Grow new career paths with MBA-level coursework and networking
This program offers hands-on experience in developing the skills for a career in industry or to create new business ventures.
The Business Development Fellowship program offers UC Davis graduate students, Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral researchers in all disciplines hands-on experience in developing the business and entrepreneurship skills needed for a career in industry or to create new business ventures. This program will help you:
- Learn business skills. No concrete research idea is required—come to learn.
- Prepare for a career in industry or define your research project early on.
- Gain an “edge” with business coursework and networking experience your peers won’t have during the job search.
You will:
- Study alongside MBA students.
- Gain a first-hand look at the entrepreneurial experience.
- Develop the commercial potential of your research.
- Explore career opportunities in industry.
Find out if this program is right for you: Attend one of our two free online information sessions to learn more and get answers to your questions.
Apply online by August 29 at 8 am.
My engineering background helps me to solve technical problems, but the knowledge I gained during the fellowship taught me to be a stronger leader who can establish and manage a business. I believe my experiences as a Business Development Fellow and my educational background have developed a synergy that gives me a better vision and insight into my profession.
Snapshot: Your Year as a Fellow
- Attend five Graduate School of Management courses taken alongside MBA students. Each course meets for three hours a week and includes group work.
- Spend 15–20 hours per week working on the program.
- Grow your entrepreneurial mindset at the UC Entrepreneurship Academy in September.
- Have the option to attend Big Bang! workshops and enter the business competition.
- Attend quarterly luncheons featuring a guest speaker and networking with our Keller Pathway Fellows.
- Plan to complete your academic program coursework before starting the fellowship program. This is a requirement due to the intensity of the fellowship experience
Program Requirements 2024/25
UC Entrepreneurship Academy | September 10-13, 2024; four days, all day with some evening events | UC Davis Conference Center | Register now
Think. Do. Discover. Speaker Series | Next speaker TBD
Quarterly Fellows Luncheons | Noon -1 p.m. | Guest speakers TBA | Gallagher Hall
Graduate School of Management Courses | Fall, winter, and spring quarters | Class schedule provided below
Lab Tours | Every fellow will schedule a date and time to give a tour of their lab and meet with Prof. Andrew Hargadon | Dates TBD
- How to Apply
Important Note: The Business Development Fellowship program is open only to UC Davis graduate students, Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral researchers.
Apply online by August 29 at 8 am.
Not sure whether the program is right for you? Attend one of our two free online information sessions to find out. Bring your specific questions and learn more about how this program can help you accelerate your career.
If you are accepted to the program, ask your advisor to email a letter in support indicating that this program will take priority should scheduling conflicts occur. Send the letter to aggieinnovators@ucdavis.edu. Please delay applying to the program if time constraints are a challenge.
Selection Criteria
• Due to the heavy workload of the Business Development Fellowship program, applicants must have completed their coursework for their master's or doctoral degree.
• Fellows must have the support of their advisor(s) to participate. See a Sample Letter of Support.
• Priority selection goes to applicants with a career goal to work in industry, launch a startup or commercialize their research.- Coursework
Business Development Fellows take five courses in technology management, innovation and entrepreneurship and participate in interdisciplinary practicums alongside MBA students and under the guidance of Graduate School of Management faculty, investors and entrepreneurs.
Fellows gain knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
- Dynamics of innovation and entrepreneurship
- Innovation strategies and work practices
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Evaluating technology/market opportunities
- Product, process and new venture design
- IP patenting and licensing strategies
- Writing and communicating business plans
- Building and managing interdisciplinary teams
- Modeling finance and investment strategies
- Rapid prototyping and testing strategies
Below is an example of the classes included in the program; actual courses are based on the Graduate School of Management's course schedule and availability.
Fall Quarter
MGT 251 | Management of Innovation
Students learn the processes of creativity and innovation and gain the means to craft interdependent innovation strategies, work practices and cultures for managing innovation in organizations.
MGT401A | Individual and Group Dynamics
Using readings, cases, exercises, and simulations, students learn frameworks to understand management and leadership in organizations. Course topics include leadership, change, group and team functioning, decision making, managing structure, and organizational culture.
Winter Quarter
MGT 246 | Negotiation in Organizations
Students develop the ability to effectively negotiate in a competitive business environment. Through a focus on negotiation skill-building in the areas of individual conflict management, team management, performance appraisal, corporate impression management and inter-organizational project management, students develop a personal style of negotiation by discovering what works best for them in different situations. This course will be taught largely through in-class simulations to provide an opportunity for experiential learning.
MGT 267 | Managing Teams and Projects
Organizations have increased their use of project teams to enhance effectiveness, increase creativity and productivity and increase effectiveness. In this course, students will learn the basics of project teams and project management, as well as the challenges and barriers that can hinder teams from high performance. Students learn the diamond model as a means of effective planning and team project risk assessment.
Spring Quarter
MGT 445 | Product Management
Through lectures, case studies, and a hands-on competitive simulation, students learn an overview of the requirements, issues, and tools involved in marketing products and services. Student teams compete in the management of multiple products in both mature and emerging product categories, and teams have full control over resource allocation decisions and the implementation of strategies for advertising, channel, sales force, R&D, and manufacturing.
- FAQs
- Who can participate in the Fellows program?
The Business Development Fellows program is open to UC Davis graduate students, Ph.D. candidates and postdocs in all disciplines.
We generally accept doctoral students post-coursework. Masters students are admitted conditionally, based on their course load.
How do you select participants?
Acceptance is based on your application, a letter of support from your advisor and your interview. We look for candidates who are motivated to learn outside the lab and the classroom and who want to develop new skills and methods of thinking about their research and learning.
Where does the program take place?
Courses are held in Gallagher Hall at the Graduate School of Management unless otherwise noted on the course syllabus.
How much does the program cost?
Through the support of the Graduate School of Management, accepted fellows attend the program at no cost. Fellows are responsible for supplying/paying for course books and materials.
What are the courses?
Fellows participate in five Graduate School of Management courses over the academic year. The course schedule changes year to year, but an overview includes:
• Management of Innovation
• Individual and Group Dynamics
• Negotiation in Organizations
• Managing Teams and Projects
• Product Management
When are the courses held?
There are generally two courses in fall, two in winter, and one in spring. Classes are three hours in duration, once a week, throughout the quarter.
What if I can only attend some of the classes?
We admit fellows based on their commitment to the program and expect all fellows to attend classes regularly.
Do I receive credit for the courses?
Graduate students receive a transcript for their courses. As graduate students, you are enrolled in each course and receive an official course grade.
Postdocs are not enrolled students at the university and so do not receive official course credit. Postdocs will be graded in their course but you do not receive an official university transcript.
Can I transfer credits from the program?
Enrolled students who receive an official transcript may be able to transfer course credit to an MBA program. Transfer credit is determined differently by each university, so you will need to have your transcript evaluated.
How much time does the fellows program require?
Anticipate spending 15–20 hours a week on the program, on top of your regular research / lab duties.
Two courses per quarter equals six hours of class time. On top of that, estimate 12–14 of homework, group work and projects.
What kind of letter of support do I need?
Because of the outside time commitment, we ask that your advisor write a letter indicating their support of your participation in the program. Your advisor should support your participation, as you will likely need flexibility with your research and lab time to participate in the program.
A Sample Letter of Support is available on our website.
What is the UC Entrepreneurship Academy? Am I required to attend?
The UC Entrepreneurship Academy is the premiere academic program for commercializing science and engineering innovations.
The academy is taught by investors, entrepreneurs, university faculty and industry experts who serve as mentors and guest speakers. You’ll gain the knowledge and network connections needed to move your research or idea out of the lab and into the world, where it can truly make a difference.
The academy takes place in the early fall. Business Development Fellows are required to attend the academy. There is no fee to attend.
What is the Big Bang! Competition? Am I required to participate?
The Big Bang! is the annual UC Davis business plan competition. We encourage all fellows to participate on a Big Bang! team. The work you do in the Graduate School of Management courses will often translate to your Big Bang! team. We recommend including an MBA student on your team.
Who are in the fellows courses?
The courses you take are part of the Graduate School of Management's MBA curriculum. You will be in a class with MBA students. In a class of 30, you can expect 21 will be MBA students and nine will be Business Development Fellows.
What is the benefit of taking courses with the MBA students?
Wonderful things happen when scientists and engineers, and graduate students/postdocs in the humanities and the social sciences come together with MBA students. Business Development Fellows discover new concepts, possible business ventures, and alternate ways of thinking about an idea.
What other events take place during the year?
In addition to the coursework, quarterly Fellows Lunches and the Big Bang!, we typically host five or six educational and networking events during the year. These are optional for you to attend. However, we recommend that you participate to enhance your experience as a Business Development Fellow.
How much are the course materials?
Costs depend on the course, but they are similar to any graduate school class.
How long has the program been going on?
We have offered the Business Development Program annually since 2004.
Is it possible to audit courses for an evening to get feel for what they are like?
With permission from the instructor, some courses may be audited for an evening.