Students2Startups Intern Creates Her Own Startup

May 10, 2021

2020 Students2Startups alumna, Heather Jensen, recently reflected on her time as an intern with Center ICE. Heather participated in the second cohort of S2S students.

 This summer, Center ICE will bring together its third cohort of students working with Alaska startups. UA students will work in an experiential learning environment and discover more about the world of startups and innovation. Similarily to in 2020, this year's cohort will be virtual. The students will connect with their startups on innovative research projects and develop and build their entrepreneurial skills.

 Heather details her experience with Students2Startups as a student intern and growing entrepreneur:

"In the spring of 2020, my friend told me about a program called Students2Startups for Center ICE. I was intrigued. I have always wanted to start my own company. Thus, I decided to attend the information session and meet with all the different startups involved in the program. Little did I know that I would be working with many of them. Throughout the summer, I worked with non-profits, event planning companies, outdoor organizations and more. 

 I learned so many different things from those companies. Along with helping those startups, I was also working to get my own business going. Center ICE helped me develop my idea and got me excited about the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Once summer had ended I was off to finish my last year of school. I was so excited about entrepreneurship that I started taking two electives to further develop my idea. I wrote my own business plan and learned tips and tricks from my professors, Center ICE professionals and more. 

 I am excited to announce that I am officially starting my own business, Events on the Run LLC, planning events for businesses and organizations to help fundraise and/or raise awareness. Thanks to Center ICE and so many more, I have been given the tools to feel prepared to start my own business and be part of the entrepreneurial community." 

 Students2Startups is generously supported by the Office of Naval Research. For more information please visit the Students2Startups webpage.