Meet Jake Henningsen

Written by Tom Kelly

Jake has been involved with Tech Education since his graduation from Arizona State in 2011. Two of his earliest ways he got involved with tech education were teaching the Hour of Code and First Lego League curriculums at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. After leaving the Boys & Girls Clubs, he moved over to the University of Advancing Technology. From Admissions to Career Services, his 6 years at UAT have been all about developing tomorrow’s tech leaders. UAT has a curriculum built for an innovative start up mentality. Today, he helps young entrepreneurial students find internships, jobs and develop the skills to become tech leaders either at their own startups or in established companies.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the way walls sort of just break down when you tell people you’re looking for opportunities for students. At so many networking events, you’ll find a lot of people looking for things for themselves, but when I approach someone at Venture Cafe and tell them why I’m there, they’re always willing to help.

Have you had any memorable connections at Venture Café Phoenix?

Dr. Frank Liu from VR Clubs of America has been a great connection that I made at Venture Cafe. Dr. Liu and UAT students are currently collaborating on a project that will innovate the way students interact with Virtual Reality.

Tell us a little more about your current role with your organization and how it has impacted the start-up ecosystem here in the greater Phoenix region.

As the University of Advancing Technology’s Career Services coordinator, I help connect young innovators to professional mentors, especially in the Start-Up space. UAT students have made waves in Phoenix and across the country with their innovations.

Can you discuss your experience at Venture Café Phoenix and any impact the event has had on your organization?

Venture Cafe has helped UAT connect with all sorts of technologists from around Phoenix doing incredible things. From large and small organizations, Venture Cafe always offers great connections for UAT students to take advantage of.

Most Impactful Book?

It’s not directly start-up related, but Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime” is the story of him growing up in apartheid South Africa. His resilience and entrepreneurship has taken him from being evidence of a crime in his home country to performing for thousands in Europe, the US, and maybe most importantly back home.

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs and People Looking for their Passion

The most important thing is the growth mindset. Lifelong learners will always win, one way or another.

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