Undergraduate Step Two:Three-Class Sequence
I learned what it was like to get in on the ground floor of a company before they even had sales, which made me realize the type of commitment and strategic vision that is necessary for even the possibility of success. I also realize how important the management and creative team are in making that vision tangible. - Grant Hughes BBA '03 |
After students matriculate through the First Fidelity IBC program, they begin to work on the launch of their second business venture. Students identify an opportunity and spend the next 18 months with team members researching the idea, developing a plan, and then launch a new venture. Concepts discussed and practised include: the introduction of entrepreneurship theory, opportunity identification, development of group and leadership skills, primary and secondary research skills, the development of feasibility studies and business plans, developing compelling and persuasive arguments via presentation and pitch skill, and preparing for the Governors Cup.
However, one key ingredient has been added. Just like the real world, the students will solve problems in teams that are comprised of business students, and a variety of other undergraduate major on campus. The student teams will be the same through the entire three semesters. This is possible because the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies offers a minor in entrepreneurship for non-business majors. Our philosophy is not to create separate classes,teachers or programs in each college. Our philosophy is to bring everyone together, to learn from each other and to solve problems as a team - just like the real world. This unique minor allows non-business students access to the senior level curriculum. This makes the minor far more appealing to other majors.
The dynamic classroom environment is supplemented with close collaboration with industry. Student teams will seek input from mentors on subjects related market potential, barriers to entry, prototypes, manufacturing and selling. External feedback has inspired the students to push each other and themselves. They want to win, to launch and to succeed. The three course sequence provides the perfect real-world environment.
The three course sequence is comprised of the following courses: opportunity and venture Creation, new product development and new venture development. Entrepreneurial finance is taken at the time of the three-class sequence.