Untitled

As I explore the realm of entrepreneurship, I've come to the realization that I tend to stick to conventional thinking rather than venturing beyond traditional boundaries. While this awareness may seem disheartening, it has taught me a valuable lesson—that remaining oblivious to one's current mindset hinders personal growth and results in self-imposed limitations due to negligence.

Our journey began with a broad education on entrepreneurial thinking, progressing to conducting spontaneous interviews with students at CMU. I've learned that fostering social connections is pivotal in this endeavor. When embarking on a business venture, it becomes crucial to engage in random interviews with specific target audiences. This approach significantly influences how one should strategize and plan for a new venture. Depending on your preferred areas, launching a business promptly becomes feasible.

Leading a group in a field that's new to all of us has been a source of anxiety for me. Fortunately, I wasn't working in isolation; I had the support of friends and groupmates who were willing to collaborate and assist in the development of our venture. For me, this experience highlighted the importance of seeking help from different offices and individuals, a practice essential for gaining a broader understanding of our chosen field, applicable not only in business but across various organizations.

During our final major activity, the presentation of our proposed venture business, I took on the responsibility of managing our group's communication and coordinating the different parts. This activity brought our group closer, but I felt a sense of disappointment in myself during the "REVENUE STREAMS" section of our Business Model Canvas (BMC) presentation. I realized I hadn't thoroughly researched the topic, highlighting a tendency to operate in isolation without seeking a deeper understanding, a habit that may transcend different situations. Despite over focus on preparation, this prevented us from reaching out to other groups for insights on the content of our presentation.

UPress is a proposed application designed to address the current needs of college students. The app aims to provide both book enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire desired books. UPress allows subscribers to sell their unused books and enables others to buy books that might be unavailable in the main store due to low stock. The proposed application focuses on selling second-hand books from current and former students within the university premises, catering to various book preferences, including educational and entertainment genres.

Feedback from interviewed students has been giving a largely positive outlook, with many expressing excitement about the unique opportunity. Students appreciate the chance to access needed books, even if they are not brand new. Some students who aren't avid readers still see the value of UPress, recognizing it as an additional resource for those without library access for research purposes.

While on the otherhand, some students inquire about the application's subscription cost, may it he free or not and if yes-they are more greateful on the app.

After the interviews, the overall response indicates a willingness to subscribe and support to the project. The general sentiment is that UPress serves as a helpful medium, fostering interaction and mutual support between buyers and sellers in the university community.

As for my learnings and takeaways from this experience, I can say that it is promising.

First, being able to address the needs of the various people from the society can enhance your capability to pursue what is needed to provide. Not basing in your wants but by what you see is needed to address.

The process of conducting random interviews with various student groups within the university has shed light on several critical issues, with two major concerns standing out prominently. Firstly, there is a significant problem concerning the reliability of internet signals, and secondly, the inadequate waste disposal system for garbage. While financial concerns, including college fees and other payments, were also voiced, our focus as interviewers was primarily on addressing the two aforementioned issues. Nevertheless, it became apparent that finding viable solutions for these challenges would be no easy task. One potential solution discussed was establishing partnerships with telecom companies in nearby areas to ensure that students consistently have access to strong internet signals.

What is Entrepreneurship?

          The course subject known as "Entrepreneurial Mind" is offered to students, imparting valuable lessons about the significance of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is defined as "the act of establishing and operating businesses, while assuming financial risks in the pursuit of profit." Conversely, entrepreneurs are individuals actively involved in this process. They are the ones who create products not just for personal gain but also for the benefit of society as a whole. They can be likened to the backbone of the economy. These individuals derive happiness and a sense of self-fulfillment from their endeavors and possess a strong determination to achieve their goals. They frequently seize any available opportunities and pursue them through various means.

What are the types of Entrepreneurships?

          Entrepreneurship can be classified into four main categories: small businesses, mainstream enterprises, growth-oriented ventures, and global operations. According to shopify.com (2022) A small business is characterized by its modest workforce, usually consisting of fewer than 500 employees, and its independent operation, separate from larger corporate entities. Typically, small businesses are privately owned and run by either a single proprietor or a small collective of owners. Mainstream enterprises are businesses that maintain a broad presence across various markets, serving a diverse range of clientele.

On the other hand, the latter two categories, growth and global entrepreneurship, are often referred to as "Technopreneurship." Technopreneurship is characterized by its reliance on science and technology, scalability, and significant economic impact. A prime example is Microsoft, which held the top position as the world's leading technology corporation in 2019. Microsoft is renowned for its cutting-edge innovations and its comprehensive presence in the technology industry, evident in our daily lives. It plays a pivotal role in digital devices such as laptops, computers, and smartphones, continually adapting to the latest technological advancements. However, in 2023, it was surpassed by Alphabet Inc., ranking as the second-largest technology company.

          It's worth noting that Microsoft and Alphabet are not the sole players in the global Technopreneurship arena. Many other science and technology-based companies significantly contribute to various aspects of people's lives. In the perspective of an average person, a vast urban area can only be deemed a "city" if it encompasses numerous establishments, not limited to shopping and dining but also incorporating advanced technologies with unique functions and purposes, constantly seeking progress and innovation.

Why is it necessary to provide training in entrepreneurship?

          The reason is that, in many cases, graduates may undergo a change of direction or career path. It is entirely possible for someone initially pursuing intrapreneurship to find success by immersing themselves in innovative ideas and practices within their chosen industry. Conversely, an individual might choose to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, where they explore new concepts and innovations and is prepared to take calculated risks.