About VIP Practicum

VIP Practicum is for students interested in working with an early-stage venture, particularly as one of the first employees. Students may also be interested in joining an early-stage venture as a co-founder.

Students will have an opportunity to work side by side with student founders of early-stage ventures in the Venture Initiation Program (VIP), potentially playing multiple roles as part of a small team and gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes processes at an early-stage company.

Students commit to working on a project with a VIP company for one semester (approximately 10 weeks, negotiated individually with each founder/venture). Additionally, Fellows become members of the VIP Community (VIP-C) and have an opportunity to participate in workshops, coaching sessions, advising sessions, and community engagement activities. 

All positions are temporary and unpaid. At the end of the engagement, parties may choose to continue working together outside of the VIP Practicum or to conclude the relationship. Students may resubmit an application to work with another VIP company the following semester. VIP-Practicum is offered only in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently enrolled Penn students. International students are welcome to apply.

Next Steps

Applicants must review the startup project descriptions LISTED HERE before applying to the VIP Fellows program.

Questions? Please contact Miesha Agrippa (agrippa@wharton.upenn.edu), Program Coordinator, Venture Initiation Program. Include 'VIP-Practicum' in the subject line.