Posts

Meet VL's Director and Brand Ambassadors (2022-2023)

Samantha Steidle - Director of Venture Lab The Venture Lab's Director is Dr. Samantha Steidle. Dr. Steidle has a Bachelor of Accounting from Radford University (Class of 04'). Since 2010, she co-launched six different start-up spaces. Venture Lab is the seventh.  Steidle decided to join Radford's Davis College of Business and Economics in 2021 to support the Venture Lab's  post-COVID re-launch and the amazing business and social entrepreneurship students across campus. She is  now a professor of entrepreneurship in the Department of Management. As a Junior in college at Radford, she started her first business so it's quite fulfilling to support student entrepreneurs and innovations taking similar paths,  regardless of whether they intend to be entrepreneurs, employees, or a hybrid of both. Innovation is a powerful  tool for all career paths.  Bradley Persons - Lead Brand Ambassador Bradley is a senior Finance major who loves ska...

Campus Hub Blog

Image
  Campus Hub – Created by Student Entrepreneuer: Sahid Bangura Campus Hub is an all-in-one app for the students at Radford University. Campus hub is an app that is free to download and available on all IOS devices. The app was founded by a student here at Radford University named Sahid Bangura. He realized that there was a problem that NEEDED a solution. As an entrepreneur that sparked an idea into his head, and he could not just sit around while no one acted on it.                                                                                                    Mr. Bangura is a Major in computer science with a concentration in software engineering. On top of major he is also pursuing a minor in entrepreneurship. As Mr. Bangur...

How Business Majors Can Land a Job in Tech: Top 10 Tips from RBTC’s Taylor Spellman and Alla Daniel

Image
During a recent Fireside Chat at Radford University’s Venture Lab, RU alumna and Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) Taylor Spellman, along with RBTC Program Coordinator Alla Daniel, shared valuable advice for students eager to jumpstart their careers. Here are their top 10 tips for business majors looking to break into the tech industry: 1. Engage with Local Tech Organizations Organizations like RBTC act as a bridge between students and the tech industry. Getting involved with RBTC offers access to a network of over 200 member companies, 15,000 employees, and more than 50 annual events. Use these resources to connect with professionals and explore career paths. 2. Leverage Networking for Career Opportunities Networking is crucial in landing internships and jobs. Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences hosted by RBTC to meet potential employers. Conversations at these events can open doors to mentorship and job opportunities - including exploring ent...

10 Tips for Success at Radford's Fall Career Expo: A Guide for Business Majors

Image
Radford University's Fall Career Expo is just around the corner, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, September 18th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in KH340 . To help students make the most of this event, Radford’s Career and Talent Services recently hosted a session with industry professionals, offering invaluable advice on building a solid resume, networking effectively, and leveraging LinkedIn for career success. Here are the top 10 tips shared to help business majors enhance their career readiness and stand out to potential employers: 1. Build a Professional LinkedIn Profile Your LinkedIn profile is like a live, ever-evolving resume. Ensure it includes accurate information, professional photos, and detailed descriptions of your experiences. Showcase leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and initiatives to make your profile more appealing to potential employers. Including a brief biography can also give recruiters a quick overview of your interests and qualifications. 2. Keep Your R...

Steven C. Smith: Leading K-VA-T Food Stores and Food City with Vision and Integrity

Image
In the bustling world of retail, few names shine as brightly as Steven C. Smith, the President and CEO of K-VA-T Food Stores and its flagship chain, Food City. With a career spanning decades, Smith has not only navigated the industry's complexities but also pioneered innovative approaches, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to community and integrity. A Journey of Leadership and Innovation Steven C. Smith's journey to the summit of the retail industry is a testament to his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, Smith joined K-VA-T Food Stores in 1982, steadily climbing the ranks through sheer determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His ascent to the role of President and CEO in 2012 marked the beginning of a new era for the company. Under Smith's stewardship, K-VA-T Food Stores and Food City have thrived, embracing innovation to stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. Smith's strategic vision has prope...

Style and Substance: Navigating the Fashion Startup Landscape

Image
  🌟 Introducing "Life" 🌟 Step into a world where fashion meets passion, style intertwines with substance, and every thread tells a story of resilience and innovation. We are thrilled to unveil the newest sensation in the realm of apparel—"Life" – a brand born from the creative minds and boundless ambition of Radford University students Demarius Thornton and Kyuntya Ingram. Demarius Thornton is a Management and Marketing Major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, and Kyuntya Ingram is an allied health science major. They discussed starting a business while talking about “leaving their mark on this world and expressing themselves creatively.” They are both highly into fashion and wanted to create a clothing brand that represented their unique artistic vision.  What advice would they give to young aspiring entrepreneurs? Demarius states, “Be patient and do not force the process. Avoid letting trends become your brand's identity.”  “LIFE’s Mission Statement” ...

Radford University Celebrates National Entrepreneurship Week

Image
  ANNOUNCEMENT Radford University Celebrates National Entrepreneurship Week Radford, VA, February 10, 2024 Radford University is thrilled to announce National Entrepreneurship Week with a series of events designed to foster innovation and highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of its students. This Spring, 2024 initiative underscores Radford's commitment to cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. National Entrepreneurship Week Date and Time: Monday, February 12th – Friday, February 17th Location: Various Locations - Venture Lab & Online Details: Hosted by Radford University’s Venture Lab. Includes activities like a Speed Networking Social, Fireside Chat, Innovation Challenge Kickoff webinar, and a special social media campaign. Participation: Open to students, highlighting student entrepreneurship. Monday - Truist Innovation Challenge Kickoff Webinar Release  Date and Time: Monday, February 12th, 5 PM | Location: Recorded Online Details: Online event ...

JA Workshops at Radford University’s Venture Lab

Image
Junior Achievement Career Success Workshop  at Radford University’s Venture Lab Radford’s Venture Lab invites high school students in SWVA to future JA workshops RADFORD - High School students from Salem High School will participate in a Junior Achievement (JA) Career Success Workshop in partnership with Radford University's Davis College of Business and Economics. Venture Lab will host the first event on Tuesday, January 30th from 9:30am to 1:30pm. The program aims to complement high school standards of learning goals. At the event, students will rotate through 3 stations: Create your personal brand, Conflict resolution and being successful in the college and work environment, Managing your time efficiently    JA plans to conduct more Career Success workshops in the future and is inviting high schools across the region to participate. See below for the full Spring, 2024 JA/RU schedule.  For information about the workshop series and how high school students can par...