WIN Student Engagment

The portfolio companies are not the only ones that reap the benefit of mentorship and learning. Each company selected to present to WIN is screened by a due diligence team made up of current NC State MBA and STEM graduate students. Led by Lisa Chang, Diligence Director these teams of 3-5 students then prepare due diligence reports for WIN members to review before making investment decisions. “Working with WIN provides a holistic view of all lessons and courses from the Jenkins MBA. This hands-on-experience, which can incorporate everything from viewing financial reports, researching technical features, and interviewing executives, has proven invaluable in my graduate studies and career as a whole,” shared due diligence analyst and MBA candidate, John Swann.

“This educational process has proven to be a valuable experience for graduate students to communicate with company management teams, review and organize complex information, and network with successful alumni members,” Phillips stated. “WIN member-investors are enthusiastic that the network provides hands-on educational opportunities for students and future alumni,” Phillips added.

Reflecting back on the experience gained as part of the due diligence team, Swann added “The exposure to WIN has challenged how I think, improved my writing and communication skills, and provided the opportunity to meet new and interesting people. WIN has been the perfect complement to the entrepreneurial focus I have chosen for the Jenkins MBA.”

Companies interested in securing funding or investors interested in becoming WIN members can learn more at research.ncsu.edu/ win/entrepreneurs/.