UF’s Innovation Academy is helping students learn to network and build apps this week.
IA started its first iWeek on Monday with a kickoff event at the infirmary. Jeff Citty, the director of IA, said he wanted to hold the week to connect students with Gainesville professionals to learn about different job opportunities and possible internships.
About 15 organizations attended the kickoff event, including Study Edge and the UF Libraries, where students talked with each other and potential employers.
“(We want to help students find opportunities) to make connections, network and find permanent placement after graduation,” Citty said.
About 40 organizations will be involved throughout the week, including UF’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, the Gainesville Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Santa Fe College, Study Edge and the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Citty said he hopes to bring Gainesville’s technology community to campus. An app-building workshop will be held Friday to teach students how to make their own apps.
“We want to connect resources to the students so they can make an impact wherever they are interested,” Citty said.
Niamh Clancy, a UF biology sophomore, said she is excited to network during iWeek.
“I love having the chance to come together as an Innovation Academy cohort and do interactive, fun activities,” the 19-year-old said.
iWeek Events
•Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
“The Intrapreneur: Innovating from Within”
Career Resource Center Library
•Thursday at 6 p.m.
“Planning and Running a Small Business”
Stuzin Hall, Room 102
•Friday at 6 p.m.
“So You Want to Build an App”
Marston Science Library
