Accelerator Internship Program

 

What past interns have said about their experience:

“...the Accelerator gave me insight into the Angel funding world, and I now work closely with the board for a private equity firm. This exposure was key to the topics and mindset of investors as we have undergone two acquisitions...Being an intern at the Accelerator was the highlight of my college career. It gave me real world experience, honed my interview skills, as well as my presentation and excel skills. I was mentored by accomplished professionals who deeply cared about my success and growth.”
- Lauren West, Decision Support Analyst, Asante

“I think the most valuable aspect of being an intern was blending my understanding of science and engineering with business concepts. Having the opportunity to bridge those two fields and be an integral part of the Accelerator system helping real companies was extremely valuable.”
- M. Tyler Colesar, Resident Physician at Augusta University

 

The Accelerator Internship Program is designed to give hands on experience researching the commercialization potential of business concepts originating from the Oregon State University community. Student interns take part in a variety of tasks needed to screen and market technologies and business concepts for potential commercial use.

Position Duties

Research intellectual property landscape and potential patentability of new technologies, and business concepts ideas. This may include the following tasks: 

  • Communicate with Faculty, Staff, OCCD Staff and Mentors on a variety of projects
  • Research the business viability of technologies and intellectual property
  • Perform market surveys, market research and industry analysis of competition
  • Research costing and prepare performance comparisons of similar technologies
  • Research and prepare preliminary financial estimates of manufacturing costs
  • Create briefs which will contain the following:
  • An overall summary of a technology or business concept
  • Benefits of the technology or business concept as compared to alternative approaches
  • Novel applications and markets for proposed technologies and business concepts

For concepts that show promise for commercialization, create a more detailed financial analysis and business plan

Work with the OSU Advantage Accelerator staff and Office for Commercialization and Corporate Development (OCCD) on various projects to facilitate the transfer of innovations to market. Communicate this knowledge professionally through presentations, written documents and verbal methods.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Self-motivated and willing to take initiative;
  • A demonstrated “world perspective” which combines analytical abilities and business experience with the aptitude to apply these skills to emerging technology;
  • Ability to comprehend novel business models and technologies, understand and clearly describe their essential attributes and distinguishing factors;
  • Strong qualitative and quantitative research abilities;
  • Strong communication skills- verbally and in written form;
  • A demonstrated enthusiasm for the process of moving concepts to commercial application;
  • Ability to communicate professionally through email, documents, in person and over the phone;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of finance, accounting, marketing or other specific business disciplines;
  • Background in a specific technical field- including for example, an undergraduate STEM degree;
  • Familiarity with IT systems, web design, database management, etc;
  • Experience and demonstrated success working on self directed projects;
  • Previous work experience in a technical or business capacity.

Working Environment and Hours:

  • Intern will be a one of approximately eight graduate and undergraduate interns;
  • Interns may be compensated for up to 30 hours/week of work during the summer, and approximately 10 hours/week during the school term;
  • Work will be completed under the direction of Accelerator and/or OCCD staff;
  • Interns will be required to participate in a monthly training session held on the OSU campus;
  • A common work area will be provided for some office work. However since many of the responsibilities involve independent research, it is expected that interns may frequently work off site;
  • Since many projects will involve confidential information and interns may have access to detailed “pre-disclosure” technologies prior to patent filing, they will be required to sign Non-disclosure agreements as a condition of employment.

More Testimonials

“My position at the Accelerator certainly helped me grow professionally. It put me in a spot that challenged me to become a better communicator...I was also able to gain a better understanding of business development and marketing operations, which has been a huge help in my professional career...It is an awesome place to get real experience and build business connections with up-and-coming businesses.”
- Cameron Herr, Production Designer at Pivot Group

“From beginning to end the Accelerator definitely pushed me in the right direction career wise….I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Advantage Accelerator. SpaceX is an amazingly innovative company, and my role is absolutely innovation focused. Huge thanks to [Accelerator staff] for their guidance and to all the hard working folks that brought the Accelerator to life.”
- Sean Brown, Lead Manufacturing Engineer at SpaceX