In the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape of the South Bend-Elkhart region, enFocus interns play a crucial role in driving innovation and fostering growth. Meet Ray Martin, Seth Kirkpatrick, and Michelle Larbi, three talented individuals who have made enFocus a part of their professional journey. From exploratory projects like Trailhead Enterprises, to startups like Nosh and Connect574, our interns are getting hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ray Martin, an intern from Knoxville, Tennessee and attending Andrews University, is working with the startup Nosh as a part of her enFocus Research, Development, and Entrepreneurship (RDE) time. She feels that her both her pursuit of learning and proactive approach have been instrumental in advancing the entrepreneurial endeavors at enFocus. With a strong emphasis on fresh perspectives, Ray brings valuable insights to the table, benefiting both her colleagues and supervisors.
Ray shares that enFocus would be a good fit for future entrepreneurs because it offers flexible work time. Ray expresses, “enFocus offers a lot of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to simultaneously work on personal business efforts as well as maintain a full-time job. I think that the flexibility and general positivity of the working environment make an excellent atmosphere for ideas to grow.”
Intern Seth Kirkpatrick, a South Bend native who now attends Wabash College, shares that his view of entrepreneurship has radically changed since joining enFocus. He says, “as it turns out, the world runs on research, and if I ever pursued my own company, I would need to get as much information as possible to give myself the best shot at success.” Seth says that research is the new oil because of the amount of value it brings to organizations and companies. He is hoping to bring the value of data to his RDE project, Connect574.
Seth mentions “enFocus is doing what many other groups are doing, but they are succeeding particularly well in a lesser-researched part of the world.” Interns like Seth are striving to contribute to the entrepreneurial and economic success of South Bend by unearthing new resources and opportunities for future ventures.
Michelle Larbi, who is from Accra, Ghana (West Africa), and now lives in Berrien Springs, MI, where she attends school. At enFocus, she contributes her persistence to tackle goals one task at a time. Her work with the RDE project Trailhead Enterprises is providing her with hands-on experience creating solutions for a small business in Niles, Michigan. Michelle’s vision to help people and local organizations aligns with her value of putting humanity at the center of business
For those interested in pursuing a startup or entrepreneurial venture, Michelle highlights enFocus as an exceptional opportunity. Not only does she express the unique strengths of the enFocus innovative spirit, but she also shares that “enFocus has an extensive network of resourceful relationships that can not be replicated. Add that to a decade's worth of experience and you have the formula to equip both the entrepreneur and the business venture to establish itself.”
For all our Interns, their RDE work at enFocus is preparing them for their future career aspirations. During her internship, Ray hopes to explore the different possibilities for her professional future. For Seth who is considering a legal career, enFocus has provided him with the opportunities to understand and see the complexity of opening a business first hand. Michelle, who is hoping to get a Masters in Analytics and Global Policy, is excited for the relationships she is building and can’t wait to see herself apply her skills in a practical manner.
As our interns are halfway through their internship, they exemplify the transformative impact of enFocus in driving innovation and fostering growth within the South Bend-Elkhart entrepreneurial landscape. Their dedication, proactive approaches, and unique perspectives contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, while also benefiting the enFocus team. Furthermore, their experiences at enFocus are equipping them with valuable skills and insights that will shape their future careers. As enFocus continues to provide opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and build resourceful relationships, it remains a catalyst for the success of both individuals and business ventures, ensuring a brighter entrepreneurial future for the region.