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 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.
Tyson Savoretti
Lauren Ashley
Schedule and Important Deadlines
The Ex Labs program requires participation in 10 events. Please see important dates and sample itineraries below.
May 1 | Summer Applications Due
Applications, including a resume and a professional recommendation are due.
May 2 | Invitation to Attend the Pre-Selection Networking
Potential participants are invited to attend the mandatory Pre-Networking session via email. RSVP response is required.
May 14 | 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.
May 16 | Pre-Session 1 | 3:30-5:30pm at Tech Data
Organizational session. Students assigned to teams and receive the book Creative Confidence. A review of the program requirements and expectations along with a presentation on Emotional Intelligence and the impact it can have on your career. Students receive guidelines for completing the DISC Assessment & Strength Finders. Students begin to work on the business plans outside of ExLab sessions.
May 23 | 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.Complete DiSC by May 14.
May 29 | Complete Strength Finders
Complete the assessment to help identify the areas where you (or team) have the greatest potential for building strength.
May 30 | Pre-Session 3 | 5pm-6:00pm at 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
June 4 | Boot Camp Day 1 | 8am-5:30pm at Tech Data
- 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
June 5 | Boot Camp 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
June 6 | Boot Camp Day 3 | 8:30am-5:30pm location Tech Data
- Agile and Lean
- UX and Design Thinking
- Career Choices
June 7 | Boot Camp Day 4 | 8:30am-5:30pm at USFSP
- Agile Thought – vendor and business interaction
- Resume, job search, social tips
June 8 | Boot Camp 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
- Networking with company
- Group session with mentors
June 12 | Presentation Skills | 2-3pm at USFSP
How to Influence Your Audience. Students will learn how to polish their presentation skills, and strategies for effectively pitching the business plan.
June 20 | 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.
June 27 | 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.
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 2018 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 April 16, 2018.
Now accepting applicants for Summer 2018.
