Sample Engagement Kickoff Agenda

1. Introductions – 5 minutes
   1. How did you get here? Discuss your background, credentials, and areas of interest (professionally and non-professionally).
2. Overview of Company – 15 minutes
   1. Discuss the business model, industry, and product. Offer opportunities for Q&A at the end.
3. Overview of Team and Organizational Structure – 10 minutes
   1. What does each department do at the company? If relevant, show an org chart.
   2. What departments are involved with the project?
   3. What team members should the student be aware of and/or connected to? If possible, introduce them during the kickoff meeting or at least provide contact information.
4. Deep Dive on the Student Project – 20 minutes
   1. What are the goals for the engagement? Walk through the project charter, which will define the scope, timeline, milestones, and deliverables.
   2. How does this fit into the broader mission and structure of the company?
5. Next Steps – 10 minutes
   1. What paperwork is required, when is it due? Are there any questions?
   2. When will the next meeting be scheduled?
   3. How should everyone communicate? In what cadence?
   4. When are deliverables due? What information is needed that the students don’t yet have access to?

 

We also want to highlight some best practices when launching these types of projects:

1. Discuss the project structure and goals with all parties so everyone understands what to expect from this experience.
2. Choose a kickoff meeting date and provide the host companies with a basic schedule of what to expect throughout the term.
3. Set the expectations for communication including tone, cadence, channels, and frequency with all parties.
4. Host a kickoff meeting and set expectations regarding next steps and immediate deliverables.
5. Sign any necessary legal paperwork to solidify the relationship between the companies and students.

 

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