NC State University is known for its diverse range of disciplines, from engineering to art. Students in these varied fields are now looking to build entrepreneurial skills to excel in their careers. This is where Poole College’s newly redesigned business entrepreneurship minor comes into play. The minor is designed to prepare non-business students to make a significant impact in their careers by equipping them with essential skills such as creativity, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and more.
Jeff Pollack, a professor at Poole College and research director for NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial skills in today’s workforce. He mentions that the minor not only prepares students to start and run their own ventures but also equips them to work in startup teams, corporate settings, or government organizations with a mindset of innovation and creating opportunities.
The entrepreneurship minor at NC State has been revamped to include core principles and hands-on experiences that non-business students need to develop their enterprise or contribute to a startup. The enrollment in the minor represents a diverse range of majors, reflecting the value of entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines.
The redesigned minor includes new courses taught by Pollack, focusing on the process of entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and the financial basics of a small business venture. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiences and culminates in a capstone project related to each student’s major, providing practical application of skills learned throughout the program.
Outside the classroom, students in the entrepreneurship minor have access to opportunities such as a practicum class, a mentorship program, and the NC State Entrepreneurship Clinic. These experiences allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings, preparing them to make meaningful contributions in their future careers from day one.
The collaboration between NC State’s colleges and NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a key aspect of the updated minor. Stephen Markham, executive director of NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, highlights the multidisciplinary approach of the minor through reciprocity agreements with departments and colleges to count internal courses towards the minor.
Jennifer Capps, assistant vice provost of NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, emphasizes the broad applicability of entrepreneurial skills across diverse fields. Students in the minor gain valuable skills in identifying opportunities and communicating ideas effectively, which can set them apart in job interviews and open up new career pathways they may not have considered before.
Overall, the entrepreneurship minor at NC State University aims to cultivate a new generation of graduates who are well-equipped with entrepreneurial skills and real-world experience. By preparing students to identify needs and create solutions, the minor fosters environments where great ideas can flourish, making a positive impact both locally and globally.
