Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: NMSU’s Construction Side Hustle Course
By Alejandro Najera-Acosta
575-646-2025
a_najera@nmsu.edu
In an era where entrepreneurship is increasingly seen as a viable career path, New Mexico State University (NMSU) is taking significant strides to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the business world. A recent initiative, the Construction Side Hustle course, has emerged as a beacon of opportunity for students, particularly those in civil engineering and related fields. This five-week program is designed to help participants launch construction-focused businesses while balancing their academic commitments.
The Mike Hunt Construction Sprints
The Construction Side Hustle course is part of the Mike Hunt Construction Sprints, a specialized program under NMSU’s Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship. This center serves as a flagship initiative aimed at fostering regional entrepreneurship by empowering diverse communities. It equips students in the Borderplex region with the tools needed to bring innovative products and services to market, while also expanding access to early-stage investment.
Through the construction sprints, students gain practical experience in business development, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach not only enhances their learning experience but also prepares them for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Course Structure and Learning Outcomes
Led by the experienced co-owners of Lane Two, Jeff Mitchell and Laura Hart, the Construction Side Hustle course guides participants through essential aspects of business development. Over the five-week program, students engage in activities focused on business model development, customer discovery, and sales strategies tailored specifically to the construction industry.
Participants are encouraged to design and test minimum viable offers, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience in launching side ventures. This structured approach allows students to explore their entrepreneurial ideas while managing their academic responsibilities, making it a practical option for those hesitant to dive into full-scale business ventures.
A Low-Risk, High-Impact Strategy
Recognizing that the prospect of starting a full-scale business can be daunting, the course introduces side hustling as a low-risk, high-impact strategy. This approach empowers students to validate their business ideas without the pressure of abandoning their academic pursuits.
Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: “The students showed tremendous initiative and creativity. This course proved that with the right structure and support, civil engineering students can begin building real businesses today—not after graduation.”
Student Testimonials: Real Impact
The impact of the Construction Side Hustle course is evident through the experiences of its participants. Roshira Premadasa, a Ph.D. student in civil engineering, shared her enthusiasm: “The course was a game-changer for me. It offered a clear and comprehensive roadmap for turning my passion into a viable business. The materials were engaging, the instructors were knowledgeable, and the community support was invaluable. I gained the confidence and skills to take my side hustle to the next level, and I’m excited to see where it leads. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to start or grow a side hustle.”
Future Prospects and Expanding Access
The Construction Side Hustle course is part of a broader effort to integrate entrepreneurship more deeply into civil engineering education at NMSU. Future offerings of the Mike Hunt Construction Sprint are already in development, with plans to expand access across additional departments and student groups. This initiative aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among a diverse range of students.
Conclusion
The Construction Side Hustle course at NMSU represents a significant step forward in empowering students to explore entrepreneurship alongside their academic pursuits. By providing a structured, supportive environment, the program not only nurtures innovative ideas but also prepares the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive in the competitive landscape of the construction industry.
For more information about the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, contact Carlos Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or visit Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left to right, New Mexico State University students Roman Rodriguez, Rose Ghasemi, Grace Olagunju, and Hamza Badrari were among the participants in the Construction Side Hustle course hosted by NMSU’s Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship. (Courtesy photo)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Photo collage of four people.
