What is USFSP Ex Labs?
Ex Labs is a highly competitive Accelerator Lab that exposes participants to the latest trends and strategies used in the technology industry. Students from all USFSP majors engage with industry mentors from Tech Data and develop valuable skills in problem solving, leadership, diversity and inclusion, networking, data analytics and more.
Learn how to translate strengths from your unique major into a successful career in the technology industry. You and your team will create a new IoT product, craft a multi-faceted business plan and develop strategy to take the product to market. Presentations are pitched to industry leaders, and one team will win a specialized training package by Cisco worth $2,300.
Benefits of Participating
- 100% of participants found the program to be valuable
- 77% of students learned about new career opportunities in the region
- 100% of participants recommend the program to others
- 68% of participants receive a job or internship offer within 6 months of completing the program
Schedule and Important Deadlines
The Ex Labs program requires participation in 12 events. Please see important dates and sample itineraries below.
January 21 | Spring 2019 Applications Due
Applications, including a resume and a professional recommendation are due.
Feb. 1 | Invitation to Attend the Pre-Selection Networking
Potential participants are invited to attend the mandatory Pre-Networking session via email. RSVP response is required.
Feb 7. | Pre-Selection Networking Event | 3:30-5pm at USFSP
Join us from 3:30-5pm in Lynn Pippenger Hall. Students enjoy light refreshments, meet with technology employers, and learn more about program responsibilities. Final candidates are notified of the Ex Labs Review Committee Decision by email within 24 hours of this event.
Feb. 18 | Pre-Session 1 | 3:30-6:00pm at Tech Data
- Meet your mentors
- Groups are assigned
- Discuss problem identification strategies and D&I
Feb. 20 | Complete DISC Online
Complete the assessment to help identify the areas where you (or team) have the greatest potential for building strength.
Feb. 26 | Pre-Session 2 | 3:30- 6pm at Tech Data
DiSC & Creative Confidence
JoAnne Meyers, Sunstone Consulting will present the outcome of the DISC Assessments and share team communication styles. Students will discuss Creative Confidence and it’s application to the Exploratory Lab Boot Camp program.
March 1 | Complete StrengthsFinders Online
Complete the assessment using the code provided by the Ex Labs Team.
March 6 | Pre-Session 3 | USFSP Lynn Pippenger Hall
Strength Finders Explained. Career Center at USF St. Petersburg will review your results and provide insight on your strengths and how to apply to the development of your career pathway.
Ex Labs mentors will share about Emotional Intelligence.
March 11 | Ex Labs Day 1 | Tech Data 8am-5 pm
- Kick-off and welcome
- Tour of company
- Tech trends, market opportunities overview
- IOT
- Business Planning
- Integrated Marketing
- Business Operations
- Identify how to make intelligent risks
- Group session with mentors
Schedule is tentative and may shift between days 1-5.
March 12 | Ex Labs Day 2 | 8:30am-5:30pm at Tech Data
- Networking
- Video implementation
- Software and licensing overview
- Evolving job opportunities in Web, eCommerce and Applications
- Data Center, Cloud and Hybrid IT solutions
- Security Threats and Solutions
- Group session with mentor
Schedule is tentative and may shift between days 1-5.
March 13 | Ex Labs Day 3 | 8:30am-5:30pm at Tech Data
- Agile and Lean
- UX and Design Thinking
- Career Choices
Schedule is tentative and may shift between days 1-5.
March 14 | Ex Labs Day 4 | 8:30am-5:30pm at USFSP
- Agile Thought – vendor and business interaction
- Resume, job search, social tips
Schedule is tentative and may shift between days 1-5.
March 15 | Ex Labs Day 5 | 8:30am-5:30pm at Tech Data
- Data Analytics in trending tech
- Solving for business outcomes
- White Board sessions
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Internship/employment best practices
- Group session with mentors
Schedule is tentative and may shift between days 1-5.
March 19 | Networking with Hiring Managers and Staff
- Network with Tech Data Hiring Managers and Staff at Tech Data from 4-5pm
March 28 | Business Plans Due via Email
Each team will submit one copy of the business plan based on the specifications outlined during the session. Email the file to both exlab@usfsp.edu and patriciagehant@gmail.com before 5pm.
April 3-4 | Presentation Skills | USFSP
How to Influence Your Audience. Students will learn how to polish their presentation skills, and strategies for effectively pitching the business plan.
Time and location TBD.
April 5 | Graduation | 8:30- 11:30am at USFSP Harbor Hall
Business leaders will review the plans, and select the winning team. Students will graduate and receive a certificate. Continental Breakfast provided.
Job Shadowing (Optional)
Coordinate with Ex Labs team to schedule job shadowing between an Ex Labs graduate and Tech Data Employee.
Contact Us
Email exlab@usfsp.edu with general questions or call/text Patricia Gehant at 727-742-5144 for an immediate response.
Eligibility
All majors welcome! Applicants must be current USFSP students; sophomore, junior, or senior standing preferred. Students graduating in Spring 2019 are welcome! A current resume and recommendation are required. Please send this brief survey link to the reference who will provide your recommendation before applications close on January 21, 2019.
Now accepting applicants for Spring Break 2019.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Tim Huskey
Marketing Major
“I never thought I’d be interested in the IT world. Ex Labs opens up your perspective to life. I almost quit school because I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do. This opportunity showed me I am capable of learning, and I should apply for jobs even if I don’t fit every requirement.”
Megan Card
Health Sciences Major
“Out of all of the things that I learned and was able to experience in this program, the ExLabs taught me that I wasn’t confined to a small list of careers just because of my health science degree. I gained the confidence in this program to branch out to others, ask for connections, and apply for jobs that I might not have been fully qualified for.”
Emily Mahoney
Ph.D. Program – Educational Psychology
“My biggest takeaway from the USFSP Ex-Labs program was to completely re-think the process of professional growth and development. We tend to teach people that the structure of a “career” is like a ladder, but Ex-Labs showed me that it can also be a bridge…”
