The aim of having GInI University Ambassadors – and therefore of the GInI University Ambassador Program – is to create a network of enthusiastic and dedicated individuals within universities who serve as liaisons between GInI and their respective academic communities.
GInI University Ambassadors play an important role in promoting business innovation and the GInI professional certifications (including and especially the CInA professional certification for university students) in their communities, as well as creating networking opportunities for the students and faculty there.
The following are the specific benefits of serving as a GInI University Ambassadors.
- Professional Development: University Ambassadors gain valuable experience in leadership, networking, and event coordination.
- Networking Opportunities: University Ambassadors connect with a global network of GInI professionals and leaders around the world.
- Exclusive Resources: University Ambassadors gain exclusive access to select GInI materials and insights.
The following are the specific responsibilities of GInI University Ambassadors.
- Promotion and Awareness
- Actively promote the GInI professional certifications, events, and resources in the university.
- Create and implement innovative strategies to raise awareness about GInI's mission and offerings.
- Networking
- Facilitate connections between students, faculty, and GInI representatives.
- Organize networking events, workshops, and/or webinars to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing in the community.
- Student Engagement
- Serve as a point of contact for students interested in GInI professional certification and innovationrelated activities.
- Share success stories and testimonials from certified professionals to inspire and motivate students.
- Event Coordination
- Assist in organizing GInI-related events – like information sessions, study groups, and innovation challenges – at your university.
- Feedback Collection
- Gather feedback from the students and faculty of your university on their experiences with the GInI certifications and resources.
- Provide valuable feedback to GInI on how best to tailor its offerings to the academic community.
The following are select incentives afforded to GInI University Ambassadors.
- Exclusive Training Opportunities
- Access to specialized training sessions conducted by seasoned innovation experts – including free access to the online GInI Unleashing Genius Program.
- Certificates of Completion for completing the Ambassador-specific training sessions.
- Certification Discounts
- A special discount on GInI professional certifications, further encouraging your personal and professional development.
- Special recognition when you attain GInI certification during your tenure as an Ambassadors.
- Leadership Recognition
- Being featured prominently on the GInI website with a dedicated ‘University Ambassador Spotlight’.
- Receiving a letter of appreciation and recognition from GInI's leadership for your commitment and contributions to GInI’s community.
- Networking Events
- Being invited to exclusive networking events with GInI Board Members, industry leaders, and fellow Ambassadors.
- The opportunity to attend GInI's global events, conferences, and webinars as a representative of your university.
- GInI Merchandise
- Receiving GInI-branded merchandise like hoodies, t-shirts, mugs, and notebooks to showcase your affiliation with GInI.
- Receiving customized Ambassador badges and lapel pins for a clear sense of pride and recognition as an University Ambassadors.
- Innovation Challenge Sponsorship
- The opportunity to channel funding and provide support for innovation challenges organized at and/or by your university, showcasing GInI's commitment to fostering innovation there.
- Receiving recognition as a key sponsor of university-led innovation initiatives at your university.
- Publications and Authorship Opportunities
- The opportunity to contribute articles or blog posts to GInI’s publications and newsletters.
- Recognition (when you do so) as a GInI University Ambassador Author – further boosting your professional profile.
- Collaborative Research Opportunities
- The opportunity to collaborate with GInI on research projects and/or case studies.
- Acknowledgment in GInI's publications for your contributions to applied innovation research.
- Career Development Support
- Priority access to GInI's career development resources – including its networking and mentorship opportunities.
- Commendations and endorsements by GInI to use in career opportunities pertaining to innovation.
- Scholarship Opportunities
- The opportunity to help coordinate a scholarship fund for Ambassadors and/or their nominated students wanting to pursue GInI certification.
- Special recognition of the university with the highest number of students being certified via scholarship.
- Ambassador Community Events
- The opportunity to host and/or attend virtual and in-person networking events exclusively for GInI University Ambassadors, to foster a deeper sense of community and collaboration in this network.
- The opportunity give and receive peer-to-peer recognition and awards for outstanding contributions within the GInI University Ambassador community.
The following is the Application, Assignment, and Onboarding Process for becoming a GInI University Ambassador.
- Qualify - To quality, you must be able to demonstrate that you possess two things:
- First is the leadership and communication skills required to function as an Ambassador.
- Second is a clear passion for innovation – especially applied innovation inside of businesses.
- Apply - You must complete the GInI University Ambassador Application Form and submit to GInI for review.
- Complete the Training - You must complete GInI’s online training session explaining GInI’s mission, professional certification and business accreditation programs, and how to operate as a GInI University Ambassador – including the most effective outreach and community-promotion strategies to leverage.
- Operate According to Your Term - Those accepted into the program will operate on an annual (academic year) basis, with the option being renewed in subsequent years based on their performance over the current academic year.