NAE Shadowing, Mentorship, and Internships
Young people connecting with leading CEO's
Learn from and connect with leading CEOs, and industry experts through NAE's incredible shadowing, mentorship, and intern programs, which provide real-life experiences and a pivotal foundation for any aspiring entrepreneur. Any student member preparing for a career in business may participate in any or all of these programs.
Program Mission
The goal of these programs is to make shadowing, mentorship, and Internship opportunities more accessible to undergraduates exploring careers in business. The application process for the program is very simple, and selection criteria focus on desire. Importantly, however, NAE strives to avoid the involvement of non-serious parties in these programs. Your submission of the one-page essay will determine your participation.
What is the Benefit of Program Participation?
After completing the application and essay requirements, you are approved to participate in your desired program. Following the initial program experience arranged on your behalf, you may apply for other experiences, either with the same CEO(s) or other members of NAE.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility criteria include a one-page essay describing why you want to be an entrepreneur, an explanation of the type of business you wish to experience, and a recognized University Membership, or explanation of why you wish to participate. Students must demonstrate significant interest in business and express a desire that reflects his/her entrepreneurial goals.
Shadowing Program
The shadowing program is designed to provide a real-life glimpse of what it takes to run your own business. NAE University Members have the opportunity to spend one to five days with one of our CEO/Primary Members. After your shadowing experience, you will be able to reach back to the CEO for advice, guidance, and information.
Mentor Program
The Mentor Program enables University Members/students to contact and connect with CEO/Primary Members who offer assistance in career exploration and planning. This is not a job referral program; rather, it’s designed to provide opportunities for NAE’s University Members to speak with professionals about career-related information such as:
-CEO duties and responsibilities
-Business advancement paths
-Real-life information and experiences
-Industry developments and opportunities
-Market strength and conditions
-Professional associations and groups
-Recommended advisors
-Business start-up advice
-Strategic planning
The Mentor's Role - NAE member mentors provide advice and information and serve as guides and idea generators. With sufficient time and contact, mentors can become a long-term personal resource for many program participants (though expecting more is inappropriate).
Internship Program
The primary purposes of NAE internships are to:
-Provide students an opportunity to work directly with a leading CEO, thus connecting the classroom and the business environment.
-Allow students to directly experience the business world and solidify their entrepreneurial goals.
-Test business ownership options.
-Develop entrepreneurial competencies and information.
-Discover students’ true desire to own a business.
-Plan and strategize for the future.
NAE internships can be paid or non-paid, credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing, and with a public or private company. Credit-bearing internships must be coordinated with your university internship department or coordinator.
If you are interested in exploring program opportunities at the National Association of Entrepreneurship, please complete the basic eligibility requirements.
For more information, please call 800-360-9250 ext. 650