Top 10 things you should know about Zone Learning

Did you know that Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is home to a unique incubator network - and you can be part of it?

Whether you have an idea for a business, are looking to develop your entrepreneurial skills, or you’re a TMU student seeking job-ready experience, TMU’s Zone Learning can help bring your idea - and your future career - to the next level. 

“We’re best known for supporting great startups in the Zones, but there’s more to us than that. We’re helping students build the skills that employers are looking for when they graduate,” said John MacRitchie, assistant vice-president, Zone Learning & Strategic Initiatives.

So, if you’re feeling a little lost or still trying to identify your passion, Zone Learning can help you find what makes you come alive. And, if you’re already on your path, experience in Zone Learning can help you achieve your goals even faster.

Below, find out 10 ways Zone Learning can help you and your future career:

Find your passion

While many students may know the area they’d like to study, some aren’t sure what exact career path they’d like to pursue. Zone Learning can help students narrow this down - serving as a great testing ground for students to try new things and discover what excites them. 

Your new side hustle…or your career

Wondering how you can complete your degree and have a side hustle? Thanks to Zone Learning - it’s easy. Discover what makes you jump out of bed every day - then make it your career. Here’s how:

• Launch your startup: Whether you’re at the very beginning or already on your way, there’s an opportunity for you to grow your idea or startup through a zone experience. Zone Learning has startup advisors – current and former entrepreneurs – who know what it takes to build something of your own. They can help connect you with industry insiders, others working on similar projects, and zone programs that provide you with the structure and space to take your idea to the next level.
• No business skills required: A lot of students bring their capstones, MRPs, research, class projects or event graduate theses into a zone. Your passion and engagement are a must-have. Business skills are not.
• From research to impact: As part of Zone Learning, students can join  Lab2Market (external link)  - a nationwide program that helps brilliant minds in STEM graduate programs and postdoctoral programs reimagine their research.

Earn a minor - with major impact

By taking courses ZON100, ZON200 or DG8116, you can incorporate Zone Learning directly into your course load. How is that of benefit? Lots of reasons - check it out:

• Get course credit while pursuing your passion project with our elective courses
• Take elective courses with students from almost every faculty
• Earn a Minor in Innovation & Zone Learning to show the world that you’re a proven, innovative thinker
• Use what you’re doing in class or labs to get ideas for your project

Choose your zone (there’s 10+!) – and you don’t have to be in tech

Did you know there’s a top incubator network right here on campus, and students can be part of it through the zones? You can launch your startup in one of 10 different zones (plus a few more that are off-campus too).

And - you don’t need to be in tech to join. In fact, a wide range of Zone Learning startups include everything from social enterprises to companies focused on the health or biomedical science fields.

So, don’t be shy - if coding or app-building isn’t your thing - Zone Learning has a place for everyone. See which zone is the best fit for you.

Build your network

Who you know is as important as what you know. Here’s how Zone Learning helps you get connected:

• There are hundreds of events throughout the year where you can network with students, industry professionals and entrepreneurs. 
• Connect with those from outside your industry and students from across all faculties - creating the chance to share ideas and learnings with those you may not otherwise meet. You never know what inspiration may strike!
• Work alongside a community of innovators, dreamers and doers who are making the impossible possible.

Standout CV

Zone Learning can help close the gap between your next class and your first job. Gain resume-worthy skills like creative thinking and decision-making by participating in opportunities like Experience Ventures, skill-building workshops, and placements within zone companies.

One-on-one guidance

Let Zone Learning Navigators be your guide. They’re here to help you navigate the services and opportunities within the Zone Learning Network - so you can make the most of what’s offered. Don’t wait until graduation to figure out what you want to do. Get started today with Zone Learning!

Money matters - we’ve got your back

Launching an idea isn’t easy. Zone Learning has a variety of awards and funding opportunities to help you get your idea off the ground.

Mejuri, Inkbox, Knix… and you?

Did you know that brands like Mejuri (external link) , Inkbox (external link)  and Knix (external link)  were incubated in the Zones? Your startup could be next. Discover more of our Zone startups here. 

Proven success rate

TMU zone startups have created more than 4,000 jobs, incubated more than 4,700 startups, recruited more than 6,000 members, and received over $1.95B in investments.

No matter where your interests lie, there's space for you in Zone Learning. Start here to find the right place for you.
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Find out more about Zone Learning. 

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