Camelback Ventures is currently seeking coaches, or as we call them, Entrepreneurial Engineers, for the 2017 Fellowship. Entrepreneurial Engineers provide weekly 1:1 venture development coaching to a select group of our 2017 cohort, helping our Fellows to grow both themselves and their venture. To learn more and apply, click here.

Before Camelback even had its name, our founder Aaron knew it was important to have a coaching element to the program he was creating. Professional coaches are more than just mentors; they are almost like work therapists, individuals who provide careful and thoughtful counseling in all things business. When building what is now the Fellowship, Aaron had an idea to change the title of “coach” to Entrepreneurial Engineer. Since we are currently on the lookout to hire for this position, we interviewed Aaron, past Entrepreneurial Engineers, and Fellows about what how this work has impacted them.

FROM THE FOUNDER

A SKILLFUL ORIGINATOR

“The word ‘coaching’ can sometimes sound directional, and I knew that I wanted something different from this work. This role needed to connote a different kind of work. ‘Engineer’ feels purposeful, skillful, mathematical. One dictionary defines engineers as “a skillful contriver or originator of something.” And that struck me. That sounded right. So engineers have this connotation of bringing that care to a craft, and that’s what I needed for this program. Someone who could help build not only a venture, but the entrepreneur themselves. So after experimenting with different phrases, I settled on Entrepreneurial Engineers.”

Aaron T. Walker, Founder & CEO, Camelback Ventures

FROM THE COACHES

I HAD TO BE A PART OF THIS

“I’ve been a part of the startup ecosystem for about three years as an investor and also as a start-up advisor. So many times, I’ve come across passionate entrepreneurs and saw that they were missing some type of coaching. So, when I found the opportunity to be part of an organization that was looking to push entrepreneurs, especially entrepreneurs that looked like me, that was something I had to be a part of.”

Earnest Sweat, 2016 Entrepreneurial Engineer

ONE OF THE MOST FULFILLING EXPERIENCES OF MY CAREER

“I think it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Because of the depth of engagement that we as Entrepreneurial Engineers have with the Fellows (we talk to them every week), I’ve found it to be so rewarding to be a support and a resource for Camelback’s Fellows. Over the course of the program, I’ve gotten to see how both the resources from the Fellowship and the thought partnership we have in our conversations has accelerated their thinking in key areas.”

Kerrien “K” Suarez, 2016 Entrepreneurial Engineer

EVERYONE IS HERE TO HELP EACH OTHER BE THEIR BEST

“I’ve loved it. I’ve loved building these relationships with my Fellows, my entrepreneurs, and seeing all their successes. It’s really affected me seeing how the Camelback accelerator works. I’ve been a part of and seen other incubators up close myself, and Camelback is very different from what else is out there. Camelback has been so supportive, and a family. Everyone is here to help each other be their best, and I love that about Camelback. It’s made me feel like there is hope for accelerators and incubators out there. I think this is the right model.”

Tess Brustein, 2016 Entrepreneurial Engineer

FROM THE FELLOWS

I WAS EXACTLY WHERE I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE

"At every juncture when I started to feel really insecure, or overwhelmed, there was someone at some point to say this is exactly how it is. Whether it were a fellow, or leaders within Camelback, or my coach, who has been phenomenal, there was someone there to help me understand that I was exactly where I was supposed to be."

Charla Austin-Harris, Founder of Learning by Design Charter School, 2016 Fellow

WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE

"I think the most significant impact for us has been the mentorship and guidance. Our coach, Tess, has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge. She’s helped us through some of the most challenging business decisions we’ve had to make in hiring, fundraising, sales…she’s introduced us to amazing schools and networks, and just overall has absolutely broadened our reach.”

Liz Nell, Co-Founder of The Graide Network with Blair Pircon, 2016 Fellow

HOW TO APPLY

To learn more and apply, click here. The process includes:

11/14/16 (ROUND 1): Resume and Google Form Deadline
11/22/16 (ROUND 2): Case Study Deadline
11/28 - 12/2/16 (ROUND 3): Video Interviews
12/5/16 - 12/9/16: Reference Checks
12/12/16 - 12/16/16: Final Notifications
12/23/16: Contract Deadline
2/8/16 - 2/10/16: Entrepreneurial Engineer Orientation (New Orleans)

Why You Should Become an Entrepreneurial Engineer