MEMBER BENEFITS
01
Office Hours
Support for Member Ventures & Participant
Office hours provided by the Shift Network offer coaching and mentoring to member ventures and participants. This support helps them navigate challenges, develop strategies, and make informed decisions.
Assistance for Faculty and Staff
The Shift Network also assists faculty and staff in the design and delivery of micro-credentials. Office hours provide an opportunity for collaboration and guidance in developing effective educational programs.
Coordination and Planning of Joint Initiatives
Office hours are used for coordination and planning of joint initiatives between member ventures, participants, and the Shift Retail Lab. (e.g. research, conferences, joint programs). This ensures effective collaboration and alignment of goals and objectives.
02
Micro-Credentials
As a member of the Shift Labs Network™, you have access to professional development opportunities for up to 3 participants from each member organization. Continuing education includes the following curriculum:
Design Thinking
Through this immersive workshop, participants will be introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping, and feedback.
Business Model Canvas
The Business Model Canvas is an organizational tool used by global business leaders to develop insights and engage in strategic planning. This micro-credential focuses on the essential elements, including customer segments, value propositions, and revenue streams.
Intro to Pitching
Elevate your communication skills. This micro-credential will help you position and strengthen your pitch skills to showcase who you are, what you do, and what you want your audience to do - whether that’s investors, customers, or team members.
Prototyping
Prototyping is a process in which design teams ideate, experiment with, and bring concepts to life.
03
Site Visits
Site visits to the VCU campus provide members with access to faculty, staff, and facilities. Additionally, VCU leaders visit member organizations to provide training and support at member sites.
04
Collaborative
Conference Submissions
Members of the Shift Labs Network™ are invited to collaborate on select conference and publication opportunities.
These opportunities provide a platform to showcase innovative projects, research, and insights related to retail, education, and healthcare.
- Collaborative conference submissions can help promote the work of the Shift Retail Lab and member organizations, while also fostering knowledge sharing and networking within the network.
- Increased visibility and recognition for the Shift Retail Lab and member organizations.
- Opportunities to share and learn from industry experts and thought leaders.
- Networking and collaboration with other members of the Shift Labs Network™.
- Stay informed about upcoming conferences and publication opportunities through regular communication from the Shift Labs Network™.
- Collaborate with other members of the network to develop conference submissions that highlight Shift Retail Lab and member organizations.
- Identify potential areas of collaboration and topics of interest.
- Reach out to the Shift Lab team to express your interest and discuss potential collaborations.
- Develop conference submissions in collaboration with other members of the Shift Labs Network™.
05
Shelf Space at
VCU Shift Retail Lab
Members will receive a dedicated installation space in the VCU Shift Retail Lab to display institutional ideas, innovations, and collect user feedback. Members are also invited to participate in Shelfie cohorts and are recognized in all Retail Lab promotional materials and outreach.
06
Shift Magazine
Members of Shift Labs have the opportunity to contribute to the Shift Magazine, our annual publication that showcases products, services, and ideas from the Shift Retail Lab. This is an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the network, increase visibility, and showcase member's offerings to a wider audience and potential customers.