Stanford GSB, School of Engineering Confer 100th Online Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), together with the School of Engineering, earlier this month announced the award of the 100th online Stanford Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SI&E) Certificate, part of a unique partnership founded between the two schools in 2012. The honor went to Francisco Santolo of Dubai, a trade marketing manager for the Middle East and Africa.
Santolo, who earned an MBA from the Universidad del CEMA in 2012, already had some startup experience but wanted to expand his skills and renew his motivation in forming new businesses. The certificate program gave him the opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs and assist them on a pro bono basis. In the process, he was invited to return and co-teach a course at his business school alma mater.The program also was successful in reigniting Santolo’s entrepreneurial spirit. “It was amazing,” Santolo said in an article in the Stanford GSB newsroom. “In the process I became co-owner of a company, Les Croquants, and cofounded two others: deartota and Eneldo. They are now profitable businesses facing aggressive expansion, and while I continue my corporative career I am an active member of their boards.”
To complete the SI&E Certificate program, participants must take eight of 12 online courses, which they can fulfill at their own pace. As part of their coursework, students connect with others across the globe through discussion boards and social media. The program presents several advantages for participating students, including getting to acquire new skills while still on the job and observe worldwide trends through contact with online classmates. The program’s flexibility is also a good fit for students who already face a demanding work schedule.
Recent SI&E webinars have included Business Model Transformation and Innovation and Simple Rules for Thriving in a Complex World.
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
