Many freshman may not know that the IDEA program was developed only four years ago, from the idea of a professor looking to challenge students and prepare them from the real world challenges they will face. Our campus celebrity is Professor Michael Roberto, the brains behind the IDEA program and man responsible for taking it from a sketch on a single sheet of paper to the unique learning experience that it is today!
HC: How did you initially come up with the concept for Bryant IDEA?
MR: As I talked with executives across the country, they described how challenging it was for large firms to innovate. They were all scared of becoming the Blockbuster to upstart Netflix. Many of those firms were experimenting with a new approach to innovation called design thinking. Silicon Valley – home of many of the most successful startups – was also employing design thinking to innovate. Therefore, I knew our students needed to understand this approach to creativity and innovation. Plus, executives kept telling me that they wanted to hire innovative problem-solvers in their companies. They also said that most traditional college education was not meeting their expectations. We were not teaching students how to become real doers. We were asking them to memorize, discuss, and analyze…but not to actually solve problems and take action.
HC: How did you develop it from there?
MR: I sketched out the basic idea on a single sheet of paper, and to his credit, President Machtley endorsed it almost immediately. Like me, he had heard from many companies that they wanted to hire students who were innovative problem-solvers, not just people who could memorize facts. Then, we put together an incredible team. They took that basic idea and ran with it. They turned it into a complete experience. We didn’t pilot the program here, but actually, I piloted many aspects of it at various companies where I deliver leadership development programs.
HC: How has IDEA changed since its first session four years ago?
MR: It has changed a great deal. We practice what we preach. We collect tons of feedback, and we engage in a comprehensive after-action review each year. Then we make changes. Plus, I never like to just do what I have done in the past. I always like trying new things. One thing I won’t do is dumb it down though. I know we are pushing students hard, but we are preparing them well for the workplace.
HC: What is the most impressive project you have seen come from IDEA?
MR: I hate to single one project out over the past four years. However, I would say that we have had multiple projects where the students have had the opportunity to present at the client organization. Some of these projects have had a real impact. That’s amazing to see for a project that only lasts three days.
HC: What do you hope for freshman to take away from the program?
MR: I hope that they see that building something great (a cause, a product, a company, etc.) does not come in one flash of brilliance. It takes hard work, and it takes many iterations. You have to be willing to experiment and adapt. I also hope they understand that education at Bryant is not just about memorizing a textbook. You have to go well beyond that type of learning if you want to be successful here and beyond.
HC: What is your favorite part of participating in the IDEA program?
MR: I love working with the student mentors. It’s incredible to see the impact that these juniors and seniors have on the first year students. I admire these students so much, and I am grateful to offer them an experience that helps them further develop as leaders.
HC: What do you see as the future of the IDEA program (where is it going)?
MR: We have begun to integrate design thinking into several other upper-level courses. However, much more work needs to be done. The opening of the Academic Innovation Center will coincide with much more emphasis on creativity and innovation here at Bryant. I can’t wait to see that building come alive, and along with it, the spirit of the IDEA program throughout the year.
HC: What is something you have learned from Bryant IDEA?
MR: I’ve learned to delegate and to trust my team. When it began, it was my baby, and I tried to do way too much myself. Thankfully, a great team formed. They are so talented. When they had the autonomy to run with different aspects of the program, it flourished. I’m privileged to work with such great people.