Entrepreneurial internship
UD alumna to offer internship, job opportunities for current students
10:25 a.m., Oct. 10, 2012--Handmade arts and crafts are a hobby for many, but for Alyssa Kuchta, a 2012 University of Delaware graduate, a unique handmade line of jewelry was the key to landing her dream job. And now, Kuchta is sharing her dream through a partnership with UD’s Venture Development Center (VDC) to offer students the opportunity to earn a commission and college credit by becoming campus representatives for her company, FYB Designs LLC.
Kuchta and her team will pilot the campus representative program for eff.Y.Bee jewelry, one of two original lines of the company, with a launch party from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, at the VDC at 196 S. College Ave.
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The event will feature an open trunk show and free refreshments. Kuchta and her team will also be on Main Street from noon to 2 p.m. to answer questions about the program.
Kuchta began eff.Y.Bee in July 2011 as a hobby, but as her handmade jewelry and charity bracelet lines took off on campus, Kuchta made the decision to pursue her business full-time upon graduation.
After connecting with a UD alumnus, Kuchta was granted an investment that gave her the financial ability and advice to transform her concepts and make her business a reality. Now, the VDC wants to foster alumni and current student connections to make business ventures like Kuchta’s possible.
This fall marks the inauguration of the campus representative program at UD and the University of Rhode Island. By next spring, Kuchta and her team hope to successfully launch at five more schools, including Lafayette College and Rowan University.
Students who enlist in the program have the option of becoming either campus representatives or jewelry party hostesses for eff.Y.Bee.
“We’re applying the social selling model but targeting a younger age group than other companies with a similar format,” said Kuchta of the program. “We want to give high school and college students an entrepreneurial experience at a young age — starting a business off of our business. This opportunity allows students to earn a lot of life skills that will be necessary for their future careers while also being a paid part-time job.”
Campus representatives will have an entrepreneurial experience that equips them with the hands-on skills to learn how to run their own business. Participants will create their own hours, coordinate and plan events, and have the opportunity to network with a growing community of representatives across the country.
Students also have the option to become party hostesses, which would require them to organize get-togethers with 10 to 15 friends to showcase and sell eff.Y.bee jewelry and promote the brand via their personal social media accounts. This position earns both commission and company bonuses.
Both position types are open to any UD students, regardless of academic major.
“Our goal is to create a lifestyle brand that empowers and inspires young individuals to make a business for themselves and pursue what they’re passionate for,” said Kutcha.
According to Kuchta, the VDC plans to implement more internship opportunities for students to connect with alumni for support and advisement and better understand how they might turn their business ventures into full-time jobs upon graduation. Eventually, said Kuchta, they also hope to have the experience count for discovery learning credit.
“When you love what you do, you’re never working,” said Kuchta. “In launching our campus program I hope to share with our reps the incredible feeling of loving what you do and growing something of your own. There is truly nothing more rewarding.”
Article by Danielle C. DeVita