Digital Innovation Centers powered by the Armstrong Institute of Interactive Media Studies
Since 2010, the Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies (AIMS) has been sending cohorts of students to San Francisco to engage in an incredibly unique and rewarding experience: the San Francisco Digital Innovation Center. In 2014, the Ohio Means Internships and Co-Ops Grant provided a grant to launch the Cincinnati Digital Innovation Center.
The Innovation Centers go far beyond a typical internship experience. Students intern at some of the most dynamic and fastest growing startups in the world four days a week. One day each week, they get behind-the-scenes tours and once in a lifetime one-on-one coaching from top executives from startups, accelerators and venture funding. Additionally, students attend networking opportunities and help support the thriving startup culture in the cities they are placed.
"My semester in San Francisco is an experience I will always remember. I learned so much more than in a typical classroom, spending my time first-hand in various startups. I gained real-world experiences while still having the support of Miami. I made so many new friends and connections, which eventually led to a job offer. "
"I made great friends, learned a massive amount about programming, and made a few noteworthy professional connections. I’m excited to now be able to work on all facets of game design at Miami. The focus on being a “self-starter” was never more evident to me than my working as a programmer for four months without any notable programming experience. I don’t think I would have been able to get this kind of experience anywhere else."
"Participating in the SFDI program was the best decision I have made in college. I made a lot of friends within the SFDI group, was challenged to learn quickly and ask questions, and to step outside my comfort zone. I will continue to exercise my problem solving skills and take the lessons I have learned from this program and apply them to my future career."
"Overall, this program is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am so proud of myself for taking initiative and making my dream a reality. The program has caused me to grow in many positive ways, both personally and professionally, and has expanded my understanding of the professional world. I truly feel that I will return from SF a different person than I was back in August, and I am very happy to be able to say that."
"The (San Francisco) program connects you to all the right people. It gives you a platform. You’re living in the city, working 4 days a week, and on the fifth day being exposed to some of Miami’s greatest alumni in the Bay Area: thought leaders, CEOs of big companies. The exposure gained before graduating from college was absolutely invaluable."
"This program will always as an experience I can always refer to. 
"We’re thrilled with all of the talent that comes out of Miami. It makes sense for us from a business perspective to have the most talented people come join our company, and oftentimes we find that’s Miami students."
"Our interns, Lauren and Claire, come to work every day with a passion and excitement that translates to results. Their skill set is frankly beyond what I've often experienced when hiring full time marketing associates. They hopped right into our business, driving value and results daily. Their Facebook ads yielded better conversion rates than that of a professional firm we use. We provide opportunities for them outside of their focus areas; they are always open to engage. We are very thankful to have them on our team. Your program is outstanding."
"It seems that Miami funnels us students that are already hardwired with certain foundational principles that we may not see in other students. Miami students come ready to learn, they are passionate about what they are doing, they honor that and who they are, to be a good person, to be honest, to work hard, and to be grateful, that’s why we chomp at the bit to grab Miami students."
"Our Miami University intern has kept me on my toes, more so than some of our teammates have. He finishes tasks very quickly, he’s always reaching back out: "What’s next? what do you need from me?" He's been an incredible asset to the company...This kid, he’s a genius."
"I have two of the most amazing interns from Miami University. Not only were they very proficient coming in to the atmosphere, they were also not hesitant to jump in. The students have been great in letting me allow them to flourish; if I gave them a project or goal, they are able to not only hit that goal but exceed in all expectations. Our team is truly fortunate to have our interns that we have, I don’t want to ever let them go!"
"Our Miami intern is really getting in there on the ground floor and making recommendations, which I take directly to the CEO and he sees them and gives feedback—in any other company an intern would not get that type of exposure. He is working really hard and doing great work for us; we couldn’t be happier to have him here!"
