Who we are
8 years strong
Established in 2016, OWN Academy’s mission is to create equitable access to workforce readiness development for every young person without exception.
The employer-to-educator approach
By transforming industry professionals and brands into educators, OWN Academy equips young people with the professional core competencies employers value in the real world. We empower learners to find meaning and success in their careers, cultivating a generation of leaders creating innovative, interconnected solutions to drive positive impact.
Envisioning a better world
Our vision is to create a world where interconnected problems are met with human-centric solutions, and where every individual recognizes their vital role within this dynamic system. Leveraging the power of impactful learning experiences, we aspire to build a more equitable and collaborative society where educators and employers work together to help learners fulfill their true potential and create positive change.
Beyond academic learning
As we work with our stakeholders, we aspire to connect the dots and transform the world into one big classroom where everyone is a purposeful problem solver making a difference in their own unique way.
The OWNIT Framework
Using a framework highlighting five transferable skills relevant to any industry, these core competencies address key employer requirements identified by organizations such as the World Economic Forum and SHRM.
O
Openness & Growth Mindset
Embraces challenges, takes risks, and reframes mistakes as learning opportunities
W
Work Ethic & Commitment to Excellence
Goes above and beyond what is expected; pays careful and thorough attention to detail
N
Networking & Communication
Builds strong and enduring relationships, and can communicate with confidence
I
Innovation & Creativity
Practices lateral thinking to solve problems, and encourages new perspectives
T
Teamwork & Empathy
Works effectively with others; is adept at resolving conflict; sensitive to cultural nuances
The OWN Learning Experience Structure
Our programs regardless of length deliver all five signature elements for a comprehensive real-world experience.
Step into the world of different careers by understanding sectors and responsibilities, misconceptions vs. reality, and industry trends.
- Prospect/future trends of the industry
- Sector, roles and, titles
- Misconceptions vs. reality
- Day-to-day tasks
- Potential earnings
Identify the technical and soft skills essential to succeed in a specific industry and whether they align with your strengths.
- Essential hard skills (unique to the industry)
- Essential soft skills (transferable skills)
- Personality and characteristics best suited to industry
- Self-discovery
Effectively develop core competencies through hands-on activities, applying real-world learnings to accomplish project deliverables.
- Activities that relate to the hard skills
- Activities that relate to the soft skills
- Activities that form into a project with a deliverable (presentation, showcase etc.)
Learn how to chart future career paths, from choosing the right course and university to actively seeking internships and upskilling opportunities.
- Student to job pathway options
- Internships and mentorships options
- Colleges, classes, and courses to choose from
- Other upskilling opportunities
Solidify learnings and develop a roadmap for success through guided reflection and post-program support.
- Survey handout
- Takeaways sharing
- Summary and wrap up
Note from the Founder
I started OWN Academy in 2016 fueled by a simple truth: you can’t be who you don’t know. Traditional education often narrows the path, churning out students who fit a certain mold, but not necessarily ones who feel passionate and equipped to navigate the real world.
My own story mirrored this. I followed the expected route — engineering degree, corporate job — yet I still felt unfulfilled. So I embarked on a journey of exploration, trying over 10 jobs in diverse fields from film to education. It opened my eyes to the vast possibilities that lie beyond traditional career paths.
This is what sparked OWN Academy. Today’s students often face limited options, and we believe in breaking free from these constraints.
We connect students with industry experts, igniting curiosity and revealing diverse possibilities. Through real-world experiences, they find their spark and develop professional core competencies to pursue their dreams.
My ultimate dream? For every teenager in the world to have their OWN Academy, by transforming employers into educators who guide learners in exploring future pathways. Our goal is to influence education policy at a government level, so our approach can reach even more young people.
Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, company, or industry expert, we want you on board to make this dream a reality with us. Let’s build a world where every young person can explore, discover their purpose, and own their future.
Natalie Chan
Founder & Principal
Step into the world of different careers by understanding sectors and responsibilities, misconceptions vs. reality, and industry trends.
- Prospect/future trends of the industry
- Sector, roles and, titles
- Misconceptions vs. reality
- Day-to-day tasks
- Potential earnings
