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Contents Undergraduate and Learning
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Students learn entrepreneurshipGo to college, earn a degree, and get a great job. That is the prevailing
thought among parents and students alike. But people do have another option
- start their own businesses. The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship exposes and educates people about that philosophy. The center's three primary areas of service are business development, which provides start-up assistance to clients; academic curriculum, which teaches classes with an entrepreneurial focus; and outreach, which provides education and training for students, faculty, business people, and entrepreneurs. Outreach activities include workshops, short courses, summer youth camps, and student internships. So far, 15 students of several disciplines have participated in the internship program with entrepreneurial businesses around Iowa. One former intern is Bradley Nickell, BSEE'97. He completed his internship at Innovative Lighting in Algona, Iowa. "There was always something new to do and learn. Every day provided a new and exciting challenge. I learned more about how a small business works than I ever imagined. The owner, Jerry Handsaker was very open and helpful in giving me a taste of how challenging and rewarding operating a small business is. This experience has helped me become a better engineer." "That's exactly what we hope students learn during these internships," said Judi Nielsen, assistant director for the center's outreach program. "You can't just be an engineer. You have to understand all aspects of a business and there's a whole lot of value in seeing how this process works." She said, "We ask company hosts to not just put a student in the corner. We want students involved in the business. This way, students can see first hand how much time and personal sacrifice an entrepreneur puts into his or her own business. And at the same time, they see how rewarding it can be. Students also learn that you don't become a millionaire overnight." |
