A mentorship program for business owners and an international internship for students
We’ve noticed that the mainstream public education system is dated—standardized, oversimplified, and rooted in theory. It squanders creativity and curiosity while failing to cultivate an environment where students can learn how to think through and solve problems on their own. We can change that.
Partnering curious minds with experienced hands
Small Business Partnerships
We will pair international students with local business owners who mentor them for 2-3 hours a week over one semester. The students will grow intellectually by being exposed to a new dynamic in a new country, and the business owners will gain valuable insights and perspectives.
How will a business owner mentor their student?
Each week, the business owner will provide guidance, answer students’ questions, and give them past data to analyze. Students will get hands-on experience and the freedom to try new techniques or apply tested methods in a new environment with no downsides if their plan doesn’t work. Upon completing the program, they can add this internship experience to their resume and a real-world case management project to their professional portfolio.
A win-win for students and small business owners
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Hands-on Learning
Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by taking on assigned real-world objectives under the guidance of a business mentor. Students can approach these goals however they choose as long as they meet their objectives before the end of the semester.
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Growth Mindset
Students will better understand themselves by assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and business owners will learn new tactics and strategies to target key demographics with unique interests and behaviors.
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Intellectual Diversity
Mentors will be exposed to diverse thoughts, personalities, and cultures, while students will enjoy the freedom to try new things and test new ideas in an unfamiliar environment and dynamic, challenging them to grow professionally.
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Career Development
Students can lean on mentors to practice interviewing techniques in role-playing exercises, learn how to make a good first impression when applying for jobs, and get advice on ensuring their continued professional growth.
Why I started C.W. Education
After five years at university, I received a degree in International Public Relations with a minor in Entrepreneurship. I then worked for a Los Angeles-based consulting firm, doing everything from social media management to community impact interviews—even serving as PR liaison to a multi-billion dollar railroad project. I soon realized that the skills I had learned in school didn't help me much. For example, each college course I took required me to make PowerPoint presentations. But no hiring manager (or client) cares about my PPT ability, meaning I’d spent years practicing and perfecting a skill I don’t use professionally. Besides, most employers train new employees to understand the organization's unique way of doing things, including the tools they use. What employers (or clients, if you decide to start your own business) really look for is professional expertise and the ability to solve real-world problems and think critically. I founded C.W. Education to help students develop these in-demand skills and gain practical experience, so they have everything they need to succeed—no matter how or where they choose to work.
Enriching our communities together
- Gaining freedom via hands-on education and financial independence
- Leading the next generation in turning profit into purpose
- Channeling professional development into community empowerment
