and proud of being part of these programs because I met many entrepreneurs, young professionals, and important and knowledge folks that have enriched me with helpful advice and tips during my fellowship at i2E.
