My Experience with Entrepreneurship


               While growing up both of my parents worked for mid/small businesses but never branched out on their own as did most of my friend’s parents, just like most baby boomers. My experience with Entrepreneurship actually stems from my peers, I have several of my college friends as well as high school friends that have started in corporate jobs (Doctors, lawyers, engineers, Therapists) in order to get experience and then have branched out on their own. My friends usually started off with saving money for their start up and then transitioning that way (if possible), there were certain cases where it was a direct conflict of interest and they “Cut the Cord.” They have used innovative ways to advertise for instance, my Therapist friend decided to set up a tent at a Yoga Festival and also began writing a column for a local magazine (for free). This put her name out there and she still gets referrals from them.
               I enrolled in this class because it was a requirement as a BSBA student, however I was very interested in learning material from this course. My first Bachelor’s degree was in Industrial Engineering and only touched on the financial aspects of starting a business (how to borrow money), but we never went through the entrepreneurship process. I have never thought of myself as having the “Entrepreneurship mindset” but I am focused on New Product Development. I believe this course will help in future business endeavors. 



Illustration by Monica Garwood

Comments

  1. Madylin McConnellJanuary 31, 2020 at 12:50 PM

    Hi Orlantha!
    I found your story to be very interesting. I too do not have much entrepreneurial experience. I did not consider writing about the experiences of my friends when I wrote my post. I agree that a good way to gain capital and exposure is by entering commercial jobs first, then branching off to your own business. I too am taking this class for my bachelor’s degree in business administration and also hope it will help in future business endeavors. Your post was very realistic and relatable.
    Best of Luck!

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  2. Shivani DaveJanuary 31, 2020 at 7:51 PM

    Hi Orlantha!

    My experience was similar to yours, in that my parents weren't really the entrepreneurial type, but I did learn some essential skills by observing my friends parents and relatives. I also found that when these people first set out as entrepreneurs, the most important thing they could do was put their name out there. Even if it meant combining two completely different disciplines, as you alluded to- yoga and writing a column for a magazine. Overall, I related a lot with your post and it was interesting to hear about your experience!

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