Ryerson University: A Center for Innovation
Over the years Ryerson University has been home to many different zones ranging from fashion, to the science. Zone learning is a new model created for students to gain experiential learning, allowing them to work on social issues, startups, companies, and real projects they wouldn't have been able to in a class setting. It’s goal is to allow the facilitation of networking, and the development of soft skills such as teamwork, organization, problem solving. Furthermore, it provides amazing access to mentorship, workshops and work spaces enhancing the student’s goals, all in one place.
Many careers are shifting to include creativity, innovation, and cultivating future entrepreneurs, something that is accomplished through zone learning’s goals.
I hadn’t realized the amount of zones at Ryerson before doing this module, apart from the Science Discovery Zone and Biomedical Zone. It’s so amazing knowing that our university has so many resources that students are missing out on! A list of zones available at Ryerson are listed below:
Zones at Ryerson:
- Clean Energy Zone
- Design Fabrication Zone
- DMZ
- Fashion Zone
- iBoost
- Legal Innovation Zone
- Science Discovery Zone
- Social Ventures Zone
- Startup School
- Transmedia Zone
- Zone Learning Analytics School
THE IMPORTANCE:
Many obstacles that future entrepreneurs and creative minds face are a lack of resources and mentorship. These obstacles can be brought about through a person’s social location, whether it be their financial position, marginalization in society (i.e. race, gender), access to education, or other situations that hinder a person’s growth. By having innovative centers that let creative minds design and accomplish dreams, this is an integral part to creating student’s success in our ever changing economy.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
By participating in zone learning you are not only enhancing your CV but also developing essential soft skills relevant to many careers. Many companies hiring will see that entrepreneurial activities are an advantage within candidates. By being a part of a team creating ideas, or starting your own business this depicts your willingness to take risks, creativity, and great problem solving skills.
Ryerson is playing such a big role in innovation, it was recognized globally for its outstanding research and innovation. “The DMZ at Ryerson University is ranked the number one university-based incubator in the world by external, UBI Global, tying with the U.K.’s SETsquared.”
It’s never too late to start being innovative. In every minds lies the potential of creating something that may start a cascade of ideas. Imagine if every single creator started off by limiting their potential and doubting their abilities. We wouldn’t have the countless start-ups that are changing our world for the better.
