As graduation approaches, many Brigham Young University students are preparing for the next challenge — finding a job. For those interested in getting a step ahead with their search, the Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology is sponsoring Utah Startup Marketplace 2013.
The 2013 USM will take place Monday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Garden Court of the Wilkinson Student Center. For a complete list of companies attending or for more information, visit usm.byu.edu.
USM is different than a typical job fair. The one-day event gives job seekers access to some of Utah’s newest companies. The startups are looking for interns and full-time employees who want to help build something from the ground up.
“When you work at a startup you’re on the front lines making decisions that create immediate results,” says Jeff Brown, director of the event.
In past years USM has featured successful startups, such as OrangeSoda, Doba and MokiNetworks. This year CoolHotNot, Infuse Medical and Mozenda, among others, will be scouting for talent.
“There are jobs in every area. If you’re a rock-star programmer, a designer or creative in any way, you could land a full-time job,” says Josh Nicholls, second-year MISM student from Seattle and student event director. “Being an entrepreneur is not about what you study in school; it’s about who you are and what drives you. That’s what startups are going to pick up on.”
But students don’t have to be budding entrepreneurs to attend. Josh Doying, an economics and public health senior from Darien, Conn., attended previous USM events and encourages students across campus to get involved with new ventures.
“If you like the startup environment, it’s a great way to get involved without having to come up with your own idea,” Doying says. “The benefit of working for a startup is you get a much broader range of professional experience.”
The Marriott School has nationally recognized programs in accounting, business management, public management, information systems and entrepreneurship. The school’s mission is to prepare men and women of faith, character and professional ability for positions of leadership throughout the world. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the Marriott School’s graduate and undergraduate programs.
Writer: Meredith Francom
